Mercedes Benz c200 w202 1996

[gravis25]

Good Afternoon fellow Mercedes Benz enthusiasts

I just wanted some advice on a few things regarding the car I recently received from a family member.

The car in question is a Mercedes c200 w202 1996 model which I have tried to register however mechanics are stuffing me around and keep telling me different things before I can actually commit to paying all the costs for registration, repairs, labour etc.

Anyways, I just wanted to know if it is worth putting back on the road.

I have been quoted approximately $1850-00 for the following;

* 4 tyres(even though they don't need to be replaced as the tread is fine for the road conditions in Sydney where I reside)
* Front shock absorbers(He said they are leaking but I beg to differ, I think he just made it up as a lot of mechanics said they are fine)
* ABS light comes up on the dashboard which he told me can mean anything
* The Parking globe needs to be replaced
* One of the ball joints has to be replaced

Can anyone tell me why mechanics like to stuff people around for these problems which are far from complicated.

I would also like to know if I can buy shock absorbers and if there is a difference between the generic ones and the mercedes benz ones.

 

[robparker]

In this country atleast....
-tyres are legal or not.. tread depth/perished side walls
-front shocks, if they are leaking its a very easy job to replace and plenty of after market shocks that will do the job just fine
-ABS light, you probbaly still have an OVP relay at the age of yours, so thats the best place to try first
-not sure what a parking globe is unless you just mean parking brake shoes... cheap and no big deal
-ball joints, common failure, cheap even from MB and simple to change.

So nothing is a big deal, the ABS is the only one that would need a little investigation if the OVP relay doesnt solve the problem (do a search on the forum for ovp relay)

 

[yorkshire1]

cost

quick way to put a price on things either ring a few motor factors for shockers/ball joint prices or look on ebay thatll give you a ball park figure, ring tyre depot for tyres if theyre needed what,s left is the labour charge, (tyre price usually includes fitting)

here in the uk if everything you mentioned does need replacing there wouldnt be much change from your quote if the work was carried out by a garage (and parts quality dependent) about the value of the car

If as you say the tyres/shockers are ok you,ve just the abs/park brake issue to sort worst case scenario abs unit from a breakers yard

 

[television]

ECP sell the OVP cheap.

 

[gravis25]

thanks for all the responses, guys

I appreciate the help.

I'll update you with the progress once I get the time