Ok guys,

Everyone else asks, why shouldn't I?
I am moving to Richmond, VA in the next 2 months and will be looking for a competent shop to perform my major services, etc and the pending valve job on my 190E 2.3. I would get my local and very competent mechanic to do the valve job/timing chain replacement - but based on his normal routine of keeping cars well beyond my idea of a timely turnaround...I might not get the car back before I leave. (took him 3 weeks to perform a tranny service and general inspection...I am not joking.)

Advice?

- John

I have gotten very good service from Import Autohaus. They have 3 locations in Richmond and I use the one on Midlothian Turnpike. The service manager there is Chris and they are very customer friendly.

Good luck.

Can anyone recomend a Mechanic in the Harrisonburg, VA area? Has anyone had any experiance with the European Autohaus. Thanks.

------------------
-Mike
'87 300TD Turbo

does anyone know any really good mechanics in the Virginia Beach area????????????

dont care for Phillips attitude and *Unprofessional behavior*

thanks

benzat

1982 380 SEC

I would like to recommend a very good shop in Northern Virginia.
JCP Motorsports
Alexandria, Va
703-719-0509

Great work and diagnostics.

I am not affiliated etc.

blloyd7

Hi,
Has anyone worked with HBL Mercedes in Tyson's Corner in Virginia? A friend of mine, who owns an Audi S4 informs that HBL's Audi franchise is south of awful !
farrukh

Since HBL is only about 3 miles from home, I used to take my MB there for oil changes; however, on my last trip -- for an oil change and a windshield chip repair -- everything in my car was stolen (who would want some of that stuff I don't know) AND the chip in the windshield was not fixed. HBL paid me in full -- and without question -- for the items taken but did not repair the chip. Rather than hassle with them, I took the car elsewhere for the chip repair (the OEM used by American Service Center).

I thought this was bad until I read in a local paper that one fellow had his Benz stolen -- twice -- while it was at HBL. Just based on the crime reports published in the local newspapers, it appears that there's a fair amount of theft over in the Route 7 corridor where HBL is located.

There are a lot of very good and very reputable independent shops in the area -- Don Pool in Falls Church, Silver Star in Vienna and several in Maryland (other on this board have made recommendations). I've started to do business with American Service Center in Arlington and although they're expensive, I've been pleased so far. When my car goes out of warrantly, I'll used the independents exclusively.

Good luck,

Ron
'95 E320

ASC in Arlington has a very friendly and helpful parts department.

Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with them on any repairs - I'm able to fix most minor problems.

I won't comment on my specific observations along the Rt. 7 area dealerships - let's just say I avoid all of them. Every single one.

Ken300D

HBL- should have nothing to do with the fine vehicles they try to sell. I'm in the car biz and I can attest to HBL's atrocious level of service. Let's just say that I have spent about 5k for new parts and labor over the past several years and still had to bring my vehicles elsewhere for second opinions.

Personally, Euromotors has provided me and my wife with the best service. Besides, it only makes basic common sense to get a respectable loaner car when you bring in your car for service at MB dealership. In Euro's case a Benz loaner. I just don't understand how you (HBL/ACS) can give someone a neon for a loaner after they have just spent 85K plus and prepared to pay a minimum of 200 for basic maintenance. I've heard of this many times.

ACS is Good, however, again the loaner car issue is problematic to me.

My desire would be to learn how to work on the vehicles myself. I suggest the same to anyone else that is willing to invest the time and effort. I think this is one of the hidden joys of owning a Benz.

BTW- I don't work for either ACS or Euro. YOU COULDNT PAY Me ENOUGH TO WORK AT HBL...

Honest and reliable at a fair price is: SOUTHEASTERN MERCEDES
(757) 615-2591. Currently in Knotts Island but will soon move his shop to Chesapeake. Pick and delivery is available. Rob Smith is the owner

Did you find a good MB dealer in our area (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, or Chesapeake). I agree on the unprofessionalism of Philips. I called to inquire about car alarm installations and they never returned my call.

I've seen European Autowerks on VB Blvd that has nothing but MB's parked in their lot. However, according to their website www.europeanautowerks.com, the owners were former employees of Philips.

Please let me know who you deal with in the Virginia Beach area!

I use Larry's Import Center off Virginia Beach Blvd about a 1/4 mile after you take the Laskin Road 264/44 exit. You may also want to check out this post. http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29368

Norfolk Virginia Beach Chesapeake Portsmouth Hampton Roads

Edited to list correct street and add cities as keywords for search.

