Park Place Mercedes Dealership

[MarkPavelka]

Dealership Experience

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I just wanted to get some feedback about my recent encounter with Park Place Mercedes in Bedford, Texas.

I took my 1986 420 SEL to them to replace the rear main seal due to it was leaking. I asked them to please change the transmission front seal since they had it dropped.

I got the car back and the next day noticed a lot of transmission fluid on the floor - NEVER LEAKED BEFORE!!

I took it back and they fixed it....now three months later I had a worse OIL leak than when I originally took it in. So they said it would cost me $64 to check and see what was leaking and if it was indeed the rear main seal again that would be covered under warranty.

So while they had it they told me about valve cover leaks and another plug on the side of engine above the oil pan that was also leaking - about $300 to fix!!! I said no. So late yesterday (02/23/2005) afternoon they had still not completed the car - found out they replaced the rear main seal again!! Said the car would be ready today!! I got a call and said when they started the engine they heard a noise and immediately turned it off - sounded like the timing chain slipped....said they would have to pull the valve cover to check. They did and found the guide had broken and they bent ? valves...I am to be given an estimate tomorrow.

Now, if this is all true would I have noticed something previously and seems strange to happen when the engine has been running sound - only 104000 miles with oil changes ever 3000 miles (I know it is not required). I would appreciate any feedback on this type of event and experiences with dealerships in this type of matter.....thanks for listening!!! If they forgot to put the engine oil back in could that prevent any tensors from tightening the cain?

Mark

[samiam4]

I have no idea on service quality-

But they are indeed pricy. They wanted $75 to reset my radio....


On Mercedes V8's you need to check timingchains and the valve covers should be pulled maybe every 50-60k minimum and replace the plastic oil tube retainers, check the camshaft lobes and rocker arms.

If they caught it with a broken guide- there should be NO valve damage would be my guess. How are they going to determine damage before removing the head(????)> that would be an important question.

Broken chain=bent valves, not broken chain rail

I would make sure they replace all accessible guide rails, they get brittle with age. One of them is known to break and create havoc. Even the new one should be shortened.. do some searches I'm sure somebody has written it up before.

Transmission rear seal is ussually not what leaks, but the o-ring seal around the front pump.


Michael

[MarkPavelka]

The service advisor just said there was some looseness in one of the valves on the left side...I agree if they shut it down immediately seems worse case would have been some backfiring - not bent valves!!!

I will post results tomorrow - I may visit and see for myself!!!

[edboyles]

Mark
While all of this is bad, there could be a silver lining here. If indeed the timing chain jumped on its on, at least it was in a low threshold state. Also, the dealer "might" cut some slack if they feel bad about the circumstances.

If they don't, then you need to find a new service place.......don't be bashful about negotiating.......
Eric

[MarkPavelka]

Eric,

Thanks for the feedback - you are right - I plan to work with them but the scary part is the unknown and prices they may assemble upfront.

I will use your advice and discuss with and negotiate with them to ensure a fair price is achieved.

I will post all result hopefully tomorrow!!

Thanks again, Eric!!!

Mark

[Hatterasguy]

100k is about right for a M116 to need a chain.