GL 320 Accessory Belt Tensioner ?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers, FL
2008 MB GL 320 CDI
GL 320 Accessory Belt Tensioner ?
After owning my first MB for a whole 1.5 weeks, the Accessory Belt Tensioner on my 2008/80k GL 320 CDI went. Given age, etc. I'm not THAT upset about it. Stuff happens.
Anyway, MB road side picked her up and dropped her off at the dealership who gave me a loaner and told me its going to cost about $1,000 because "unfortunately they're just so darn tricky to get to. Should take about 4 hrs."
After doing a bit of research it seems a somewhat mechanical person (barely) like myself should be able to
1-Unscrew 2 bolts
2-Take out bad part
3-Place new part
4-Screw in 2 bolts
5-Put on belt
6-Turn socket wrench one last time to apply tension
Am I missing something? Why does MB need 4 hrs at $160 an hour to turn a socket wrench 5 times?
Lastly, if it is as simple as I have suggested is there any way MB lets me pay them for the loaner and or tow, purchase the part they ordered me, and do it myself?
Not a great first impression here with MB Service.
Anyway, MB road side picked her up and dropped her off at the dealership who gave me a loaner and told me its going to cost about $1,000 because "unfortunately they're just so darn tricky to get to. Should take about 4 hrs."
After doing a bit of research it seems a somewhat mechanical person (barely) like myself should be able to
1-Unscrew 2 bolts
2-Take out bad part
3-Place new part
4-Screw in 2 bolts
5-Put on belt
6-Turn socket wrench one last time to apply tension
Am I missing something? Why does MB need 4 hrs at $160 an hour to turn a socket wrench 5 times?
Lastly, if it is as simple as I have suggested is there any way MB lets me pay them for the loaner and or tow, purchase the part they ordered me, and do it myself?
Not a great first impression here with MB Service.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 711
Likes: 11
From: NW corner of CONUS
2008 GL 320 CDI, 2004 VW V10 Touareg TDI
It is often helpful for a poster to identify what part of the world (or the USA) they reside. That way those with local knowledge can chime in and help. Without that information is is impossible to tell if a recommendation to talk to an good independent mechanic is even appropriate. Good luck!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Fort Myers, FL
2008 MB GL 320 CDI
It is often helpful for a poster to identify what part of the world (or the USA) they reside. That way those with local knowledge can chime in and help. Without that information is is impossible to tell if a recommendation to talk to an good independent mechanic is even appropriate. Good luck!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
I would first call and say you're interested in fixing it yourself. Don't tell them about the research you've done.
Ask them how much you owe them for the tow, loaner car (Take it back right away so you don't add more rental days to the bill!) and the <1hr of labour for the diagnosis (it should be less than an hour... don't pay more!)
Once you have paid them, order the part online and do it yourself. Their quote is ridiculous if what you have researched is correct.
When done, tell them what you paid, how long it took you (compared to how long their highly trained technicians need to do the same job). Tell them you won't be frequenting their dealership as they are a ripoff.
Ask them to have a tech explain to you how this is a four hour job when it took you <30 mins in your garage with simple hand tools. Should be good for a few laughs. When they get to the part about "that's what MB says it takes" ask them how long it ACTUALLY takes and see if you get an answer. Would be good to hear how they feel about charging 4hrs for a 30 min job...
Ask them how much you owe them for the tow, loaner car (Take it back right away so you don't add more rental days to the bill!) and the <1hr of labour for the diagnosis (it should be less than an hour... don't pay more!)
Once you have paid them, order the part online and do it yourself. Their quote is ridiculous if what you have researched is correct.
When done, tell them what you paid, how long it took you (compared to how long their highly trained technicians need to do the same job). Tell them you won't be frequenting their dealership as they are a ripoff.
Ask them to have a tech explain to you how this is a four hour job when it took you <30 mins in your garage with simple hand tools. Should be good for a few laughs. When they get to the part about "that's what MB says it takes" ask them how long it ACTUALLY takes and see if you get an answer. Would be good to hear how they feel about charging 4hrs for a 30 min job...