Larrys Import service is the only place to go.

European Autoworks is a total joke and they are awful.

my car is back to being a TURE Benz again thanks to Larrys!!

Thanks Larry!! Karen, Michele, and most of all Jim (I know that car has an attitude)

benzat
1982 380 SEC

European Autowerks refused to even look at my car. Once they found out that they couldn't do a computer diagnosis they wouldn't even schedule me an appointment. That told all I needed to know about whether they have true mechanics or just hacks.

thats because they dont have the computer for dignostics...he refuses to buy one because they are expensive. I was in there when he told a customer face to face he didnt have one.

go down the street about 10 miles to Larrys..they have the knowledge, the care, and the experience to deal with all Mercedes. They have never over charged me, and they show me the parts that are bad.

benzat
1982 380 SEC

Hey there, i need to find a good, trustworthy mechanic for my W123 - 1985 300TD. Does anyone know of any here in richmond? Thanks a lot, Eric

No idea...but that is a great looking wagon!

Good luck!

I'm a new Mercedes owner in the DC/VA/MD area. Can anyone recommend a good (and reasonable cost) shop for regular maintenance?
thanks, George

RC-Imports!!!! If you want knowledge, he has it!!! Incredible guy. I'd go there over my regular Delear even if it were more expensive.

I'm originally from the DC area (Rockville MD). I use Mitch Carr's shop in Kengsington MD. I believe the number is 301 493 9460.

I now live in Philadelphia and still drive my car down there for service. I've never had any problems with the shop, and they exclusively deal with older Mercedes.

I'm now on Benz number 3 and he's done all of the work on all of them. My parent's have friends they have sent there as well and I have heard of no problems.

Good luck.

you're SD is beautiful. im jealous. those lights look great on it. or lenses rather. i just bought some stongard for mine which i am VERY thankful for. do you have them? if not i highly recommend them. do you have any other pictures of your SD?

cheers
eric

Rolf Heinz European Sportscar in Springfield....did a complete brake job (calipers, etc...) and did a decent job of it. Also good n electrical. Mostly porche but knows his stuff and provides personalized service.

I don't trust Import Autohaus. I've had two bad experiences with their techician on W. Broad Street. He's been very nice as well, but lied to me twice, and treated me poorly another time. They will do the job right, but you may end up paying for more than you need. I've spoken with several other's who feel the same way as I do especially with regards to the lack of trust. With my car being as old and precious as it is, and my budget somewhat tight I won't go there again.

I was impressed with World Foreign Car Mercedes Specialist on Three Chopt and Patterson, and I know many others who agree.

eric

Anyone know of a good MB mechanic for a very detailed and honest PPI in Roanoke, VA?

My brother is considering becoming a MB owner for the first time, has his eye on a 1990 300CE. It's for sale at a "corner lot", so it worries me. Slightly high milage and no service history (no manuals in car, but he did not ask if they were being kept in the office). I told him to have the seller look for the service booklet, provide a CarFax, and then get a MVI from Mercedes. Then a dealer would be able to tell from the code in the MVI who the original selling dealer was. This would hopefully lead to some service records. If something does turn up for documentation and the PPI is really good, then it might be worth the risk if the price is low.

Post the VIN and we'll get you a CarFax report.

While not totally dependable in finding problems, I can tell you for sure it has helped me screen out a LOT of cars and trucks. Salvage Titles, Flood Titles, Rebuild Titles, Odometer turnback, Head-On collision damage, you name it.

Bunch of crooks in the used car business - - -

:)

Ken300D

Ken,
Hi. I will ask him for the VIN. I see you are from Northern VA. Do you know any great mechanics in Southern VA that could do a detailed PPI? It needs to be an honest and thorough inspection as my brother is new to the MB world. I pointed him to the Starmark site at mbusa.com so he could see a detailed listing of what could or should be checked.

I dont' know where I'd look myself for a great mechanic. :) Sorry can't help you on that one...

Ken300D

Ken,
OK, thanks.

Anyone?

We just inherited a 1994 C280 from my father-in-law - awesome shape with only 58k. I've been having some climate control problems, and also want to add a CD changer (bought supposedly plug-in unit, but cannot find the proper plug!) and a keyless entry system. Any good independent shops in northern Virginia that specialize in electrical matters?

