Holy leak-fest Batman!!!! Did I get f'ed?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2000 S500
Holy leak-fest Batman!!!! Did I get f'ed?
Took the car in last week to fix some leaks. Allow me to show you how this looks on paper, you guys tell me if I got f'ed.
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Super Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 872
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From: Saint Louis
CLS 63 S AMG , s500,clk550
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: USA - CT
2002 S430
It is what it is.
You knew that these cars are expensive to maintain.
Is it expensive? Yes Did you get f'ed? You f'ed yourself when you bought a car that you aren't welling to spend lots of money on and didn't by a warranty.
Having said that, it is very expensive to own these cars. I feel your pain.
You knew that these cars are expensive to maintain.
Is it expensive? Yes Did you get f'ed? You f'ed yourself when you bought a car that you aren't welling to spend lots of money on and didn't by a warranty.
Having said that, it is very expensive to own these cars. I feel your pain.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
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From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
he said that labor is $95 per hour.
I dont see how it could take someone 2 hours to drop the belly pan and clean the area
When I worked piece work i had to argue with the sevice manager over diagnostic time or any other time consuming job that doesnt pay much.
I dont see how it could take someone 2 hours to drop the belly pan and clean the area
When I worked piece work i had to argue with the sevice manager over diagnostic time or any other time consuming job that doesnt pay much.
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 5
From: Ann Arbor
'03 SL55
Piling on here....
The 3+ hours to "Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals" and the 4+ hours to "Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan" seem way too high.
If it were me, I'd probably have a "this can't be correct" conversation with the service advisor, escalating to the service manager if needed.
Good luck!
The 3+ hours to "Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals" and the 4+ hours to "Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan" seem way too high.
If it were me, I'd probably have a "this can't be correct" conversation with the service advisor, escalating to the service manager if needed.
Good luck!
Took the car in last week to fix some leaks. Allow me to show you how this looks on paper, you guys tell me if I got f'ed.
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2000 S500
Annnnnnnnnd, the drama continues. It wasn't the tranmission gasket that was leaking. It's the TC front seal (above it). I took it back into them (Harrison Connor Automotive in Scottsdale), and he refused to do anything about it, saying his 10 hours of labor is "valid and done correctly". Let the fun begin.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2000 S500
Yes, its the first time I ever took it in to someone else than my mechanic (who is overseas in Europe, hence me taking another member's recommendation), and yes, I got taken for a fool. The transmission gasket should take twenty minutes to change (given its location). So now I get to see how to recoup my 700 dollars + (at my estimate) I got taken for at Harrison Connor Automotive (As recommended by another member).
Lesson learned. Car's at the dealership now. I expect many more expensive repairs. Gotta love it.
Lesson learned. Car's at the dealership now. I expect many more expensive repairs. Gotta love it.
Last edited by Aleksandar; Jan 9, 2007 at 11:26 PM.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2000 S500
It is what it is.
You knew that these cars are expensive to maintain.
Is it expensive? Yes Did you get f'ed? You f'ed yourself when you bought a car that you aren't welling to spend lots of money on and didn't by a warranty.
Having said that, it is very expensive to own these cars. I feel your pain.
You knew that these cars are expensive to maintain.
Is it expensive? Yes Did you get f'ed? You f'ed yourself when you bought a car that you aren't welling to spend lots of money on and didn't by a warranty.
Having said that, it is very expensive to own these cars. I feel your pain.
Aleksandar
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2000 S500, 2001 Camry,1996 Honda SUV
Annnnnnnnnd, the drama continues. It wasn't the tranmission gasket that was leaking. It's the TC front seal (above it). I took it back into them (Harrison Connor Automotive in Scottsdale), and he refused to do anything about it, saying his 10 hours of labor is "valid and done correctly". Let the fun begin.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 0
From: Weehawken, NJ
LX470
Let me know if you know of any mechanics in Hudson Co.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,825
Likes: 3
From: New Jersey
things with and without wheels
Annnnnnnnnd, the drama continues. It wasn't the tranmission gasket that was leaking. It's the TC front seal (above it). I took it back into them (Harrison Connor Automotive in Scottsdale), and he refused to do anything about it, saying his 10 hours of labor is "valid and done correctly". Let the fun begin.
