Cigarsmoke23

Hi! I own a 1997 c280 with 110k miles. All four of my shocks are leaking and I am looking to replace them. 2 questions.

1. How much can I expect to pay on labor to get and front and rear shocks replaced? i will supply parts. I was quoted $510 for a local shop in sf. Does that sound reasonable?
2. Do u have any good websites to purchase shocks? Is partsgeek.com legit?

Really appreciate anyone's help! I am a car newb.

jc1kz

shocks are a DIY on a scale of around 3-5 if you have a garage do them (or pay the neighbor kid to help you or do them for you, it's cheaper than the $510.00 quoted on labor....) also look at rockauto.com for parts, they are are kinda less expensive.....just my two cents....

Cigarsmoke23

Thanks for the guidance...unfortunately, i don't have the resources to do this myself.

Can you anyone else provide any feedback on my first questions above? Thanks!

ptcruiser

Find a backyard mechanic. $510.00 is ridiculous, and JC is right, it's a DIY, and so simple.
$25.00 per shock is even a bit high in my opinion. I am sure there are a lot of backyard types that would be happy to do it for $100.00.

PelicanParts.com

The average professional shop that is any good will charge from $300.00 - $2,000.00 USD.

Many shops refuse to install parts supplied by the customer.

whunter@pelicanparts.com

.

Cigarsmoke23

Thank you all for your feedback and guidance on the topic. Super helpful.

ptcruiser

I will say it again......Backyard mechanic.
Go on Youtube, and there are several videos showing what it entails, and if you can honestly say it's a $300.00/ $510.00 to $2000.00 to install, there is something really wrong out there.
I just replaced 2 front shocks and 2 new coil springs (I supplies the parts) and my bill was under $200.00 for labor. I actually used a shop, not a backyard mechanic.

jc1kz

I personaly have used Midas here in TX for repairs on my toyota Avalon, and they allow me to bring my own parts they only charged for the install and it came out to $29.95 per wheel plus tax....So shop around and find a shop who will allow you to bring your own parts or who doesn't charge a lot for what is an easy install job......there is alot of mark-up on parts if the shop orders them to install as opposed to you ordering them from rockauto.com/partsgeek.com etc etc, and just having the shop install.....

mbsickness

There is an old school shop that mainly deals with older Mercedes and BMW's near ATT Park in San Francisco. I just had my fuel pump replaced there and in the shop I saw some interesting project cars (BMW's with M motor swaps). It is called Silver Star Auto Service....might be worth giving them a call.