Hey everyone. Great forums. I have recently bought a 1995 E300 Diesel and I am now looking for an independent mechanic in the Chicagoland area to perform the car's maintenance work. Two questions. First, do independent mechanics typically follow manufacturer's guidelines (like a dealer would) when they perform a maintenance service on a car? Second, I have looked through the posts and a number of people have posted their opinions on different independent shops in the area. So, I think I have narrowed it down to either Europa Imports in Winnetka or C & H Auto on Irving Park. More posts seem to mention C & H Auto, but Europa Imports is slightly easier for me to get to. Anyone have any input on which shop I should take my car to? Does one seem to do better work than the other? Any input would be great. Thanks a lot.

The indy mechanic that my family has taken their cars to for the past 15 years is really good. I purchased my 190D from him back in 1990. He also has serviced our old VW Vanagon diesel and my E300TD. He knows a lot about diesel engines, especially MB. He's very connected with people that work at MB dealerships and always does everything to spec. He's honest and dependable. Prices are usually around $60/hr for labor, and well worth it. His name is Mike Fencil and his shop is Ernie's Garage located on Cermak Rd and 25th St in Westchester, IL. Phone number is (708) 338-9045. Tell him you talked to Ed Lee.

Both are fine choices. By all means visit Europa if they're more convenient, and say hello to John and Mike for me!

I am on the south side..any good mechanics there?

Can't help you with the south side. I'll check with my buddys though.

I must say that Kurt Reed of the Santa Barbara Auto Group has always treated me right with both my ML's. For instance , monday I spotted a small oil leak from the tranny in my almost new 05 500SE. I live 75 miles from SB and he told me to bring it right down. He worked a tech through lunch and had me back on the road in an hour. The 2 small problems I had with my prior ML 430 were always taken care of same day and back out the door. Thank you Kurt and staff, you are what Mercedes should be!! :cool:

In the south suburbs there is a shop called Euro Care. They are at 6130 159th in Oak Forest. (708) 687-5258 They've done work on my '76 240D and the '82 300D when we had it. They are cheaper than the dealer, but still somewhat pricey as far as indys go. They do a damn good job. We drove the 240D home from San Antonio and thought it ran well. We took it to Euro Care, and after they were done with it, we were amazed at how better it ran. It is always fun to in there anyway and see what Porsche, Ferrarri, or Rolls Royce they are working on (seeing as how MBs rarely need to be in the shop...)

thanks...i am looking at purchasing a 500e and think i will need a good shop.

The guys at Europa in Winnetka are fantastic. I grew up across the street from them and saw some fantastic Mercedes there. Our 300E has had all its work done there for many, many years. They have also done great work on my old 300SD and 73 450SL. If you show up at Autohaus on Edens, the local MB dealer, with a classic that needs work, they will throw their hands in the air and tell you to call Mike.