Subframe mount bushings gone- Need Labor Estimate?

[appatula]

Hello all,

I have been experincing the notorious W124 floaty rear end. My 1986 300E will nose up when I nail the throttle and to stay straight I have to steer in the opposite direction to correct the counter steer. I researched this and bought a new set of Bilstein HD's and all new main suspension links for the rear (4 for each side). I went to change them out today and saw that the subframe mounts are allowing about 1 inch of free movement (thats why the rear end would clank!!)

I live on the Penn State campus and highly doubt this would be something I could do in the parking lot. I bought the subframe bushings and was wondering what labor would be to replace everything meaning the subframe bushings, 4 rear suspension links and the rear shocks. How many hours estimated? and what are some current indy rates?

Thanks guys, I want to drive home to Connecticut for thanksgiving without feeling like Im being pushed side to side by hurricane force winds on the highway.

[appatula]

Anyone? I've got this posted over at benzworld forums and three days has gotten me nothing? I know Mercedes mechanics crawl these forums!

Guys, seriously, any suggestions or advice?

[johnlo]

my father and i changed mine on my 560sel in about 45minutes. a mechanic should be done in a jiffy. we were laying on the ground and did it that quick.

[appatula]

Whoa! I thought they need to be pressed out and pressed in? Maybe there is something dif with the W124 chassis?

I called up a local foreign auto repair place by the name of Wolfe's Foreign Auto Inc. and the fella I talked to gave me a rough estimate of no less than $450 and most likely nothing over $600 for labor, no parts. Does this seem like a reasonable price to replace the rear shocks, rear subframe mounts, and rear suspension links?

[Pete Geither]

Fair and reasonable ? If they are a good shop, with a good reputation, are courteous, seem to know what they are talking about, and run a clean, orderly facility,,, probably. They probably quoted what they need to do the job, make a profit, and stay in business. If they will stand behind their work, and you can afford it, go for it. Fair and reasonable might not be the same for someone working in their yard or garage, versus someone who has $1 million dollars invested in their operation, plus overhead. Just my 2 cents.

[appatula]

allrighty, I'll schedule an appointment for Monday. I am by no means someone who has a million dollars invested in anything and if I did a 1986 300E wouldn't be my first pick . The only thing I have invested in is a Electrical Engineering degree at Penn State, then maybe from there I'll able to invest some spinach in private equity if anything. I'll let you know how she rides when all is said and done.

[Cigar Havana]

I just had my sub-frame mounts done on my 1989 420 SEL. It cost me 6.5 hours labour.

The parts were about C$650. This includes all new bolts. The most expensive parts were 2 small rubber and metal bushings at $114 each.

[Pete Geither]

Originally Posted by appatula

allrighty, I'll schedule an appointment for Monday. I am by no means someone who has a million dollars invested in anything and if I did a 1986 300E wouldn't be my first pick . The only thing I have invested in is a Electrical Engineering degree at Penn State, then maybe from there I'll able to invest some spinach in private equity if anything. I'll let you know how she rides when all is said and done.

Hang in there kid. Some day you will look back on this and laugh. Our one son is a chemical engineer, and he went through the same things. You WILL survive. My best. Pete
P.S. If you were closer, I would work with you on a weekend and do it ourselves. N/C

[appatula]

Pete, thanks for your kind and understanding words. You give me the impression that you have once "been here and done that" so I know assume survivors exist haha. I also greatly respect your generosity, the personal offer of help is not something you get everyday. I will continue to out stride the grind as best as I can, as they say "when it rains it pours". On the bright side maybe my mom will be as understanding and offer me a early Christmas present we shall see! BTW I'm located at the Beaver campus in Beaver County.

Regards,
Ben Chapnick


P.S. I have researched this shop and currently they have all certified mechanics (ASE I believe) and they are triple A approved, this means I can finally use my triple A card! As there really is not a point of having it with a W124