I just bought a 300SEL 6.3 which is located in Lakewood, WA. The car needs work in its injection system. So far I've spoken to Daimler Automobiles in Seattle, Phil Smart Mercedes in Seattle, and Performance Automotive in Tacoma. I really want to be sure I find a shop that can fix the problem rather than just throw parts at it.

Since I live in Long Beach, CA, I have to do all of this via the phone.

Thanks,
Bill Berks

You might try "Mercedes Auto Servive" in South Tacoma. I have been having my car serviced there since I bought it last year and have allways had excellent service! The number is 253-584-7370/800-550-7370.

They are pretty good at finding service times which meet your schedule too. They have saved me on more than one occation from purchasing a used Mercedes which had questionable indicator's I was not aware of.

Overall I recommend them, and the rates are very reasonable.

Good Luck.


------------------
Ross Newcomb
96 C280, Greenish Black

Dear all
I am looking for a good aligbment shop in Seattle, bellevue area.

Thanks

Only one I can recommend - I've used them twice is:
Omni Brake & Alignment, Inc.
11908 - 124th Avenue NE
Kirkland
425-823-1511

The Miller bros. have owned and operated the bus. since the 1970s I think. I've been pleased with the work they've done (two alignments, one replacement of tires) and the prices have been competitive. Totem Lake area. I have no relationship/interest with them. Just been happy with their work.

that's not the dealership. Has to be in the bellevue area(or all of the eastside). I need engine servicing and misc. parts replaced(tie rods, belts, etc). '95 E320

let me know what experince you've had and what you had done. thanks

You might try Truline at the north end of Rainier Valley, Byron owns the place. I had him do my 500e and my 914-6. It is a very non descript place, but inside you will find new Porsches, Benz's and classics. Very quality work, he asks you how you dirve, what you weigh, do you drive alone, etc, so he can set up the car correctly. Hope this helps, Curt

NikoE320

There is a dealer in Seattle. Philsmart, they are pretty good.
I know a store, but is in bellevue across the street from BMW.
Hey, you got eibach springs ? Can you send me a picture of your car ?
Thanks
Pete regards

Philsmart is a dealer and charges $100/hr. Plus I've heard no good things about them.

The shop across the street from bellevue BMW, do you mean R sports owned by Gilbert? If so, I get most everything from him. He did my rotors/pads and springs(plus the same stuff on my previous car). I'll post my page when the pix get done

Give Schmitt Automotive a call in Bellevue. I have only had him do a pre-purchase inspection but he is factory trained and knows his cars.

Good Luck

GP Automotive ask for Mike

Gary

Try Phil Smart or Foster's Frame & Axle
I have had excellent work done by Phil smart for my MB’s
I once took a Jeep to Foster’s after taking it to 2 other shops which didn’t solve the problems (what a story!) and Foster’s did an excellent job.

Fosters is in West Seattle (Georgetown) by I5 206-763-9580
Phil Smart is uptown on East Pike 206-329-5959

schmitt automotive wonderful, my whole family uses him.
ask for frank!

I have to add a dissenting comment to my earlier ones. While Frank did do good work on my car, I asked his help on a follow-up matter—the warranty replacement of an electrical component valued at around $1,200+, sent the appropriate information to him and in 3 weeks since, he has not bothered to return my 2 calls or my fax. It seems he’s another inde happy to take the money and provide no continuing support. Back to Phil Smart I go. And I thought this only happened with Porsche techs. WRONG.

And finally

I had the inoperative tach problem solved at my usual shop (Phil Smart). Turned out to be due to a faulty tach and not the ign unit as was stated by Frank. I have written him and asked for a refund of the diagnostic time.

At this point I would definitely not recommend him.

Harmony Motors.

Zach & Mark will take good care of you...mainly European vehicles serviced there, fair prices & excellent, Honest service!