Howdy,

For a 202 car I would call Silver Star.

Vienna - Silver Star Motors
301 W. Mill Street
(703) 281-5606

If they don't work out, I would consider American Service Center (dealer) in Arlington.

Good luck. Enjoy...

Thanks, I've seen both shops favorably mentioned in this forum in older posts. Just wanted to see if there were any others, or any that are better than others for electrical.

Friends,

Soon I will be leaving beloved Richmond and moving to Charleston, West Virginia. Law School is over and I have a great job doing what I wanted to do forever - I will be starting as an associate in the Environmental Litigation department of my firm in the fall.
Before I go, I want anyone who cares about their M-B in Richmond, Virginia to consider switching to Sam Haboush and the fine folks at World Foreign Car on Three Chopt Road. 804-282-1900.
I will be driving my cars 4 hours to have routine maintenances done on them by Sam once I've moved.

I have 2 stories I want to share about Sam and Joe, respectively the owner and shop foreman.
First, I had the unpleasant experience of having my alternator die while I was on a day trip to the mountains near Lexington, Va. As my car was dying on the interstate at 1pm, I called Sam in Richmond and he explained to me how the voltage regulator works and how much I should expect to pay for that repair.
When 3 different shops in the area failed to agree to fix my car (2 of them, dealers, told me it would take 3 days to get a voltage regulator shipped in), I called Sam to discuss the possibility of having the car towed the whole 3 hours back to Richmond for him to fix. He was frustrated over the dealers' responses and so he called a friend in Charlottesville, called the towing company who had my car hooked up and 45 minutes later, my car was en route to an indy shop in Charlottesville, Va. By 5pm, I was back on the road.

Second, I was again travelling in Mississippi, when I left the lights on in my 190E and killed the battery. After installing a new battery, the car wouldnt run properly. I called Joe after trying my other options and 25 mintues later, I replaced the 10amp fuse in my Overvoltage protection relay and the car was back to where it needed to be. This was an easy fix that I should have thought of...but a call to the guys at WFC made it clear to me that they respect me and my business.

In the course of my history with them (3 years), I had a valve job done on my 190E (never any more oil leaks); a new tranny on my 190E; a new timing chain and rails on my 420SEL and 2 new camshafts on my 420SEL. In addition to all my other scheduled maintenances, Sam and Joe are the kind of guys who see you in your car, waiting at a stoplight near their shop and walk over to ask you how is she running today.
Sam will allow you to bring in your own parts (though, I have stopped doing this...since I had some part problems a couple of times); Sam is flexible about working on emergencies. Sam routinely has cars from 1960-2003 sitting in his yard, being serviced. If I bought a new Benz tomorrow and stayed in Richmond, I would forego the dealer and let Sam service the car from day 1. If I bought my dream, a '59 220S Cabriolet, I would also take it to him from Day 1.

Sam is honest, fair, and a straight shooter. When he tells me to replace something; he means it. I trust him.

So, anyhow, I cant say enough good things about World Foreign Car, and unless someone can recommend a shop in Charleston, WVa where they are gonna really take care of me...I'll keep my business with Sam.

Best,

John Meadows

'87 420SEL 135k
'85 190E 2.3 155k (and sitting in a junkyard, thanks to an idiot driver)
'83 300D 298k

I'm looking for a good shop in the tidewater va. area. I live about 40 miles south of Suffolk va. and I visit the chesapeake, norfolk,va.beach, hampton area very frequently.

Try here. www.larrysimportcenter.com (http://www.larrysimportcenter.com) There was a thread on them a year or two back.

If you can get to the Yorktown area, I highly recommend the AutoHaus on Highway 17. They've done great work on all my old Mercs and I've been happy with the integrity of the place. The owner, Klaus, is a German certified master mechanic and the guys he's got working for him seem to be good to. They've gotten quite a bit bigger since when I first started using them, but so far so good. Not cheap, but a load better than the local dealers.
Good Luck,
Jack

South Eastern Mercedes in Virginia Beach

I use a great MB shop in the Fredericksburg region. If you need an honest great mechanic try Eurotech in Falmouth, Virginia. Tel: 540-657-1007. The owner Rick really knows his stuff.

Can anybody recommend a good radiator shop in Northern Virginia??

