Took the ml430 to the stealership...price list inside
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
2000 ML430, Audi A8L 4.2L, E92 M3, CLS 63
Took the ml430 to the stealership...price list inside
I took my 2000 ML430 to the dealership to have recall work taken care of at 110k miles (the last owner didn't know about them), and the mechanic also inspected the car and recommended the following services:
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
Last edited by monizzle; Aug 16, 2009 at 02:42 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
My dealer did Shifter bushing at no cost through the tranny service...
Your truck may indeed be needing a lot of these maintanence items done...but take a 2nd opinion..
I have got motor mounts done in the past for around $350...
Spark plugs are by far the easiest to do in that list..even with factory plugs/wires, you can get that taken care of for around $300 through a DIY..
I have got motor mounts done in the past for around $350...
Spark plugs are by far the easiest to do in that list..even with factory plugs/wires, you can get that taken care of for around $300 through a DIY..
I took my 2000 ML430 to the dealership to have recall work taken care of at 110k miles (the last owner didn't know about them), and the mechanic also inspected the car and recommended the following services:
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Detroit
2000 ML430, Audi A8L 4.2L, E92 M3, CLS 63
^^haha, yeah i felt that way as well. The whole list is preposterous, I'm going to have my mechanic take a look at the car and get his input as well.
Are there good DIY for the things on the list?
Are there good DIY for the things on the list?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
Fuel filter at $550 could be the fuel filter / pump / fuel gauge / fuel lines up grade.
I'd want to know what they're doing for the $550 - if it was just filter and possibly fuel lines, then welcome to the MB experience, like no other :-)
Seriously - a lot of those items you could take care of yourself - for the rest, find a good indy shop.
I'd want to know what they're doing for the $550 - if it was just filter and possibly fuel lines, then welcome to the MB experience, like no other :-)
Seriously - a lot of those items you could take care of yourself - for the rest, find a good indy shop.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 687
Likes: 1
C320 Coupe
I know it is a C32O, but I spent $600 at a reputable shop for plugs, air filter, fuel filter, oil change, cabin filter and checking everything else in the service B. They used all MB filters. I'd do it myself, but I didnt' have time.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Outside of Beantown
1998 ML 320 1975 450 SL
Spark Plug replacement
I changed the spark plugs on my ML320 by pulling the air box on the passenger side. Quick and easy. As for the drivers side I found it easier to pull the coil packs over each of the plugs. NOTE: Be very carefull not to brake the plug wires.
I took my 2000 ML430 to the dealership to have recall work taken care of at 110k miles (the last owner didn't know about them), and the mechanic also inspected the car and recommended the following services:
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]
Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00
[Maintenance items]
Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95
Total = $4627.85
So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 1
From: San Diego
ML430, Mini Cooper S and Porsche 911 Twin Turbo
They normally have a machine which forces a special injector cleaner fluid thru' the system.
Many dealerships offer this service for 100's of dollars. Seems overpriced and another cash cow for the dealers.
There maybe some merit - but I'm not convinced :-)
Many dealerships offer this service for 100's of dollars. Seems overpriced and another cash cow for the dealers.
There maybe some merit - but I'm not convinced :-)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 1
From: Outside of Beantown
1998 ML 320 1975 450 SL
Have you ever used Lucus fuel fuel treatment? I have a 1975 450 SL ( less then 61,000 miles ) that has spent most of its life in the garage having been used only on Sunday's in the summer. Need less to say it didn't run very well the first run of the season! I found a quick shot of Lucus and a 100 mile run would bring it back to life.
I also have a1998 ML320 with 164,000 miles that I use for making deliverys. I use Lucus with every tank full and notice 1 more MPG.
Boston Mark
I also have a1998 ML320 with 164,000 miles that I use for making deliverys. I use Lucus with every tank full and notice 1 more MPG.
Boston Mark
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Yugos only
Just put a few bottles of Techron through it and use it religiously - it is the only gas treatment recommended by MB. Your drivability will increase - use the best highest octane fuel and use Techron once a month. It's cheap at Wallyworld.
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Yugos only
Have you ever used Lucus fuel fuel treatment? I have a 1975 450 SL ( less then 61,000 miles ) that has spent most of its life in the garage having been used only on Sunday's in the summer. Need less to say it didn't run very well the first run of the season! I found a quick shot of Lucus and a 100 mile run would bring it back to life.
I also have a1998 ML320 with 164,000 miles that I use for making deliverys. I use Lucus with every tank full and notice 1 more MPG.
Boston Mark
I also have a1998 ML320 with 164,000 miles that I use for making deliverys. I use Lucus with every tank full and notice 1 more MPG.
Boston Mark
Last edited by ivanj; Sep 18, 2009 at 12:54 PM.