Does anyone know of any good wheel repair shops in Seattle that are reasonably priced? Thanks in advance

Ranger

Has anyone been to Ravelli motors in Seattle? I have heard some positive things about them but would like to hear from someone who has used them.

thanks

George

Phil smart gave me a fine alignment in a ‘92 300TE. Fosters aligns OK, but failed to balance a wheel, because they failed to detect the wheel was out of round. They did this TWICE to me, both times I talked to them and asked them for money back and they maintained that if their machine balanced it it was balanced. (All I wanted was the friggin' seven bucks they charged for the one wheel, more on the principle than for the money, and they woudl not!) So I no longer waste my time or money there. The best of the best is CarNutz over in Redmond. (I know, funky name, but the work is excellent.) At CarNutz, I have been taken back to see the wobbly wheels while they are spinning on the machine. No arguing with that -- warped will not balance! Excellent balance and alignment on 4 cars I have owned. And a tech you can talk to! They charge about the same or a little less than a dealer and may be in the mood to bargain a little. They have never, ever let me down and have found the root problem to 3 balance problems created by other shops. They are also the only shop in WA State equipped to do the really huge 20" racing wheels.

jay@inkslinger.com ...thanks in advance

Your sig says you live in bay area. If you are truly looking for a mechanic in auburn, for whatever reason, then all I can suggest is my mechanic which is about 25 miles north in bellevue, wa

let me know if that is close enough

European Motors in Shoreline, on Aurora and like 160th, is supposed to be a good place. Haven't had any work done there, but the owner is a German guy who was a former test driver for MB in Germany. He has a 190SL in the shop as a permanant fixture, and a 220se cabriolet.

-Sam

Hello, Does anyone know about Helmut's German Auto in Bremerton WA?

David

Was reading some old posts and ran across yours. I am near Port Townsend and am looking for a machine shop to install new liners in a 240d engine that I am rebuilding and was also wondering about Helmut's. I have heard about his shop. Did you ever get any info? At this point I am considering a shop in Portland that I know is very good its just the long trip down and there may be good michine just as good but closer.

I've taken my car to Conaway Motors in Everett wa. They seemed to do a good job. Had them fix my cruise control, which turned out to be a wire hooked up wrong inside a connector, which had burnt out the control. Cost me about $180.00, which I felt was fair considering all they went thru to find the bad repair someone in the past had done. They called me up on a regular basis and checked to make sure I wanted them to keep working on it, along with what the bill was ip to at each point.

Another shop that I have had great luck with is "The Mercedes Shoppe" located off Canyon road in Puyallup. Steve Flansburg is the owner and has been working on my cars ills for the past 10 years. He is well known throughout Puget sound for his integrity and expertise. A man at Aurora Auto Wrecking in Seattle said, "Steve is one of the best Mercedes mechanics in the state of Washington." After 10 years of working on my cars, I already knew that. He has always treated me right.

Is Truline closed? I got the number from my mechanic and it says out of service. Directory Assistance could not findit.

Tru-Line is still there. I just had my car done last Friday. They did a good job but at $190 (with tax), a little pricey. They do a complete inspect the suspension system and made some recommendations. Helpful for me since I've just purchased the car.

The number is 325-3340.

UW

I am looking for a good independent diesel mechanic to look at my '84 300D. Any suggestions on who I should take my car to in the Bellevue, Everett, Seattle area?

Thanks,
Tim

I would suggest that you all steer clear of GP Automotive in Everett, WA. They market themselves as MB specialists. I just called them to get an estimate on my 1972 280SE 4.5, and besides telling me that I paid too much for it (I paid $125.00 and it runs well and has perfect interior), he also wouldn't give me a straight answer for a specific price request. Then he gave me a flip answer. There are some fine German mechanics in the area, but apparently this is not one of them.

Cheers

Park Place Ltd. in Bellevue has been serving my '95 E420. They have been very pleasant; however, I have mixed feelings on the performance. I'm taking the car back for the 4th time for squeaking front brakes (they replaced the rotors & pads). 4x is 3x too many for brakes.

