[SunGuy61]

Mike Tanzberger is a German Board Certified Master Mechanic whom I've personally utilized for my 107 and 129 and his work, by any measure, is excellent. Mike pays attention to the details, gets the diagnosis right the first time, repairs quickly and accurately the first time, charges the most competitive labor rates in the area, prices parts fairly, and most importantly, Mike is honest and trustworthy. If you want someone who cares about your car as much as you do, connect with Mike at 941-727-1363; I know you'll be pleased with the results.

Thanks to a loyal and growing customer base, Mike Tanzberger, owner of TanzTech, has opened a new shop facility about a mile from his former location. Same great services and pricing...newer and expanded facility.

The new address is:

6691 33rd Street East
Sarasota, FL 34243
Tel: 941-727-1363
email: [email protected]

UPDATE 1/5/2010 Greg Fura joins TanzTech.
Due to business growth and reputation, Mike has brought Greg on board at the shop. Greg is a Mercedes Master Technician with 25 years experience, trained by Mercedes in Germany, and does outstanding work at very competitive rates.
Greg can be reached at the number above for the shop or his cellphone, 941-284-5562.

Google Map to new shop
Click here: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...,-82.52007&spn=0.009657,0.013711&z=16&iwloc=A

 

[SunGuy61]

Sarasota, FL

Tom & Jerry's Body Shop
3920 Brown Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34231
(941) 362-0863

Ask for/see
John Plybon, Shop Manager
Jerry Sobiech, Owner

If you own an MB, BMW, Jag or any other fine car that you care about, these are the guys to see for major collision work or minor fender benders. They are the shop of choice for the local Dealers and owners that want accurate estimates, high quality work delivered on-time, and very fair pricing. They did a front end repair on my SL500 that when completed was like new and the repair site was undetectable as the paint match was that good!
This is a shop you can trust your car to-

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...7.30002,-82.532086&spn=0.008161,0.010471&z=16

Bob

__________________
Bob Jones
Bradenton, FL
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500 For Now

 

[SunGuy61]

FL, Sarasota: Trim Shop

All, I recently had my '87 560SL fitted with a new German Canvas top and want to let you know of a terrific MB interior, upholstery, and top resource in the Tampa Bay Area...International Auto Upholstery in Sarasota. This family (Chris and Gail Harvey) owned business does outstanding work at very reasonable prices. Why do I say outstanding...Chris sweats the details, gets it right the first time, and delivers on-time high quality results you'll be pleased with. Chris specializes in manual tops exclusively.

Contact them directly at (941) 366-4688 or email: [email protected]

Shop Location:
1965 17th Street
Sarasota, FL 34234

Bob Jones
'87 560SL-Sold
'99 SL500-For Keeps
Bradenton, FL

 

[SunGuy61]

Sarasota, Long Boat, Bradenton Upholsterer

Foreign American Conv Tops & Upholstery
6024 So Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34231
941-925-5906
Owner: Shane Hector

My SL500 needed a new top and I needed an expert installer
and I found both at Foreign American Upholstery in
Sarasota. The materials and workmanship of the installation
was excellent, the top material (German Canvas) was
flawless, and the cost for both the top and install was one
of the most aggressive in town.

In these kinds of complex
installations, the little things matter to a perfect job.
In addition to getting the top right, Shane steam cleaned
the top liner, and painted the black rain edge over the back
windows to match the top color (Java). You can trust Shane to
do an outstanding job, fairly priced, and completed on time
for all foreign and domestic, automatic or manual, tops.

 

[AlexLs1]

I couldn't agree more with the what you, Sunguy, said regarding TanzTech!

Before Greg joined the TanzTech team, I used to take my ML320 to Greg at a different establishment Greg worked for at the time. Greg being the great guy he is called me personally to tell me where he had relocated. My next service was due and I as I would usually I took it to Greg to perform the work. After meeting Mike, as breif as it was, you could immediately tell Greg and Mike shared the same passion regarding there profession.

Since my ML was a higher mileage car (200K+), it was due some major maintence. Mike being the guy he is, gave me a quote I couldn't refuse when comparing it to other establishments. Not only was the work done promptly and properly the car felt completely new!

I later sold that car only to buy another ML. As any other car I have, I'll only take it to TanzTech for Mike and Greg to work. It is extremely hard to find a shop that is made up of the traits already previously mentioned in the initial post of this thread. Like I said before I couldn't agree more!