TIA,
D Stang

Greetings,
Just wanted to report on the very excellent service I received on my recenly purchased 95 e300d. Carlos Pereira at JCP Motorsports in Alexandria, Virginia is a true craftsman who knows his business. I took my car to him after reading about his shop on this very site. I was experiencing a glow plug light problem. While it was there, I asked him to check out the car and create a list of issues. He spent a lot of time going over the steering, suspension, transmission, etc., and gave me a list in order of priority. He discovered a problem with the engine wiring harness. It was cracked in numerous places and wires were actually exposed and cracked. He checked out the codes and made notes for future reference. I was very pleased with his work and his diagnostic abilities. He could have replaced the glow plugs and or the relay, but did his homework and discovered the true problem. When I picked up the car it was cleaned - inside and out and Carlos went over everything with me in detail. I will send my car back to him for more work as soon as I can pay for it, but I won't take it anywhere else. From where I live, his location is very difficult to get to, and it takes me a lot of extra time and trouble, but so far, it has been worth it. It is without any hesitation that I recommend JCP Motorsports for MB repair. Not affiliated just grateful. (kind of like how you feel when you find a good dentist)

Do you have a feel for his pricing? Was there a need for an appointment? Does he use OEM parts?

This is a rare/wonderful review. As a born sceptic, I want more.

Thanks for any additional you would care to share.

At the risk being accused of spamming, I thought I'd post a short note about Curry's. Even though Curry's is best known for working on BMWs, Porsches, and Audis, we also do a lot of work on MBs as well. I started bringing my wife's W140 here years ago after the warranty ran out and now bring my E55 in for regular oil changes.

We have two locations in the WDC area: One in Chantilly, VA near the intersections of Rt 50 and Rt 28, and another near Dulles off of Rt 28. I started working for Curry's at the Chantilly shop as a service writer over a year ago but I am now its Internet Representative and will be contributing regularly to this forum. If I can be of service, please send me a note at bill@currysauto.com.

He uses oem parts. I think he said he charges $70/hr. Appointment didn't seem necessary but I did call him to arrange a time. You know, I was a skeptic too. One thing I forgot to mention in my original post is that he was more than willing to discuss things with me on the telephone and not in a hurry or rushing to hang up - not something I ever experienced before. He even drove me to Van Dorn metro while he had my car.

I am taking my car back to him on Monday for flex disk and a differential mount(s). Should be a $600 day. Also will have oil and filter changed. Email me at mcon@loc.gov if you like.

Flex disk was pretty badly cracked. Only a matter of time before it was going to fall apart and cause a catastrophy. Also replaced differential mounts. One was a little worn and one was shot. Oil and filter change with Mobil 1 Synthetic. Bill was $478. Shop rate is $78/hr. Getting there. Some steering and suspension work should hold me for a while.

Foreign Auto Center, Charlottesville, VA

Adrian and Wayne, contacts- these guys are not M-B only, but have worked on multiple cars for me. Dedicated and thoughtful problem-solving, honest and fairly-priced workmanship.

JAS

I know this forum is designed to suggest good shops but I can't resist offering a bad one as well.

DO NOT! And I mean, DO NOT!! Go to AL's BMW, MERCEDES, IMPORTS at 8413 LEE HIGHWAY, FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA 22031
703-573-2759.

I had this gentlement replace my front cailpers, bearings and fan belts. Two weeks later, on my way to work, I watched parts from my left wheel, fly off onto the road ending with the front wheel bent inward at 40 degrees and barely connected. I later discovered he/or someone at the shop forgot to secure a CRUCIAL PIN in the brake caliper system. Had I been on the interstate, God only knows what could have happened.


Now on to the good! EURO IMPORTS in Alexandria, VIRGINIA offers excellent service: 725 N. Henry Street. Peter worked at the Mercedes benz factory in Germany for several years and goes the extra mile for customer satisfaction. He even showed me all of the parts he replaced, how they work, why they failed, and his shop rates are great.

Eurasian on Tyco Rd in Tysons Corner is excellent in my opinion, especially with the older models.

In the spirit of "good shop / bad shop," I'll offer the following:

"Bad Shop" - Stay away from HBL Mercedes Benz in Tysons Corner. They are a Mercedes dealer so they charge premium rates, but they perform less than premium service and, although they may eventually get it right, they wear you out taking the car back as many as three and four times before assigning the problem to a master mechanic who may or may not know what they are doing.

