So I took my '99 E430 into a Benz dealer due to a mysterious buzzing noise that I couldn't diagnose (my car sounds like a cessna). I also had them check the front passenger window since it won't retract all the way - about 1" sticks up above the sill. They also offered to let me know if they found anything else that needs to be addressed...

1) Well, they said the buzzing noise COULD BE the water pump going bad (they want $1,200 to RR water pump). Or...if the noise is still there afterward, then they'd need to replace the alternator next...Now that's what I call shotgun diagnostics!

2) They said my window regulator had been replaced at some point (no surprise) and that the job was poorly done, resulting in a bent regulator. They recommended complete replacement of the regulator assembly as well as most of the other internal door parts, saying they were all damaged by the previous repair.

But it gets better...

3) I had a slight pop in the right front suspension - they said I needed to replace BOTH front ball joints as well as BOTH lower control arms and ALL bushings.

4) Oh yeah, and my steering rack is apparently leaking bad enough that I need to replace that too - they said the part alone is $2,800. This in light of the fact that the car is parked in the same spot every day and has never so much as left a hint of any fluid whatsoever on the ground.

All told, they want over $8,000 - and that doesn't even guarantee the buzzing noise would be gone (which is why it was there in the first place). As politely as I could, which probably still came off as a tad hostile, I told them to button it back up without any repairs...

Since then I've:

1) Found and bought a pair of ball joints online for $30.
2) Diagnosed (I think) the buzzing noise as a failing fan clutch ($115 part and an afternoon's worth of work). Anyone with any insight here - it would be appreciated.
3) Found a rebuilt factory steering rack online for $380, though I didn't buy it because I see no need without any leaks.
4) Oh yeah - after they put the door panel back on, the window miraculously retracts all the way now.

I can appreciate a garage's need to make money, but god - this is ridiculous! Guess I need to find a good indie for any issues I can't handle down the road...

 

That's a crazy story - sounds like something they would tell my wife is she went to the shop along with the need for new tires cause the current ones are not designed for Texas air or something crazy like that.

 

Sounds like we go to the same dealer, haha!

Last Spring, my service advisor whispered that my harmonic balancer was cracking, and she could have it replaced for around $300, but that there was a recall in the works. Of course, I said I'd wait the few weeks for the notice. It never came, and she wouldn't do the work without the letter. I've been sweating about this ticking timebomb for over a year.
Last weekend, I was throwing out old magazines piled up on my nightstand, and lo and behold, there is the letter from MB...postmarked December 2005, and the envelope was even open so somebody in the house looked at it.

So I had it done on Friday, and of course the dealer wouldn't give me a loaner (I didn't buy the car at that place), so I said I'd wait for it. They told me 2 hours, so I brought my laptop with me to do some work. 50 minutes later, all finished. And they give me the invoice for $0.00
I am going to frame that invoice, as it may be the last I ever see before I die. I think there are more Honus Wagner baseball cards in existence than a MB service invoice that says 0 amout due.

 

dealers like to make there customers bend over.......it's hard to find someone who can fix the car without charging you for what you don;t need or over pricing

 

Woods,

Can you post an update to see if it's the fan clutch?

I saw references to fan clutches going bad - but that would be an intermittent whine only since the fan is not engaged all the time? I've had fan clutches fail on other vehicles without any noise - only overheating.

Let us know and I'll do the same.

I once had a shop tell me they needed to tear the dash out (8hours) to replace the climate control bulb.