Suspension wear...typical?
09-22-2016, 09:21 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Suspension wear...typical?
My beloved '09 E350 4Matic (w/93K miles) was recently into the dealer for an oil/filter change. During their inspection, they noted that both the left and right side outer tie rod ends had "play". They recommended replacement plus a 4 wheel laser alignment for a total of nearly a $1000...yikes!
Geez. While I realize that our German luxury cars are expensive to maintain, that estimate seems excessive. Tie rod ends are not exotic parts and replacement should take only about 30 minutes per side. Comments?
1. At $300+ apiece, tie rod ends should not be priced like Unicorn semen.
2. Why would replacing both Outer tie rod ends require a 4wheel alignment?
I will appreciate learning about others' opinions on this subject.
Thanks in advance.
relinuca
Geez. While I realize that our German luxury cars are expensive to maintain, that estimate seems excessive. Tie rod ends are not exotic parts and replacement should take only about 30 minutes per side. Comments?
1. At $300+ apiece, tie rod ends should not be priced like Unicorn semen.
2. Why would replacing both Outer tie rod ends require a 4wheel alignment?
I will appreciate learning about others' opinions on this subject.
Thanks in advance.
relinuca
09-22-2016, 12:30 PM
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,069
Received 1,730 Likes
on
1,380 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
Get 2nd opinion.
Dealer will always come with very high prices.
I paid about $150 for 4M alignment at CA dealer.
Dealer will always come with very high prices.
I paid about $150 for 4M alignment at CA dealer.
09-22-2016, 05:44 PM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
type part numbers in google.
take to indy with alignment shop and get repairs done.
you need alignment because you are dabbling with the steering geometry....
only perk to repairs at dealership is 12month unlimited mile warranty.... and a rental car!
take to indy with alignment shop and get repairs done.
you need alignment because you are dabbling with the steering geometry....
only perk to repairs at dealership is 12month unlimited mile warranty.... and a rental car!
09-22-2016, 07:14 PM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,069
Received 1,730 Likes
on
1,380 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
09-23-2016, 12:42 AM
#6
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 6,087
Received 1,470 Likes
on
1,150 Posts
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
09-23-2016, 12:50 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: V E G A S
Posts: 9,069
Received 1,730 Likes
on
1,380 Posts
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I guess that also depends how many employees join the party.
My closest dealer is Walnut Creek.
I bought new car from them 18 year ago and at the time they had high-tech cappuccino machine for no charge.
Spending some time there I noticed more employees than customers using it.
So couple years later the machine was equipped with coin slot
Have seen donuts there only once, put in customer waiting area, where employees had no business.
Than 30 miles farther, MB of Fairfield still has all kind of drinks + power bars and other snacks just laying around.
My closest dealer is Walnut Creek.
I bought new car from them 18 year ago and at the time they had high-tech cappuccino machine for no charge.
Spending some time there I noticed more employees than customers using it.
So couple years later the machine was equipped with coin slot
Have seen donuts there only once, put in customer waiting area, where employees had no business.
Than 30 miles farther, MB of Fairfield still has all kind of drinks + power bars and other snacks just laying around.
Trending Topics
09-23-2016, 01:34 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MA
Posts: 6,087
Received 1,470 Likes
on
1,150 Posts
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Yeah, the first few times I went there it was just free. The last time they handed me a card to use at the counter. I guess the employees were probably using it too much. They still had tons of coolers with all kinds of soda, teas, juices etc, probably 4-5 in a row like you'd see in a convenience store and all those were free in additional to the minor snacks.
