Repair at dealer or find an independent mechanic?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: New York
2011 E350
Repair at dealer or find an independent mechanic?
Hey everyone, noticed some noise when I make turns and go over bumps on my 2011 e350. Took it to the dealership here in nyc and after doing a full diagnostic, they informed me saying I need front suspension work $3000 total and an engine cooling leak $1200. I never had this big of a job and curious to know if I would should have dealership do it or I will save money by going to an independent mechanic. Videos attached from the diagnostic. Sharing Dropbox link for 2 videos of the diagnostic. Thank you!
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f6qenwis7ghhwbu6cwynd/AHQz-VuQtg3dgWJmmxkYEiA?rlkey=phs4nqdeldgb7t0rje26z9nxl &dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f6qenwis7ghhwbu6cwynd/AHQz-VuQtg3dgWJmmxkYEiA?rlkey=phs4nqdeldgb7t0rje26z9nxl &dl=0
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Find an independent at www.benzshops.com and get a quote.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2022
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From: WA State, USA
2014 Cummins, 2014 E250 Bluetec
Like mentioned whats included.
You could get all the parts for around $2k if I remember correctly to do pretty much entire front suspension. Tack on labor, alignment, its not that hard of a job but takes a little time. Always if possible get a second or third quote. Now as good a time as any to find a reputable independent (Im still looking). Nice thing about suspension is you dont have to program anything, its just swapping parts and getting torques correct.
The noise while turning almost sounds like front diff though. Thats a whole other ball of wax (assuming you have a 4matic).
Good luck.
You could get all the parts for around $2k if I remember correctly to do pretty much entire front suspension. Tack on labor, alignment, its not that hard of a job but takes a little time. Always if possible get a second or third quote. Now as good a time as any to find a reputable independent (Im still looking). Nice thing about suspension is you dont have to program anything, its just swapping parts and getting torques correct.
The noise while turning almost sounds like front diff though. Thats a whole other ball of wax (assuming you have a 4matic).
Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: New York
2011 E350
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: New York
2011 E350
Like mentioned whats included.
You could get all the parts for around $2k if I remember correctly to do pretty much entire front suspension. Tack on labor, alignment, its not that hard of a job but takes a little time. Always if possible get a second or third quote. Now as good a time as any to find a reputable independent (Im still looking). Nice thing about suspension is you dont have to program anything, its just swapping parts and getting torques correct.
The noise while turning almost sounds like front diff though. Thats a whole other ball of wax (assuming you have a 4matic).
Good luck.
You could get all the parts for around $2k if I remember correctly to do pretty much entire front suspension. Tack on labor, alignment, its not that hard of a job but takes a little time. Always if possible get a second or third quote. Now as good a time as any to find a reputable independent (Im still looking). Nice thing about suspension is you dont have to program anything, its just swapping parts and getting torques correct.
The noise while turning almost sounds like front diff though. Thats a whole other ball of wax (assuming you have a 4matic).
Good luck.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,770
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
translation : indy shop!
$200 parts
plus 30mn labor time
rounded up to one hour charge
Lets say less than $500 to be generous
$1200 overhead would be gravy
$2500 robery means take your business elsewhere
plus 30mn labor time
rounded up to one hour charge
Lets say less than $500 to be generous
$1200 overhead would be gravy
$2500 robery means take your business elsewhere
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 17, 2024 at 03:37 AM.
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
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Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Hey everyone, noticed some noise when I make turns and go over bumps on my 2011 e350. Took it to the dealership here in nyc and after doing a full diagnostic, they informed me saying I need front suspension work $3000 total and an engine cooling leak $1200. I never had this big of a job and curious to know if I would should have dealership do it or I will save money by going to an independent mechanic. Videos attached from the diagnostic. Sharing Dropbox link for 2 videos of the diagnostic. Thank you!
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f6qen...je26z9nxl&dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/f6qen...je26z9nxl&dl=0
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: New York
2011 E350
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
I ordered my '12, was supposed to pick it up at the factory, but they shipped it mistakenly, so I picked it up in Manhattan at the factory owned dealership.Also my Son's in Manhattan, he has gone there many times under warranty first with his '19 GLS450 and now with his '24 GLS 580, we know them well and have had nothing but problems there and a few attempts at massive overcharging. I will reach out to him and find out where he goes now, or did with the '19
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 7
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From: Sarasota
Mercedes-Benz E350 Coupe / 300CE
Kraft German Auto in Brooklyn. Reputed as the one of the best (if not the best) independent Mercedes-Benz mechanic in the tri-state area. Was initially recommended to me by a Mercedes collector in CT. The owner is Steve Kraft / *(718) 451-2500. No BS, excellent work. You may mention I referred you. Might be a good thing or not! Ha Ha Ha... Oh, and they'll pick up your vehicle and deliver when service is complete.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,359
Likes: 1,555
From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: New York
2011 E350
Kraft German Auto in Brooklyn. Reputed as the one of the best (if not the best) independent Mercedes-Benz mechanic in the tri-state area. Was initially recommended to me by a Mercedes collector in CT. The owner is Steve Kraft / *(718) 451-2500. No BS, excellent work. You may mention I referred you. Might be a good thing or not! Ha Ha Ha... Oh, and they'll pick up your vehicle and deliver when service is complete.