"Good Shop" - I recommend Don Pool Mercedes Benz Repair at 6917 Lee Highway in Arlington, Virginia (Telephone: 703-534-4222). The are an independent and they work on nothing but Mercedes Benz. They aren't cheap or fast, but they do charge less than the dealers, they do quality work, and they stand behind the work they do.

Any comments about the shop? Was it a professional environment, clean, etc?

You posted your big find around July 2003 and I wanted to know how you still feel about this guy. I am a woman and new to Charlottesville, Virginia and can't seem to find anyone who will take the time to help me figure out a strange elctrical issue I started having with my 560sl 1987. So I would be willing to drive all the way there if I knew when I got there someone would take care of me and my 100% showroom like car. I can't stand the thought of leaving it with someone who won't treat it as there own. Catch my drift?
Kimmy

I had been getting my car serviced at Larry's Imports in Virginia Beach, which does good work. I got a recommendation for MBM of Tidewater in Chesapeake so I tried them out.

They are small shop but they offer service after 5:00PM and they have competitive prices. Melvin is the mechanic and he has been working on Mercedes for over 5 years. Brandy is the service writer and you can call her at (757) 749-9505 to set up an appointment.

If you live in Hampton Roads and you don't have time during the day to get your cars serviced, I can confidently suggest trying MBM of Tidewater. ;)

Kimmy,

This is an unusual shop with a strong customer focus and sensitive to customers concerns. I have had some work performed there. I am still evaluating the shop. On one car, they were not able to resolve some issues with my suspension, but are willing to keep trying. On the other car, they did a great job on a more easy to identify problem. I can appreciate you frustration and desire for special handling of your car. Before you come all the way to Alexandria, suggest you post a request for reference for a Richmond shop.

Originally posted by toms
Kimmy,

This is an unusual shop with a strong customer focus and sensitive to customers concerns. I have had some work performed there. I am still evaluating the shop. On one car, they were not able to resolve some issues with my suspension, but are willing to keep trying. On the other car, they did a great job on a more easy to identify problem. I can appreciate you frustration and desire for special handling of your car. Before you come all the way to Alexandria, suggest you post a request for reference for a Richmond shop.

Great Idea. Thanks

Thanks for the recommendation - my wife's 96 320 will need its 60K at some point. We're in Norfolk and she picked up two big door bang at the mall - any body shops you would recommend?
Cheers, SocksE420

I would recommend Kim's Autorama on Sykes Ave in Virginia Beach. He is a master craftsman, which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Just make sure you give him a time limit on fixing it or he will keep perfecting the work until it is "six sigma" perfect. ;)

Thanks for the recommendation - I will look them up this week!
Cheers, SocksE420

got his listing off yellowpages.com I will let you guys know how things work out.

JCP MOTOR SPORTS SERVICE CENTER

5601 VINE ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22310

Phone: (703) 719-0509

Got my E320 back from Kim's last Saturday - very pleased with the results; although not cheap, I would highly recommend this body shop to anyone for any repair.
OBTW - stopped by Phillips before I took it in to get an estimate from them - they asked whether I had an appointment for the estimate! Obviously, they have more business than they can handle.
Cheers, E420Benz

I'm glad to hear that you we're happy with my recommendation! :)

The American Service Center in Alexandria is poor at best. I've heard the ASC in Arlington is better.

Don Pool are the worst I have ever seen. I took my S-500 to them with a simple turn signal problem and they charged my $227.50 to tell me something completely inaccurate about what was wrong with my car, and then said they could fix it for another $500. I should have walked five minutes after I met the sleazes that I worked with, but I left it with them and paid the price. I later took the car to ASC, who correctly diagnosed AND FIXED the problem for only one hour's labor. Their proper diagnosis was completely different from that of Don Pool mechanics, and the proof of who's right is sitting in my garage.

But don't take my word for it. Go talk to the folks at Don Pool, and if your own alarm bells aren't ringing in the back of your head in the first two minutes, then you deserve what you are about to get. I had read the crap in these threads (now I understand they are from probable Don Pool employees and shills) that had been posted on this site, or I would never have overruled my own good sense about people. ASC is just as professional and sharp as you can get. You are warned, as I wish I had been.

They charged me for diagnostics on my 300 sl's hard top. Got absolutely nothing for my money. Notified MBNA 2 weeks ago and haven't heard back from them.
European Autowerks has been reccomended by a friend and I will report after my appt. on Monday.

