My 92' 400E needs the following;

- Engine Mounts
- Belt Tensioner
- Distributor Cap(s) and Rotor(s)

I have grown quite angry with untimely repairs from my local MB dealer. I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight to the above repairs. I know I can do the rotor and distributor cap, but the other two I am a little worried about. The dealer wants $600 just for the engine(motor) mounts and $400 for the belt tensioner. Can these repairs be completed by a novice? Or do you know of a more reasonable shop in the MD area?

All suggestions welcomed.

Brian

I bought a belt and tensioner at PartsShop and had a local dealer install them and the total cost (p&l) was about 500. The dealer quoted me 700 for the entire job. So 400 is a pretty good deal. I was observing the tech while he worked and the tensioner looked easy if you’ve done a few. Otherwise there are about a million things that can go wrong…I can’t speak to the motor mounts, but would guess that if you buy the parts at PartsShop and have someone install them you’d be a little ahead of strictly dealer costs….

Do the Caps & rotors yourself, they are indeed easy to change out. As to the tensioner, $400 sounds fine.

As to the motor mounts, I think I'd farm that out too, because if they're not done perfectly you could be inviting weird vibrations into your drivetrain.