How much should I pay for this labor?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 41
Likes: 1
CLK350
How much should I pay for this labor?
Hi I was wondering how much I should pay for this amount of labor so I don't get screwed.. I've already purchased the parts and fluids btw so all I need is labor.. my CLK350 has 115,000 miles
-Lower controls arms front replacement
-serpantine belt
-trasmission fluid service (I bought the kit on FCP euro
-Shocks and struts for the front and rear
-Power steering fluid flushed out and replaced
I've been quoted anywhere from 1000 dollars to 1500 for the labor but I'm pretty sure that's way too much money for things that are this simple
Hope to hear your expert input!
-Lower controls arms front replacement
-serpantine belt
-trasmission fluid service (I bought the kit on FCP euro
-Shocks and struts for the front and rear
-Power steering fluid flushed out and replaced
I've been quoted anywhere from 1000 dollars to 1500 for the labor but I'm pretty sure that's way too much money for things that are this simple
Hope to hear your expert input!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 204
From: Sarasota, Florida
2023 E450 Cabriolet, 2019 F150 Platinum, 2014 Dodge Challenger R/T
Well.... if ya don't want to or dont have the tools/skills then ya pay for someone for the time and experience to not screw it up 
$1k for a pro is reasonable... remember they typically make money on the parts and you not letting them do that...
That guy who charges %500 unless they are a friend then they may have experience on your model and have a learning curve at your expense...
Frankly I would have to charge a little more for my labor if you bring the parts...
It is a business after all...
best guess at $100 hr for labor...
lower control arms - 200 ------ may run into other issues when they get it apart...
belt - 50 ----------------------------- maybe more if the tensioner is frozen and you have to replace...
tranny service 150
struts 600 -------------------------- again, may have to source some bits and pieces when they get it apart....
ps fluid 100
$1k for a pro is reasonable... remember they typically make money on the parts and you not letting them do that...
That guy who charges %500 unless they are a friend then they may have experience on your model and have a learning curve at your expense...
Frankly I would have to charge a little more for my labor if you bring the parts...
It is a business after all...
best guess at $100 hr for labor...
lower control arms - 200 ------ may run into other issues when they get it apart...
belt - 50 ----------------------------- maybe more if the tensioner is frozen and you have to replace...
tranny service 150
struts 600 -------------------------- again, may have to source some bits and pieces when they get it apart....
ps fluid 100
Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 77
Likes: 2
From: SW Florida
2008 CLK 350
Hi I was wondering how much I should pay for this amount of labor so I don't get screwed.. I've already purchased the parts and fluids btw so all I need is labor.. my CLK350 has 115,000 miles
-Lower controls arms front replacement
-serpantine belt
-trasmission fluid service (I bought the kit on FCP euro
-Shocks and struts for the front and rear
-Power steering fluid flushed out and replaced
I've been quoted anywhere from 1000 dollars to 1500 for the labor but I'm pretty sure that's way too much money for things that are this simple
Hope to hear your expert input!
-Lower controls arms front replacement
-serpantine belt
-trasmission fluid service (I bought the kit on FCP euro
-Shocks and struts for the front and rear
-Power steering fluid flushed out and replaced
I've been quoted anywhere from 1000 dollars to 1500 for the labor but I'm pretty sure that's way too much money for things that are this simple
Hope to hear your expert input!
Just my $.02
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 6
From: Central Florida
2006 CLK 350 Cab
In my opinion and experience $1000 - $1500 is not unreasonable for your list. If they are qualified mechanics and warranty their work. This would take a day in the shop and require special equipment. Try the dealer . . . that would be closer to $2000.
