brianh

i have a 2001 model, where the front air dam, continues to catch curbs and parking spot stops. does anyone know of an aftermarket replacement or must i go back to a MB dealer ? also does anyone know the approx cost of this front clip ? thanks

jaj63207

I just bought a '99 SL500 Sport with some cracks in the air dam. A local body shop is going to repair them next week for $225. If the cracks were in a more visible location, I would probably seek out a higher quality shop, but with these barely visible from a standing position, this shop's work should be suitable.

Jimmy

brianh

thanks for the info, i ll try that w a local shop

BJonesFL

You may also want to look into companies like this one in your area. There are some franchise outfits around, but most are owner operated.

http://www.1800dentdoc.com/

Usually less expensive than a body shop due to lower overhead; they come to you either home or work; should provide a warranty on their work, etc. Guys like these are who the used car dealers use to make the kind of repairs you're talking about. If you can't locate a repair service on your own, ask the most reputable used car dealer locally who they use. They'll be glad to refer you. Good Hunting

jaj63207

For $225, they did an excellent job, from the front, looks new, have not crawled underneath to check back side(probably won't). Paint looks very nice. Next week-seat cushion repalcement and headliner for the hard top. That should just about do it.
Jimmy

BJonesFL

Glad that worked out for you!

When you say, 'they' did an excellent...' , which 'they' did you end up using? Local bodyshop, independent, etc.

jaj63207

I had these guys do work several time over the past 10 years. I would not take the SL in for complete paint job here, because they can be sometimes a little sloppy on masking and overspray, but for an isolated component like the front bumper, they do real well, good spray,etc.
Thanks,
Jimmy

jaj63207

Since you are online, let me ask an unrelated quetion, Any idea how much labor a trim shop would charge to replace the two front seat covers?

Quadrobenz

I have a 2004 SL600 that had the same problem. The lower air dam had already been repaired multiple times and the body shop recommended new replacement. The dealer list was about $2700. I searched EBAY for close to six months and one finally showed up at around $1000. The SL600 is more expensive and is unique in 93 and 94, not shared with the 320 or 500. I also replaced the headlamp assembly's with the 1995 units to eliminate the large yellow reflector on the sides, they look great. They were $350 each. I had the tech raise the ride height as well to stop most of the scraping. On the SL600 with the interactive suspension it only took about 30 minutes for him to reset all four. Once again the car looks new and is a pleasure to drive.
If your air dam is not too badly damaged a body shop can repair it.

BJonesFL

No, that's a local call. Many variables like who supplies the covers you or the shop, labor rates, etc. The seats themselves are childsplay to remove (2 large philips head screws under the front of the seat) and reinstall; headrests do not have to come out to recover. Others have said that it is a DIY job with only moderate talent. Therefor, labor for this job is mainly the amount of time it takes to strip the covers off the old seats, replace pads if needed, and install new covers. Ask around local shops or ask your painter who he uses.