E5504matic10

Hi all. 2010 model with 115k miles. New here but need some expertise on how much i should be paying for the following repairs.
Windshield wipers dont spray
Rear left door lock accuator
Rear right tire pressure sensor
Oil change
Transmition service
Suspension sags in rear sometimes while sitting over night, but pumps right up in around 10secs once car is started.
No airmatic issues while driving.
I just dropped off my baby at Bells Service in Paramus New Jersey a top notch shop. Are there any mechanics out there that may be able to help me on this? And what should i expect to pay per hour of labor? I work part time at a retail store and have been saving for 6 months. My only worry is that it could cost me more than the kbb trade in value of 5k. Thank you MBworld in advance.

CaliBenzDriver

You should prioritize your list of issues to keep it on budget.
Airmatic bags and fluid maintenance (coolant, tranny, engine, diff, brakes,...) ahead of windshield pump.

C280 Sport

Exclude the windshield pump for now. Would you even consider swapping the airmatic for coil overs from strut master? I would have the shop get you a quote first then you can determine what needs to be done now vs later. The airmatic to me seems fine and unless codes are found or unless a light is on then do not worry much unless it is the bags leaking. Then you have to fix that.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Ask the dealer what their hourly rate is.

E5504matic10

Thanks guys for your feedback. Online the windshield pumps go for around $30. Unless its a difficult install i think im going to do it. Safety concerns for the winter. I have read online elsewhere that $250 an hr for labor is probably what they charge, but i will be sure to ask them. If the airmatic bags have a small leak, am I still looking at a major repair job?

01blackhawk

Do you hear the pump whining when you press the button? If yes then there something in the hoses clogging. Disconnect the line from nozzle and pump then apply some air from the nozzle end, it should blow the dirt.
If you don’t hear the pump then yes you might need to replace it.
Air suspension does not seem like very urgent, sounds like you have a small leak on that particular bag. How fast that corner drops down? 10 minutes, 2 hours, 8 hours or overnight? That would give you a clue how small your leak is.
Shop rates depends on the area you are, in Denver I have an awesome shop, all together more than 60 years of experience and their rate is $190. That might definitely differ in the NY-NJ area.
Transmission service, you can definitely do DIY but that also depends on your skill level, available space etc.
Same for oil change and the door actuators. But door stuff is not super rush item imo.

E5504matic10

Thanks Blackhawk!

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

In my area of Maryland, I think the dealer charges $180 or $185 per hour for labor.

01blackhawk

Thats a very good rate for dealer actually, in my area dealers are $250 and up. Some Indy shops are the same as well.
This guy I`m taking my cars, worked at MB dealership 37 years and opened up his own shop about 10 years ago, it was just him and his shop foreman also has 30+ years experience on the MB.
They used to be a lot more affordable but now they grew, they hired bunch of other technicians, moved to a new bigger place so their prices are also up a little more but I dont mind that, they do an awesome job and they are honest to death, they never try to upsell you anything, just tell you what the car needs.
People bring their Benzs from TX or Cali to have them sort out.
Been to dealerships for several recalls etc and every time I take the car back something else is broken, not plugged back in etc
That`s never the case with them, pick up the car and drive away, they know their stuff and cover everything.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

It should never be only about the cheapest rate. If I pay $1 an hour and my car is not fixed, I just wasted $1 an hour. Same thing if it comes back with more problems than it went in with. Same thing with car insurance. Low rates are good until you try to use your insurance and they become a pain in the *** to deal with, or decide to raise your rates because of a claim.

I do most of my own repairs and maintenance, so I know when there is something beyond my skills, abilities, and willingness to do. Then I will take it to a shop or my dealer, but I've only used the dealer and they always have been fair and honest. They even let me bring my own parts.

Raj1471

I've used Bell's for trans fluid service on my S212...they are very knowledgeable regarding MB vehicles. The OEM air bags have a useful life of 100k miles imo. The left rear air bag went on my wagon when it hit @100k miles. I purchased the Arnott air bags and replaced both myself. They were problematic getting out of the pocket they sit in on the control arm because they were rust seized. I soaked both areas with Rust Penetrant a couple of days before I did the repair and still had to persuade them out with a small sledge hammer. Will Bell's let you use owner supplied parts? If so...look into Arnotts...much cheaper than MB and I have no complaints with them after 1.5 years of service.

E5504matic10

So I just got a call from the mechanic today and said my front axels are bent. The car drove perfect so im not sure about it. Also the transmistion service is 800. And they still havent found out whats wrong with the air suspension. Oil change 239. Washer diagnosis 189. The only good thing he told me was that their hourly labor rate is 139. It was a south jersey car near the ocean and has lots of salt buildup and i had to get new brake lines for 1200 3 yrs ago. The rear subframe is rotting bad and is preventing them from accessing the airbags.
Take in mind there were no lights on the dash besides the tpms

Baltistyle

subframe warranty…

E5504matic10

bring it back to the dealer 1st and replace the subframe? This might be a stretch but would mercedes of paramus nj provide a loner for that?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Why ask that here? You need to ask the dealership. IF they replace the rear subframe under the extended warranty, I would think they would. But every dealership is independently owned and managed. And I don't see anything in the notice about loaners.

E5504matic10

Thanks man!

E5504matic10

My mechanic also said the following:
-The suspension compressor might need to changed to get everything working- $1200

-Tire sensor ~$200

Replace rear axle & control arms before doing warranty work- $2300

-Windshield washer pump- $200

-OLF $230


It appears the rust and rot took over under my car. I am now in the market for another 1

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Depends on what is rusted. It ain't pretty, but is it damaged? The gunk on your control arm looks like just the grease from the torn boot. Is the bushing bad? Sometimes it's easier/cheaper to replace the control arm rather than repairing it.