how much to fix?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3
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how much to fix?
I drove 270 miles today and picked up my 87 Mercedes 560 sel.
The car is in pretty good shape body wise, and the engine ran strong all the way back home, but once home, I discovered some issues, and I'd like an opinion on how much to fix them.
The sunroof does not open. The motor works, but the sliding panel seems to be out of alignment, and the roof does not open, and it is not flush witht he roof. If it rained hard tonight, water would come in. any ideas?
The electronic anntena is broke. The motor is no good. I am looking at a complete replacement, as the radio reception is now horrible.
finally, I've heard tuneups run to $700 if you go to a Benz dealer.
can anyone tell me why? Hell, I can get to the plugs myself, the air filter and access is decent. Just what do they do for the $700 ??
I'm already of thinking of getting this fixed up properly then selling it.
The car is in pretty good shape body wise, and the engine ran strong all the way back home, but once home, I discovered some issues, and I'd like an opinion on how much to fix them.
The sunroof does not open. The motor works, but the sliding panel seems to be out of alignment, and the roof does not open, and it is not flush witht he roof. If it rained hard tonight, water would come in. any ideas?
The electronic anntena is broke. The motor is no good. I am looking at a complete replacement, as the radio reception is now horrible.
finally, I've heard tuneups run to $700 if you go to a Benz dealer.
can anyone tell me why? Hell, I can get to the plugs myself, the air filter and access is decent. Just what do they do for the $700 ??
I'm already of thinking of getting this fixed up properly then selling it.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
From: Florida
85 500 SEL
Why? Because dealers make money on service – because they bank on the idea that only a dealer can correctly tune up your unique, exotic car. They are trading on the “Mercedes Mystic.” Although our w126s are fairly complicated, they are not impossible to work on and yes, many owners find it easy and enjoyable to work on their cars themselves. 
Also, dealers tend to have higher labor costs – my Indy, for example charges $65 per hour as opposed to $75 to $80 per hour charged by some dealers. Dealers will also over charge for parts where you can get the same OEM parts online for much less.
You can do a tune up/oil and filter change yourself, no problem.
The sunroof does not seal out water it lets the water come in and then channels it out through drain holes in the A pillar. It needs the close “completely” not necessary tight or flush. If the sunroof is closed completely and you get a hard rain, only small amounts of water will come through to the water channels and not enter the cabin.
Also, dealers tend to have higher labor costs – my Indy, for example charges $65 per hour as opposed to $75 to $80 per hour charged by some dealers. Dealers will also over charge for parts where you can get the same OEM parts online for much less.
You can do a tune up/oil and filter change yourself, no problem.
The sunroof does not seal out water it lets the water come in and then channels it out through drain holes in the A pillar. It needs the close “completely” not necessary tight or flush. If the sunroof is closed completely and you get a hard rain, only small amounts of water will come through to the water channels and not enter the cabin.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 22
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From: Johnstown, PA
'85 300SD (CA em.)
All the issues you speak of can be fixed easily. They are all DIY projects. If you look on E-bay there are sunroof rebuild manuals for cheap. They explain the operation and repair of MB sunroofs. The antannae masts can be had for $30. Are you sure it is the motor? Check your connections first. A simple tuneup can be done. Plugs, wires, and fluid filter changes are easy.
