Feedback on a Bay Area MB Shop
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 491
Likes: 1
From: Redding, California
AMG GTS
Feedback on a Bay Area MB Shop
Hello,
I'm looking into getting my transmission serviced soon while I have some free time on my hands. I remember being told about this one shop in Oakland a while back called "The Workshop MB." Does anyone on the forum here have previous experience with them, if so please do drop in with your feedback.
On their website they're offering $220+tax to:
drain the fluid and converter, replace tranny filter, replace tranny pan gasket, pop in a new transmission tube lock (the original lock where the dipstick for the tranny would go), and of course refill with MB Electronic Transmission ATF.
I would like to think $220+taxes is a good deal for this service, unless the folks in the Bay Area have another reputable recommendation.
Thanks.
I'm looking into getting my transmission serviced soon while I have some free time on my hands. I remember being told about this one shop in Oakland a while back called "The Workshop MB." Does anyone on the forum here have previous experience with them, if so please do drop in with your feedback.
On their website they're offering $220+tax to:
drain the fluid and converter, replace tranny filter, replace tranny pan gasket, pop in a new transmission tube lock (the original lock where the dipstick for the tranny would go), and of course refill with MB Electronic Transmission ATF.
I would like to think $220+taxes is a good deal for this service, unless the folks in the Bay Area have another reputable recommendation.
Thanks.
Last edited by c230K415; Jul 14, 2009 at 07:23 AM. Reason: .
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,544
Likes: 87
From: San Jose, CA
2010 c300
I know of an MB technician that does jobs on the side. He was recommended to me by a friend to replace my brakes but I did the work myself instead so I technically havent seen his work but he showed me a few MB certifications and also gave me a business card. He lives in south San Jose and works for Smythe. Again I havent seen his work but you can talk to him if you'd like. PM me if you want more info.
$220 is still not bad though. I had my tranny flushed at Fremont Fletcher Jones and it cost me $370.
$220 is still not bad though. I had my tranny flushed at Fremont Fletcher Jones and it cost me $370.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I would always be suspicious of anyone who offers something that
costs at LEAST 200 bucks just to do yourself CORRECTLY, for 220.
I would stand and watch them, check the pn of the fluid. make sure they flush the whole
thing, not just drop the pan and put in 4 quarts.
You can't drain the TC on our cars, so that means you have to flush it which
according to MB takes 14 quarts was it?
I know I used 12 and that was less than recommended. But it took that much till the fluid wasn't BLACK.
Assuming you get a good deal on the fluid and get it for 15 a quart, thats still
$180-$210 just for the fluid. Assume it will cost closer to $20 a quart. + the filter, gasket, and labor.
I just checked the website, don't see that. I see a $220 A service....not that great of a deal for what essentially constitutes an oil change and a quick glance over, something I can DIY for 50-75 bucks.
If they really CAN do a complete flush for that price, hell I'd drive to Oakland.
It's a messy unfun job,but essential to the longevity of the vehicle, and one you can't be sure is done properly unless you
a. DIY
or B. watch the shady mo fo's do it.
I paid for a flush once and got nada.
Gee they want $800 for a front brake job (C32 Brakes) pads ($100), rotors ($200), sensor ($5).
I did that for $300 in parts and 1 hour of labor.
I know a guy near Santa Cruz, who for certain would do it right.
It's gonna cost about 250 in parts and an hour or so in labor, which comes to 350-400.
But it would be done right.
costs at LEAST 200 bucks just to do yourself CORRECTLY, for 220.
I would stand and watch them, check the pn of the fluid. make sure they flush the whole
thing, not just drop the pan and put in 4 quarts.
You can't drain the TC on our cars, so that means you have to flush it which
according to MB takes 14 quarts was it?
I know I used 12 and that was less than recommended. But it took that much till the fluid wasn't BLACK.
Assuming you get a good deal on the fluid and get it for 15 a quart, thats still
$180-$210 just for the fluid. Assume it will cost closer to $20 a quart. + the filter, gasket, and labor.
I just checked the website, don't see that. I see a $220 A service....not that great of a deal for what essentially constitutes an oil change and a quick glance over, something I can DIY for 50-75 bucks.
If they really CAN do a complete flush for that price, hell I'd drive to Oakland.
It's a messy unfun job,but essential to the longevity of the vehicle, and one you can't be sure is done properly unless you
a. DIY
or B. watch the shady mo fo's do it.
I paid for a flush once and got nada.
Gee they want $800 for a front brake job (C32 Brakes) pads ($100), rotors ($200), sensor ($5).
I did that for $300 in parts and 1 hour of labor.
I know a guy near Santa Cruz, who for certain would do it right.
It's gonna cost about 250 in parts and an hour or so in labor, which comes to 350-400.
But it would be done right.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Jul 14, 2009 at 03:10 PM.
