Must it be Done by Dealer?

[benzo]

Is it advisable to have my lower arm bushes replaced by someone other than a merc dealer?

Also need to renew my hydraulic fluid.

I am thinking independent, or local garage.

Humor me with your replies please I know not much about cars.

nb- Car is over 3 years old so out of warranty anyway.

 

[etphil]

LOWER ARM BUSHES

Dear Benzo,

I am having the bushes fitted to the sub-frame (whatever that is) by a local dealer. Should be done next week.
They think it is why I have such a bad case of wobbles when travelling over 50MPH.

Regards,
Phil

 

[jberks]

I can't see any reason to use a dealer, unless you enjoy paying double for the labour. I don't know about yours but my dealer charges about £90 per hour against the specialist's £45 and the rather random but generally lower charge of my local mechanic.. Provided the mechanic is competent, has done these jobs before and uses proper Merc parts, I wouldn't bother with the dealer. I only use the dealer for servicing to keep my warranty up to date. The specialist for electronics (merc diagnostic kit required) and a mechanic I've known for years, for everthing else (brakes, bushes etc). At the end of the day, the only one I trust totally to do a decent job is the mechanic. To everyone else, I'm just another punter.
There is nothing specialist about any of the jobs you mention, so save yourself a few hunded pounds and use a trusted garage.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Only reason to use a dealer is to preserve the Mobilo warranty. But you can save a lot of money by using independent garage and simply buying an annual breakdown policy such as EuropAssistance which may wellturn out better in the long term. I think too there could be greater peace of mind too.

 

[TimN]

My Merc is over 20 years old and still one the original bushes front and rear. This might be another example of poor build quality since Chrysler took over. My advice would be to get yourself an old German Merc. Controversial and no doubt leading to further debate.

 

[benzo]

Thanks a lot guys, for the fast responses. I'll get price quotes from my local mech and from an indy. My dealer also charges about £90 an hour. Don't want to pay that much if I can get it done just as competently for half the price.... Just wanted to be sure it was not some kind of 'mercedes-specialist high tech stuff'.

 

[sebastianforbes]

hi there

if you have a car over 15 years old then i believe

1) you get 40% discount on labour
2) 10% discount on parts from MB.

cheers

sebastian.

 

[benzo]

Took the car to George Fraser. I watched as they gave the car a thorough look over. Nothing wrong with any bushes. However, front passenger tyre was swollen which accounted for uneven ride. Swapped rear tyres to front and got new rear ones .Result, problem disappppeared. No need to change bushes. Lesson -always get 2nd opinion!