labor costs?
 

What do you guys think is normal/fair for labor?

I brought my 1983 300 Turbo Diesel to a garage in Los Angeles. I was impressed by the size of the place, the friendly staff, as well as the 15 or so immaculate MBs there (which mine certainly is not). It almost looked like a museum.

After the bill, I calculated that labor was $75/hour. Is that alot? Or fair? I have to say that they seemed conscientious, but I'm curious if I happened to have been to an expensive garage or if that's what i should expect to pay.

Sorry for the tacky money question.

I do not live in So. Cal., but have read reports on the WEB indicating labor to be closer to $100 an hr. these days in the land of sun.

To me, $75 an hr. in your locale is not all that bad, especially if the work was well done.

my shop charges $110.00 an hour for MB cars and $150.00 and hour for porsche. i think you got off pretty easy, that is of course, if the work was done well and the problems were fixed right the first time.

That's a bargain for a good shop. Most everyone is around $100 here.

$75/hr.....it rarely get's less expensive than that.

I agree...that's more like an indie price!

It's $100/hr. at the dealership here!

Imagine paying $125 to replace a 75-cent plastic bushing...:eek:

I pay $60p/h for a Merc-trained indie here in PA.

Just think of how expensive it is to buy ANY real estate in So. California, let alone a shop. The overhead must be enormous! I'm surprised cars aren't regularly trucked out of state for repair!:eek:

labor costs
 

Thank you folks, for the info about the labor costs. Appreciate your fast input. It does make a difference and saves me time and potential anguish.