ray0214

Just curious as to what independent shop..hourly labor rates are in the south?

Blazeracer

A lot of variables there. Like what's the price of beef.. Well you want a burger or a filet mignon??

MrTracy

Independents in the MD/ DC/VA are roughly $95hr

ray0214

Not looking for meat Not looking for any guaranteed rate, as I know labor rates are market driven, just curious to hear what people are charging in the southeast, tenn, ga, for example. Obviously would not be the same rates in New York or chicago, etc

ray0214

Thx mr Tracey, that’s close to what I have seen in tenn

Rudeney

A well known local indy here charges $120/hr. They are good, but I do have some issue with them. The owner hates MBZ transmissions. A friend took his W124 E420 to them with it in limp mode and they told him it was toast and needed a whole new (or used/rebuilt unit) and offered to "take the car off his hands" for $2K. I fixed it with a $6.47 pressure valve return spring that cost a few hours of time dropping the pan, leaving the valve body in place. I charge $65/hr for "on-customer-site "diagnostics, $95 for more complex work, and II only do "garage/lift work" for close friends and family. I generally help forum member for free.

ray0214

I just paid $90 for 2 hours labor for a Tran fluid and filter change. I assume the Indy is using Motor or Chilton. Labor guide, or something similar , or as he is a former dealership tech, he may be using MB’s labor guide. Idk. I just didn’t have the flexibility or room to crawl underneath and do it myself. However, I’m a little concerned that he apparently only used 6 liters of MB Tran fluid. Sounds like he didn’t drain torque converter. This was only a 40k maintenance item, but I think the torque converter
should have also been changed. Am I correct?

jps33

[DEVIS = Rudeney; 7694913] En général, j'aide les membres du forum gratuitement. [/CITATION]

would like to spend a few days holiday in France....

Rudeney

@ray0214 Yes, the torque converter should be drained if it has a plug, which yours should. In that case, it would need about 9-10 quarts of fluid.

@jps33 As much as I'd love to visit France, it's only free if you come to me! And is suspect getting your SL350 over here will be quite expensive!