Can't argue with the "valid and done correctly" but you can argue about the misdiagnosed part of not finding the leak.As a rule of thumb of working on any leaks, always check before you start work and after a road test.
If you payed with a credit card see if you can stop payment that will get their attention.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona
2000 S500
Unfortunately, I'm one of those "cash only" suckers. (I got screwed by identity theft a few years back, so its cash or nothing for me these days, hence why I drive a 2000 S500 and not a 2007 S550). I will go bother them some more this week, see if I come up with anything good.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 68
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From: New Jersey
2000 S500, 2001 Camry,1996 Honda SUV
I am in fort lee (Bergen). My mechanic is a guy named "Zenop Tuncer" from Eurotech Motors (edgewater, 07020). Ph 201 941-2111.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,825
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From: Weehawken, NJ
LX470
Almost a Member!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
2000 S500, 2001 Camry,1996 Honda SUV
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
Took the car in last week to fix some leaks. Allow me to show you how this looks on paper, you guys tell me if I got f'ed.
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Be fair here...
Any time you turn your car loose with a dealer service center or any shop for that matter for troubleshooting, you are at their mercy.
What you should have done was gotten a written estimate first, then, asked questions like why you were being charged 12.95 for a quart of transmission fluid. I know you can get tranny oil for less than that!
3.95 for Parts cleaner? @ 4 cans? you couldn't have pressure cleaned you car first? give me a break.
Q.
Was this a mercedes dealership? because the way this is itemized looks like you paid premium prices for shop supplies which are normally included in the work. This is not a normal practice at most dealerships.
Since you asked, Yes you got ripped but you should have not excepted such a high estimate for such small amount of work anywayz...If you didn't get an estimate prior,
1. let this be a lesson to you.
2. If you must pay high maintenance fees, at least pay it to a reputable dealer who will standby their quality.
To the extended warranty peddler ^.. This is NOT another reason to buy extended warranty. MOST EW's out there don't even cover leaks from seals,
or gaskets.
THe lesson learned here is : Even if you can't turn a wrench, you should be able to shop around till you find a reasonable quote for getting work done on your car. Since this wasn't an emergency visit you had every opportunity to refuse to let this shop work on your car at such an expense and shop around for a better deal.
Yes these cars can get expensive especially if you don;t know how to operate a wrench. However, this IMO is a very exaggerated of an expensive repair, and this would have happened to this guy if he had driven his Buick to the same shop for the same repair.
Last edited by my06clk; Jan 10, 2007 at 05:50 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
'03 S55 AMG, '01 CLK55 AMG
Took the car in last week to fix some leaks. Allow me to show you how this looks on paper, you guys tell me if I got f'ed.
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Electrical connection seal-$4.15 (x2)
Transmission Pan Gasket-$12.95
Part cleaner-$3.95x4=$15.80
MB Automatic Transmission Fluid-$12.90x10=$129.00
MB Sealant-$12.90x2=$25.80
MB Fasteners-$6.90x2=$13.80
Mobil one synthetic engine oil(5w30)-$5.95 x 8 =$47.60
Grand total for parts=$252.90
Onto labor.
Remove lower front paneling, clean off fluid leaks (took 1+) at a rate of $95 an hour=$152.00
Install new transmission pan gasket, new electrical connection seals (took 3+ hrs) at a rate of $95=$304.00
Remove, clean off sealant, reseal engine pan (took 4+ hours)=$437.00
Total labor=$893.00
Plus misc. fluids (topped off all the fluids)
Total damage=$1196.68
Ok, did I get f'ed on pricing or is this fair?
Thanks guys
Aleksandar
Case in point, I have a '96 Pontiac Trans Am that had a bad starter. The dealer wanted to charge me a grand total of $700 parts and labor for the job. Took it to Pep Boys and they quoted the job for $200. I ended up buying the starter off Ebay for $85 and paid a local mechanic $75 to do it in my driveway.
Dealers make tons more profit off repair work than they do selling cars....... you don't think they are going to change this process do you?