I would only and highly recommend taking any Car to TanzTech if you live in this neck of the woods.

Keep up the good work, guys!

 

[2000 C280 Sport]

Hey thank you for this information. I have a house down in Venice area and its nice to know there are good shops around other then MB of Sarasota. Are you located in the 941 area?

 

[SunGuy61]

Windshield Replacement Pro's-Gulf Coast Glass Service

Living near the beach, sand everywhere is a problem, but especially when it gets trapped between the wiper and the windshield. Mine was beginning to look like a slot-race track from the etched glass, so bad, that replacement was the only viable option.

I chosed Gulf Coast Glass Service, in Bradenton, for a couple reasons...1 is my neighbor works there and I was familiar with his work, and 2, their reputation around Bradenton/Sarasota is excellent.

The job was done today, complete R&R in under 2 hours, and they did the work where I live so it was very convenient. Thanks also to a FL State based Insurance provision, this type of vision distorting issue is covered by my auto insurance and essentially was free...well, meaning no out-of-pocket $ to have the work done.

These guys are real pro's, do the job right, pay attention to the details, and very easy to work with. If you need auto glass, they're a great resource.

Gulf Coast Glass Service
1-800-New-Glass (639-4527)
Speak to Scott-

email for Auto Glass Inquiries:
[email protected]

 

[ggibbs1971]

German Cars of Sarasota

I have a very loyal customer of them since 1985. They have service my VW GTI, 2 BMW's and now my C230. I have never had a problem with them. Rex & Lee are a delight to work with.

You can reach them at (941) 955-1972 or at 2099 16th Street, Sarasota, FL. 34237

 

[Sarasota Benz]

I second German Cars of Sarasota. The shop has been around for like 30 years and they do not advertise. They get all their business through word of mouth and referrals.

I was very impressed with their service and pricing.

They only service Mercedes and BMW, so you know they won't be distracted by other brands.

 

[usafrank]

RALPHS TRANSMISSIONS

RALPH'S GARAGE 3973 SAWYER ROAD SARA,FL 34233 941-921-3559, TELL THEM FRANK WITH THE RED 40TH ANNV.SL500 SENT YOU. I wanted to let all know of a really good tranny shop here that fixed my car. I was told by my local indy. (who i may change) I needed a new tranny. 722.620 5 speed 96-98 sl500. to the point they diag the trouble fixed the car reset the computer and stand buy their work. steve will fix or rebuild your trany for a very good price. I was told anywere from 7K to 5K to fix my car. once i got the car to them 38 mile FLATBED tow, it was well worth it. 495.00 out the door with a warranty to boot. DONT LET someone steal your money.

 

[SunGuy61]

MB Service Providers and Tires

1. I've used German Cars as well, and they are quite good, but imo pricey. Not like a Dealer pricey though. Getting a quote from them as suggested is a good idea; try TanzTech (see my writeup above) for comparative purposes. You can't go wrong with either. BTW, if ceramic pads are available for your car, they are fantastic; great stopping power and NO DUST

2. I installed the Continental DW tires as well. Prior to purchase, I spoke with Continental's Customer Tech Center and they said DW, as opposed to DWS. However, my car's an SL500, the 'S' may be better for your car. The DW is 'sticky' and quiet(had them on for 7mos)

3. TireRack was about the only source for the Continental DW/DWS when I got mine. Install was done at Shepard's Tires in Bradenton. Whoever you choose, strongly suggest any shop that uses the Hunter RoadForce Balancer; it's a phenomenal machine and gets the balance right the first time. If you're going to get an alignment, I recommend Brian Jorgensen, 941-756-1276. He knows MB's (as well as Ferrari's and other high end cars) He is a better tech who's way less than the dealer, and will do the alignment while you wait (approx. 45min to an hour for 4-wheel)

 

[gaz in fla]

Tanz Tech

I first came across this site when I googled repair shops for Mercedes repairs in my area (Port Charlotte). I had been taking my cars (Mercedes and V.Ws to a very local repair shop that is usually quite busy and professes to specialize in German vehicles. I have found though, that while the owner is definitely very knowledgeable about German vehicles, his staff have been sadly lacking on more than one occasion. I absolutely love and adore my SL 500 and knew I needed to find a new shop.

