Spring fitment, garage cost?

[j4gg4]

Hi guys,

Ive just bought some PI 45mm springs for my CLK 270 cdi 2004. I need to get them fitted ive tried 2 bodyshops who quoted me £200 which i think is RIDICULOUSLY steep as its only a couple bolts surely? Ive done the rears on a previous car (audi, but simular setup) in half an hour! front would take probably a hour tops.

My question is:

How much have you been quoted before? Im going to try some smaller garages tomorrow an see what they say. Or as ive always done them on previous cars, should i attempt to do it myself? if so what brief step by step or advice could you offer? I was thinking to pay £100 tops to get the fronts done and do the rears myself if it just means a case of unbolting the shock and popping the springs out.

 

[whitenemesis]

IIRC the fronts require a specialist (i.e. Very expensive) tool to do safely.

 

[230K]

Hi

This might be of help. Possibly a similar set up although not the same.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=49757

230K

 

[j4gg4]

Thanks for that,

however what 'special tool' is required? what is it, what does it look like?

 

[whitenemesis]

Thanks for that,

however what 'special tool' is required? what is it, what does it look like?

Follow 230K's link, it shows all and where to get the tools.....

 

[j4gg4]

Ive missed something the tools used were only 19mm socket, spring compressors and a wire brush?

 

[Aletank]

I was charged £40 labour in March to replace one front coil spring.

 

[SQ_W211]

I think Whitenemesis is getting confused, W208(older model CLK's didnt have shock at the front the spring set up is very different to usual cars. Newer CLK models have same set up as any other car and shouldnt be any major problems.

Depending on where you based, try R-tech or any other known car shop, they usually charge something in the region of £40/hour and this shouldnt be any more than 3 hours.

Hope this helps

Amo

 

[jibcl500]

I have the tools, you can rent them from me and then when you wish you'd asked a specialist to do it you'd understand what its all about.

jib

 

[j4gg4]

r tec is near me and they quoted me £200 which i think is steep as i think its a 2 hour job tops.

 

[SQ_W211]

In that case take it to some merc specialist mechanic, you should be able to hussle them for price.

how much were the springs anyway?

 

[j4gg4]

120 quid, collected them today from PI themself

 

[SQ_W211]

cool, i might go for them myself for my CLK

 

[whitenemesis]

I think Whitenemesis is getting confused, W208(older model CLK's didnt have shock at the front the spring set up is very different to usual cars. Newer CLK models have same set up as any other car and shouldnt be any major problems.

Depending on where you based, try R-tech or any other known car shop, they usually charge something in the region of £40/hour and this shouldnt be any more than 3 hours.

Hope this helps

Amo

My mistake. The tool shown in the link isn't correct. I believe the 208/9 has the same suspension set-up as the 203. Basically a coil on shock. This require a special compressor to remove the spring and the shock will require removing too, or at least the top mount. As jibcl500 says, get an indie to do it for you.

 

[j4gg4]

Ok thanks guys, I will hunt about to find who will do it at a good price. I want to pay 120 to 150 but not 200.

Will post up how the PI springs are if anyone is interested. Never used PI but ive used spax, jamex, koni, gmax and a few others before.

 

[kth286]

The main dealer WILL tell you the official time for replacing a spring for your car. Give them the VIN.

You will then be in a position get the proper estimates based on the charge rate of the people quoting you.

At present you are working on assumptions not facts.

 

[j4gg4]

Got another quote off supertyres £200.

So found the number of my trusted mobile mechanic hes coming out tue/weds quoted me £100 and thats a damn bargain if i may say so myself! I love this guy hes been in the business 30 years and once he came out to take a driveshaft off my old car and charged £10!!! lol.

 

[SQ_W211]

you should spread the word and let everyone share his service. I am sure he will appreciate it too.

 

[star]

Got another quote off supertyres £200.

So found the number of my trusted mobile mechanic hes coming out tue/weds quoted me £100 and thats a damn bargain if i may say so myself! I love this guy hes been in the business 30 years and once he came out to take a driveshaft off my old car and charged £10!!! lol.

Hmmm a mobile mech with specialist merc tools, dont want to put a damper on it but he might decline once he see's/starts the job the job. Hope 4 u he can.

 

[j4gg4]

I dont believe there are any special tools needed. Apart from what whitenemesis said with the right spring compressor. I have faith in the mech!!