I used Larry's Imports in Virginia Beach last week for an ARS light - as recommended by others on this Forum. Nothing was found and they cleared the fault. I was very pleased with the operation and the cost for the reset was very reasonable plus they wrote on the receipt that if I needed to it bring back (I suspect a seat belt sensor) that they will not charge for the reset.
Bottom line: just like Kim's Autorama for the bodywork, I felt the shop was interested in fixing the car - not about how much of my money they could take from me.
Cheers, Socks E420

I agree that Larry's is a good shop. They know what they are doing and they give MBCA members a discount on parts.

I need a mechanic who can work on a 1990 300Ge in the Roanoke Va region. I dont mind going afield some for the right person.
TIA

Are there any good places in Manassass? I heard JCP of Alexandria and SilverStar of Vienna are both good, but there are a lot of places closer to me and I was wondering if anyone had heard of anything in Manassass or Fairfax? Thanks

I was involved in an accident that damaged my rear door and quarter panel. I got an estimate from a shop in Rockville and quoted for 15 days repair. I was going to have them do it but I could not bring it in for another 2 weeks. I called American Service Center, the guy (that’s later on was fired) told me that the can take my car the next day.
I brought it in on Oct 31st. He told me that once they work the numbers with the insurance adjuster they’ll start working on it. Two weeks after it was in the shop I called, he said the insurance has not approved to replace the quarter panel & their labor rate. I called again the next week (3rd week) still the same. Then the day before thanksgiving he called and said it’s been approved and they are going to start working on it. Two weeks passed, hasn’t heard from him, I called back and he started BS-ing me that they are still waiting for the labor rate approval which he said HAD been approved. It was probably just his excuse. They probably had not even started working on my car. I started calling this guy every week after that. Remember I dropped that car off on Halloween. Around thanksgiving I joked to my wife, maybe we’ll be getting our car back around Christmas. GUESS WHAT, Came Christmas I still did not get my car back. He said they are almost finished but the insurance adjuster had not approved the final supplement for the repair. I finally fed up and called the adjuster myself. She said they haven’t heard anything for from the dealer about the supplement request. She was the one that finally called the dealer and asked for it. I had to wait for another week after my car was done just for the paperwork. Something what they could have done while they were waiting on the repair.
I finally picked up my car on Dec 30th. The employee at Enterprise could not believed I had that rental car for 61 DAYS. That poor insurance company paid $2000 just for my rental.

My suffering did not end there unfortunately. After I drove off, I turned on the radio and it was not working. Came back to the body shop. The guy told me that they have to contact the insurance company for another supplement because the amplifier was inside of that quarter panel. I felt that the Body Shop was the one that supposed to be responsible for it. They probably messed it up during the installation. But I did not say anything. At this point I don’t care who should pay for it as long as I got my car back the way it was.
I took that car home because they don’t have anyone to check on it at that time.

I washed the car over the weekend and noticed an area where the paint was unmatched. Not to mention that I found scratches all over my trunk because whoever washed it probably used dirty rag. I couldn’t believe 2 months in the shop and they could not even do it right. When I picked it up I saw that patch I thought it was a wax or polish residue which was all over the car when I picked it up. Turned out they did not polished that part completely after they wetsanded it. Something that their so-called (bogus) Quality Control should have picked up.

I brought the car back next Friday for the radio and paint issues. Got another loaner. I did not hear back from them until Wednesday. A guy from Service department called demanding me to pay $100 before he would even looked at the car.
At this point I was REALLY REALLY MAD. I called the body shop and was gonna explode to that guy, only to find out that they fired him the day I dropped my car. I had to explain my situation all over again to another person over there. She finally approved the diagnostic. She contacted the adjuster and the insurance denied the repair. The Body shop said I had to pay for $972 to replace the amplifier. To make it short, I got into a big debate and threatened to sue them since they are the one that messed it up. I finally got them to pay for it.

Picked up my car after for another 10 days in the shop. Guess what, rear speaker not working.

This morning the whole radio is not working again. Have to go back to them AGAIN.
I’m so frustrated. Contemplating to sue them at this point.

Sorry for the long posting. I just have to vent this.

If I were you I would never bring my car to American Service Center. Considered yourself warned!!

I really feel for you. Good luck getting it resolved. When I went in for a price quote to repair damage a delivery truck did, I got a bad, bad vibe. It was like talking to the soup Nazi. The communication skills of the folks working that desk really leave something to be desired. It's a shame. Many folks there are top notch. I've met two of their technicians, two parts guys, and some sort of professional service manager. They all struck me as top notch folks. Too bad their management sucks.

