Hi folks,
Just dropped some bucks on a 97 S600 coupe.
Authorized dealer buyer check found the following problems:
control arm bushings needed replacement
headlamp washers out
oil sender not working properly
evaporator leaking
front crank seal leaking
no spare tire
suggestion to replace thermostat
aftermarket muffler sounds growly

I live in Orlando and need to find a good MB mechanic that can do some of this, whatever absolutely necessary, as I am cash poor at the moment!
Any idea on cost of repairs typical, and what kind of repair history is out there to be aware of?
All is stock.
Thanks much,
JH

becasue those items will cost you some big $$$ especially the A/C.

Control arm bushings needed replacement: $475
Headlamp washers out: each pump is $150 and DIY
Oil sender not working properly: part is cheap but must jack up the engine to replace it!
Evaporator leaking: BIG $$$$; $3500
Front crank seal leaking: Lots of labor time.
Replace thermostat: cheapie & DIY
Muffler: Could be expensive esp if new cat is needed!

Being 'CASH POOR' and owning an S600 are mutally exclusive!

Good Luck!

__________________
Regards . . . . JimF
-------------------
'94 S500 Cpe

Visit my Mercedes Web Page

Just wondering...... you bought the car and THEN had it checked out?

I'm seconding that. The repair list on your car could get close to $7-8K by the time you replace that front seal and the evaporator. Stuff adds up fast, like buying an alloy wheel and tire for the spare. Just that will probably be $500.

Some concerns I have:

The spare is missing? Why?

The car was sold due to the evaporator leaking, most likely.

Do you have service records? The V-12 is really tough, but if it does need a repair, it's pricey.

Aftermarket muffler? This soon? The most common reason for premature muffler failure is that the car has seen only very short trips where the system doesn't get hot. Condensation forms in the muffler, and causes premature rusting. This type of operating is terrible for the whole car, especially the engine and transmission.

This is NOT a car for someone who is cash poor to buy. Buy a six cylinder E-Class...

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I have the same V12 engine in my 96 SL600. The minute a mechanic sees you, they know you have money to burn. You bought the most expensive Mercedes, be prepared to bleed. Most mechanics aren't knowledgeable in fixing this engine. If I were you, I would go to the dealer or a shop that does high end european such as ferraris, porsches and mercedes. Also being a C140 chasis, repairs are going to be expensive. Ask the dealer to do "goodwill" for you. Say the evaporator shouldnt break on a 130k car. I think the dealer will be the best place to fix the evaporator because if they break anything theyll be forced to pay for it plus they have the manual for the correct procedure.
Your thermostat can be fixed by any mechanic. Get a coolant flush too unless you have records that it doesnt need to be done. The muffler was replaced for what reason? play or necessity? If the muffler was replaced for necesity then unless the root cause of the problem wasnt fixed then it will be a recurrent issue.


By the way how much did you pay for your car. Can you return it? If you could, search for a 99 cl500 w/o ADS it would be the best. No evap problems, probably still under warranty and m119 is a very popular engine that is easier to fix than the v12. ADS is a big pain in the ass. The shocks alone are like a 1000 a peice. I am glad I'm not in your situation.

Better news:
Thanks for the posts everyone.
The oil leak at the pan was actually a power steering hose leaking from above (so much for an accurate $200 examination by the dealer's service department)
The oil sending unit p/l is only $160.
Upper control bushings are another $400.
Will leave evaporator alone. I have a 94 XJ12 with the same problem and they sprayed gook in it to hold for awhile.
Got Firestone to do a synthetic oil change, radiator flush, balance and alignment for $250.
So, things look good today.
I hate sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for something else to go, so like the Jag 12 I will just enjoy the beast as long as possible.
I have put my other cars on the block for sale to be able to afford my recent sin. Any takers?
300E, '90 Perfect condition, garaged always. 93K. White with blue int.
XJS, '95 Perfect condition six cylinder convert. 66K Ice blue with tan
XJ12, '94 Perfect 12 Van den Plas finish, 84K (evap. problem) mist green with tan interior.
420E, '97 Absolutely boss condition, flawless, 65K Dark blue/ blue
Would like to get black book Clean+ for each. Warranty
Will even part with my '98 740IL, white with tan, 30K!! Absolutely mint: $48,000.
Thanks all.

Oh well...
NEVER send an MB to an authorized mechanic without getting a line item cost on parts and labor. I had an estimate of only $700 or so for items called out in dealer buyer's check. Mechanic charged just over $2,000 when finished.
sheeesh.

How much for the 300E ? I am very interested....
Thanks

__________________
Brandon



2008 S550
1957 Dodge D100
1967 VW Microbus 21 Window
2001 Suburban
2004 Beach cruiser bicycle
-----------------GO DUKE!-----------------

"It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here." Patrick Henry 1776

Royaiii.....what do you mean telling a dealer an evap core should last more that 130K miles......I am sure that one will get a laugh from both the dealer and the MB zone rep if you ask for goodwill at that mileage...my car is on its 3rd evap.....and the last one was put in at 98K miles!!!
Those are notorious in the 140 chasis for leaking


Warren
1992 300SD 140K
Columbus Ohio