After reading some reviews on this site, I decided to give Tanz Tech a go. Kata, who books the work in is extremely knowledgeable, and instilled a sense of confidence in me immediately when I was trying to explain everything that I needed to be done. Bit of a long drive for me as it turns out, bet well worth it! I tried to cram a lot of work into one visit because they are a little further away from me than I would like. My convertible roof used to refuse to convert. I had all of the hydraulic pumps of my roof replaced with rebuilt units. Works great now! Also new brakes, oil leaks from one of the heads taken care of, even some cosmetic stuff too, like that bit on the side of the seat that loses its color as it is constantly being rubbed and scraped as you get in the SL 500. Tanz Tech had their upholstery guy dye the leather and it looks absolutely perfect. I’m a school teacher and Tanz Tech were actually able to do all of this work on my budget. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommended! Thank you to all on here for suggesting them.
___________________________
Gaz
Port Charlotte

 

[victorylap]

I first came across this site when I googled repair shops for Mercedes repairs in my area (Port Charlotte). I had been taking my cars (Mercedes and V.Ws to a very local repair shop that is usually quite busy and professes to specialize in German vehicles. I have found though, that while the owner is definitely very knowledgeable about German vehicles, his staff have been sadly lacking on more than one occasion. I absolutely love and adore my SL 500 and knew I needed to find a new shop.

After reading some reviews on this site, I decided to give Tanz Tech a go. Kata, who books the work in is extremely knowledgeable, and instilled a sense of confidence in me immediately when I was trying to explain everything that I needed to be done. Bit of a long drive for me as it turns out, bet well worth it! I tried to cram a lot of work into one visit because they are a little further away from me than I would like. My convertible roof used to refuse to convert. I had all of the hydraulic pumps of my roof replaced with rebuilt units. Works great now! Also new brakes, oil leaks from one of the heads taken care of, even some cosmetic stuff too, like that bit on the side of the seat that loses its color as it is constantly being rubbed and scraped as you get in the SL 500. Tanz Tech had their upholstery guy dye the leather and it looks absolutely perfect. I’m a school teacher and Tanz Tech were actually able to do all of this work on my budget. Very reasonable prices. Highly recommended! Thank you to all on here for suggesting them.
___________________________
Gaz
Port Charlotte

Sounds like you had world class service! Good to know since i will drive out there. i miss the long boat key area and santa marie island.

 

[scopeusa]

My wife runs a 350SLK which although 2005 has just 17k on the clock. Last year it started going moldy when we went a way for a few weeks. Then the electronics started to play up. It turns out the floor was getting soaking wet and the depth of the insulation stopped us from spotting the water. The water was getting into the connector block located on the floor by the drivers seat. We took the car to Mercedes Benz of Sarasota and they replaced the wiring by chopping an old loom apart and soldering in the replacement connector using heat shrink on the joints. This cost over $1K or about $40 perwire. They then quoted for fixing the A/C which they said did not work to include a new compressor, condenser and then trace the water leak which must have been coming from the A/C because it did not leak when it rained. They wanted to replace the carpets which seemed a bit stupid as a wash down with bleach cleaned off and killed the mold on the under side the top being unmarked. The up shot was a quote for in excess of $5K. I took it to Tanztech. Mike checked out the A/C located the drain pipe on the drivers side of the car which was leaking a $6 value and charged $86. We thought it was a good idea to drive the car around for a week with no carpet just to ensure the problem was fixed. The A/C worked fine. I ended up having a full service, fuel filter which means gas tank out, transmission service, brake fluid change, brake check, filters, coolant flush and yes he uses genuine Mercedes parts and coolants etc. The bill about $1K but remember the tank out bit is a big time eater and the part from Merc is not exactly cheap! I have a S500 and I had him do the same to that about $700. The gas filter being an easy swap out. His shop is very clean and tidy and professional. Let’s face it the guy is honest, $6 for a piece of pipe when he could have charged me for hours of labor stripping out and chasing the problem. I was originally sent to another shop on Cortez Road down near to the beach. It was a breakers yard and filthy not a place that inspired confidence. That is not to say the guy cannot fix a problem but I walked away. I can absolutely recommend Mike at Tanztech you will get a good honest job without being ripped off. You cannot say that very often!

Address: 6691 33rd St E, Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: (941) 727-1363