2001 SL 500 Repairs. Ripoff?
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Yeah, replacing the hood pad cost me $160 including the pad. Don't walk, run.
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Yes, agree with Ken. There are lots of things on here you could do yourself, or wait and do them a little at a time. But I wouldn't mess around with any kind of fuel leaks. Maybe call around, there's usually a MB specialty repair shop in every city/town. My $.02
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Also, you should start at the top of the engine (valve cover gaskets) ad see if you still have leaks. In my experience, four wheel alignments should be under $100
1998 SL500 - Ruby Pearl / Tan - 38k miles and 1998 SL500 Smoke Silver/Black 31k miles
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13 Posts
That is absolutely absurd. I replaced my leaking Trans Plug Connector for $30, including the 1/2 Qt of trans fluid needed and the new cap for the filler neck. Just had my indy MB mechanic replace the driver's side tie rod end for $150 including the part. This shop is trying to rob you!
If this is a dealership then yes it’s normal but you’re not supposed to go to the dealer. Total rip-offs. If you paid for the fuel pump work, they’ve definitely screwed you cause that money could’ve gone towards top hydraulics. Find an independent shop asap.
some of the work you can easily do yourself like the spark plugs and transmission service. Search the forum for detailed info
some of the work you can easily do yourself like the spark plugs and transmission service. Search the forum for detailed info
I've seen some pretty inflated R129 repair costs, but I think this one takes the cake!
Valve cover gaskets-$17 ea for OEM MB from FCP Euro. With a power rachet I can swap both sides in under an hr, that includes cleanup/prep time
Hood paid $92, spend $15 for adhesive and scrape it off
Resealing crankcase covers-that job should be done w/ the valve cover gaskets anyways, $22 for the special MB sealant.
And the rear main seal leak is probably oil leak from the valve covers and breathers.
Transmission fluid and filter kit should run less than $200 for parts if you want high quality fluid like REdline
Finally-16 Bosch platniums plugs are around $130 and one of those jobs you tackle while the valve covers are off.
$250 alignment!!! I can get one in the Bay Area for less than $100 from a specialty shop.
here's what I always say-R129 will bankrupt you if you have to pay someone to do the work. DIY and save thousands.
They don't call it the "stealer" for nothing!
Valve cover gaskets-$17 ea for OEM MB from FCP Euro. With a power rachet I can swap both sides in under an hr, that includes cleanup/prep time
Hood paid $92, spend $15 for adhesive and scrape it off
Resealing crankcase covers-that job should be done w/ the valve cover gaskets anyways, $22 for the special MB sealant.
And the rear main seal leak is probably oil leak from the valve covers and breathers.
Transmission fluid and filter kit should run less than $200 for parts if you want high quality fluid like REdline
Finally-16 Bosch platniums plugs are around $130 and one of those jobs you tackle while the valve covers are off.
$250 alignment!!! I can get one in the Bay Area for less than $100 from a specialty shop.
here's what I always say-R129 will bankrupt you if you have to pay someone to do the work. DIY and save thousands.
They don't call it the "stealer" for nothing!
*******2006 S430 4Matic******2016 Grand Cherokee Limited********
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374 Posts
UM WOW........THATS WAY WAY WAY too much...the service writer must have been clinching his ass cheeks when he presented this RO.......Eddie's High Performance Shop 646-325-3622...Eddie is the man
Damn- I had my transmission completely rebuilt (all clutch packs, etc... and even replacing rear main seal, flex discs replaced, other "while you were there" parts) for $1,800-ish (German Transmission in Phoenix; Adrian the owner is amazing). Paying $2,240 for JUST rear main seal?! 🤮
This was wild too; even with 2 per cylinder (16 total), it's going to be $10 at most per spark plug ($160). Not cheap either, but it's a joke how easy it is to replace them 🙂 (in my opinion!). For the $770 savings you can just take the air box off and just guess 😂
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1998 Red SL500, 2002 Black SL500, 2014 Black E550 Cabriolet
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1,392 Posts
Ah gesh Louise! Come on. Yous all know....
Shops look for anything to up sell. Name of the game. And pretty much know what is needed and can wait....
The bill exceeds the cars value it seems!
Shops look for anything to up sell. Name of the game. And pretty much know what is needed and can wait....
The bill exceeds the cars value it seems!
2004 SL600; 2004 SL500;1996 SL600;2003 ML350; 1997 C280 Sport; 1987 190e 2.3 16v; 1986 190e 2.3 16V;
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810 Posts
If you are even a bit mechanically inclined, all of those tasks are detailed in multiple u-tube videos. You can do this all yourself, and save enough money to a grand vacation. Or buy a second SL.
That’s what I thought.
Down here, my step-father had his front brake pads and rotors, rear brake pads, and a single sway bar replaced on his 2013 e-class cabrio. All for the reasonable sun of $2500. 🤦♂️
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