Front & Rear Shocks $1,200, deal? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

bsmuwk · #1 02-11-2010, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by higher planes

A local benz repair shop quoted me $1,200 to replace the front and rear shocks (w/Mcpherson) includes labor.

Just curious as to whether that quote is fair?

The vehicle is a 1992 190E 2.6

Thanks

What do you mean, "with McPherson"? Early MB's don't have McPherson strut assemblies.
Front struts from the dealership run about $450 a set. Rear shocks run about $340 a set. $790 in parts, $410 in labor. I don't know about fair. You'd be saving a boat load of money doing it yourself.
What you could do, is buy a set of Bilstein comforts front and rear and you'll be spending about $450 in parts and then the rest on labor. The comforts by Bilstein are essentially the same exact thing you'd be buying at the MB dealership, only cheaper.

higher planes · #2 02-11-2010, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bsmuwk

What do you mean, "with McPherson"? Early MB's don't have McPherson strut assemblies.
Front struts from the dealership run about $450 a set. Rear shocks run about $340 a set. $790 in parts, $410 in labor. I don't know about fair. You'd be saving a boat load of money doing it yourself.
What you could do, is buy a set of Bilstein comforts front and rear and you'll be spending about $450 in parts and then the rest on labor. The comforts by Bilstein are essentially the same exact thing you'd be buying at the MB dealership, only cheaper.

bsmuwk- I called the shop and said I need front and rear shocks. The guy said he didn't have Bilstein in stock and McPherson is essentially the same thing. I don't know man, that's just what I was told. Personally, I'd rather do it myself but I lack the experience.

If this is a DIY job that a newbie can tackle, and if special tools aren't required, do you know where I can find instructions on removing the old parts and installing the new?

samiam44 · #3 02-11-2010, 05:11 PM

I would insist on Bilstein or if you want to save $$ Sachs-Boge. Don't except KYB, Monroe etc.

Your car has struts on the front. Mcpherson generally refers to where the coil spring is over the strut. You don't have that.

The rears are just shocks- With a floor jack, and minor tools you can replace the rears easily. Fronts take a bit more care. Front and Rear you need to be careful as MB springs are strong and can easily kill you if they get loose.

The factory Bilstein's rarely fail (so I'm told)- you might get away with just replacing the rear shocks.

If you do the fronts, you should replace the upper strut mounts which are weak design with Meyle HD's. Replacing the struts (fronts) will effect alignment of the car....

Bilstein's it seems like Shoex.com has really good prices or there is a reputable ebay seller with them also. I would except something else as being equivlent... especially with the dollar amount of replacement.