Update:
I brought in the car yesterday to check on the speaker. Got into another loaner (a KIA). Service advisor called in today, apparently the bodyshop did not seal in the quarter panel properly. Water got in, wet the amplifier and blew the speaker. I guess that's what caused the damage to the amplifier first time around. They probably need to replace that again. :mad:

Silver star motors in Vienna are rip-off artists...I carried in two bare steering knuckles and two new ball joints....failing common sense I forgot to ask how much before i had them do it..and assumed it wouldn't be much ...its 10 minutes work with the right tool.....they chaged $150 to press two ball joints (I supplied) into a set of bare knuckles I hand carried in. There was no other labor. Hope they think it was worth it....hell will freeze over before they get another dime from me. Some people had good things to say about them....thats why I went there. Thats just one persons experience.....your experience may be better.....they were friendly enough but felt like I was raped when he handed me the bill.

Larrys Import service is the only place to go.

European Autoworks is a total joke and they are awful.

my car is back to being a TURE Benz again thanks to Larrys!!

Thanks Larry!! Karen, Michele, and most of all Jim (I know that car has an attitude)

benzat
1982 380 SECare you serious? larry's
A) installed a used fuel tank that leaked at the feeder line and had an algae problem
B) charged me to fix the problem
C) the next day i woke up to find a huge puddle of diesel under the tank where the screen is (although they fixed that for free)
and D) left a bunch of tools under the hood. i heard them fall out shortly after picking my car up, then got a voicemail from whomever worked on my car basically begging for his tools back, offering me a free oil filter change (minus parts) if i returned them.
oh yeah, they broke the expensive line that goes from the ALDA to the overboost protection valve, too.

This is case of decline over time. You'll notice that the positive comments about Larry's came in 2002. Since then, they've moved to a bigger location, with a bigger overhead, and seemed to have suffered a decline in service. I have not been to Larry's for repairs in more than two years. My last couple of experiences, although not rip offs, were not entirely satisfactory either -they insisted my car needed new motor mounts to pass inspection, when I had replaced them a year earlier. The engine was rocking excessively, but it was due to a cross threaded rack damper pin, which I knew. Anyway, I'm currently not thrilled with Larrys, but I'm still waiting to hear the better alternative in this area.

Silver star motors in Vienna are rip-off artists...I carried in two bare steering knuckles and two new ball joints....failing common sense I forgot to ask how much before i had them do it..and assumed it wouldn't be much ...its 10 minutes work with the right tool.....they chaged $150 to press two ball joints (I supplied) into a set of bare knuckles I hand carried in. There was no other labor. Hope they think it was worth it....hell will freeze over before they get another dime from me. Some people had good things to say about them....thats why I went there. Thats just one persons experience.....your experience may be better.....they were friendly enough but felt like I was raped when he handed me the bill.

Yep. I had a trasmission problem so I brought my car over there. I told the owner/head tech Peter, that the tranny was having problems shifting but there were no gears grinding or slipping. It felt like there was some sort of "sensor" that went bad. I mentioned a few possible problems I thought it might be (things from reading this board). I could tell he didn't really like me doing that as he is German and a professional tech. He told me I needed a new transmission to the tune of $6,500. The actual repair was the 12 pin connector, cost about $500 for the repair. For a MB only shop to make such a bad "misdiagnosis"...inexcuseable.

Johnhef is right up the road in Frederick, if you're looking for a good indy mechanic. He's a certified MB master mechanic and a helluva a nice guy.

Johnhef is right up the road in Frederick, if you're looking for a good indy mechanic. He's a certified MB master mechanic and a helluva a nice guy.

He even has frequent GTGs at his house. How could you not trust a guy that lets you know where he lives and use his bathroom?

Do you guys have a phone number for him? Would love to call and chat with him about a problem I'm having with the ML right now and it could use a master mechanics touch.

Has anyone heard of this indy MB mechanic:
Randy Rodman
The Auto Shoppe
910 Philadelphia Ave
Silver Spring, MD
301-585-6464

Roanoke Va Diesel Mechanic needed for 82 240D?? any suggestions?

Do you guys have a phone number for him? Would love to call and chat with him about a problem I'm having with the ML right now and it could use a master mechanics touch. . . .

PM Johnhef. He's here most days and will get back to you pretty quickly.