Hello
Regarding my wife's 1999 E320 Wagon, 140K miles, 4Matic, s/n WDBJH82F8XX026892:
We brought the car to our local mechanic for an intermittant transmission problem (I'll make a separate post of that. It is being looked at by a good transmission person tomorrow).
Our mechanic told us someone else needs to look at the transmission but our tie rods are worn, and worn enough that the steering rack has to be replaced as well. Along with some other items (broken rear spring, and I can't recall what else), he gave us a quote for $2700
. He told us to diagnose the transmission before doing anything else because we may not want to stay with this car if the repair cost is too high. Makes sense.
I'm also thinking of doing the repair myself (I used to drag race a 1965 GTO, did all engine work) or having a guy who works at a german car dealer by day and at home on weekends do it. I'm leaning towards paying the guy.
Anyway, I have a general question regarding the rebuilt aftermarket steering racks. Has anyone used one? Do you trust them?
I ask because: New rack from dealer = $2100. Rebuild from dealer (rebuilt by MB) = $1400. Autoparts International has one for $800. I have found on-line racks for $600 and even as low as $350 from this giant place (Car Steering Wholesale) in San Diego.
http://www.carsteering.com/addtocart.../80-00476.html
So I'm conflicted. I know what most of you would say - even I'd say it - don't buy that junk, use OEM, etc. However, the cost difference is quite substantial.
Q: Has anyone had any real experience with these after-market parts? Are they junk? The web site makes them look pretty good. I'd like to hear if someone knows they are junk or has had a good experience with them. Who knows, they may be a good idea for a car with 140 K miles on it so I thought I'd ask you guys.
By the way I love the car. The German cars really feel better, more stable than any other car I've driven. And some of the minor work I've done on it reveals a higher quality of workmanship. Its the little things you notice, e.g. when changing the oil filter while standing up, vs lying on my back and having oil run down my arm as it happens with most domestic cars. Or a transmission drain plug, vs. cracking 22 pan bolts and letting it leak over an area just larger than my collection pan.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Pete R
Regarding my wife's 1999 E320 Wagon, 140K miles, 4Matic, s/n WDBJH82F8XX026892:
We brought the car to our local mechanic for an intermittant transmission problem (I'll make a separate post of that. It is being looked at by a good transmission person tomorrow).
Our mechanic told us someone else needs to look at the transmission but our tie rods are worn, and worn enough that the steering rack has to be replaced as well. Along with some other items (broken rear spring, and I can't recall what else), he gave us a quote for $2700
. He told us to diagnose the transmission before doing anything else because we may not want to stay with this car if the repair cost is too high. Makes sense.I'm also thinking of doing the repair myself (I used to drag race a 1965 GTO, did all engine work) or having a guy who works at a german car dealer by day and at home on weekends do it. I'm leaning towards paying the guy.
Anyway, I have a general question regarding the rebuilt aftermarket steering racks. Has anyone used one? Do you trust them?
I ask because: New rack from dealer = $2100. Rebuild from dealer (rebuilt by MB) = $1400. Autoparts International has one for $800. I have found on-line racks for $600 and even as low as $350 from this giant place (Car Steering Wholesale) in San Diego.
http://www.carsteering.com/addtocart.../80-00476.html
So I'm conflicted. I know what most of you would say - even I'd say it - don't buy that junk, use OEM, etc. However, the cost difference is quite substantial.
Q: Has anyone had any real experience with these after-market parts? Are they junk? The web site makes them look pretty good. I'd like to hear if someone knows they are junk or has had a good experience with them. Who knows, they may be a good idea for a car with 140 K miles on it so I thought I'd ask you guys.
By the way I love the car. The German cars really feel better, more stable than any other car I've driven. And some of the minor work I've done on it reveals a higher quality of workmanship. Its the little things you notice, e.g. when changing the oil filter while standing up, vs lying on my back and having oil run down my arm as it happens with most domestic cars. Or a transmission drain plug, vs. cracking 22 pan bolts and letting it leak over an area just larger than my collection pan.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Pete R
MBWorld Fanatic!
germanstar.net
quality piece $450 with warranty
quality piece $450 with warranty
Junior Member
I'm also looking for a steering rack for my 97 E420. I had also looked at Carsteering.com having a low price, my mechanic said i have to make sure I get the right one, he'll charge me $180 - $200 for labor.