As for oil changes, the 90k service and some ad-hoc work they have been fine. Coming back to the pads; I think they are defective or just have too high of a metallic content. Each time they have worked on my car and have been very pleasant - but the results :-(((

I'm looking for somebody who really knows the older E-Classes, so if anybody has a recommendation, please let me know too.

I spent about 3 hours today, and learned a lot. Basically, many of the Mercedes shops simply don't want to work on older cars due to parts availability. Frank Schmitt of Schmitt Auto was extremely helpful in pointing me in the right direction for Vintage/Older MB repair shops in the Seattle area. He suggested Benz Friendz, and after my conversation with them, I think Frank's suggestion was spot on. They specialize in older cars, and have a ton of salvage parts available as well. The only problem is that they seem to be so popular that the wait to get your car in is over 4 weeks! Oh well. Sounds like they are worth the wait. If you have a newer Benz, I would reccomend Frank at Schmitt Auto. He's a straight shooter and seems very honest.

How about body shops in the Seattle area? I would actually be willing to trailer my 280SE anywhere in Western Wa. to find a good shop. I need mainly rust repair, prep, and paint. Thanks in advance!

Steve

Wow! I have neighbors! I live just out of Granite Falls guys. (yes, I'm sorry too!)
I've used Conaway Motors in everett. They ain't cheap, but I've been impressed with what they did for me. And they will work on older Benz's. They even told me I could buy parts from them if I wanted to put 'em on myself.
I had a dead cruise control. They spent 2 days tracking down the problem. Finally found someone had done a previous repair and had soldered a wire on wrong inside one of the multi-pin connectors, and had fried the controller as a result. Cost me about $280.00 with parts if I remeber right. Real nice and courteous. They called me on a regular basis and let me know where they were at and what the cost was up to at that point, to see if I wanted them to continue.

I have had OUTSTANDING service at Automeister/Park Place Ltd. The head Mercedes mechanic there is Ernie Schmidt and he knows his stuff. I have been very pleased with all the service I have had there and the prices have been very fair. You usually can get in in just a couple of days, shorter for emergencies. I would not hesitate to recommend the Automeister.

As far as body shops, RnR Automotive Refinishing in Bellevue is very good. Just had some body work done there and they did a very good job. They have a good reputation in the area.

:( 11/30/02--I understand that Ernie Schmidt retired last Wednesday.

Looking for a good mechanic for my 1984 380SL. Heard about Phil Smart in Seattle, just wondering if they are good.

Can anyone suggest a mechanic they can trust in the Seattle/Bellevue area?

I thought I saw a Mercedes Mechanic across from Bellevue Square. Not sure what the name of the mechanic is. Has anyone been to that one? Are they good?

Any suggestions will be appreciated!!

MadsG

I would recommend Phil Smart's classic center, "Smokey" they know the older cars better than the main facility.
If you are looking for a independant shop, I would recommend European Motors located at 160th and Aurora.

16017 Aurora Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98133
ph.: (206) 417-8565

Chris at Chris' German Auto Service in Bellevue (http://www.chrisgerman.com/) is a Porsche specialist. While my friend and I were there getting his 911 looked at we asked him for a good Mercedes shop. He recommends "Mercedes Specialists Of Bellevue," 340 Bellevue Way NE. Their phone number is (425) 454-2937. Come to think of it, I'll bet that's the one you mentioned in your first post. Good luck! :)

You would do better at Barrier Motors in Bellevue or at Mercedes Benz in Vancouver—owned and operated by the factory.

As with all dealer service, the mechanics at Smart's get paid by the number or jobs they do in a day, not by doing service in strict accord with the book. This situation harks all the way back to early Studeback/Packard/Mercedes dealerships and MBUSA shows no signs of reforming these bandits.

MB Motors in Portland is another alternative available to you.

Does anyone else out there care to comment on the Mercedes Shoppe?

Chris at Chris' German Auto Service in Bellevue (http://www.chrisgerman.com/) is a Porsche specialist. While my friend and I were there getting his 911 looked at we asked him for a good Mercedes shop. He recommends "Mercedes Specialists Of Bellevue," 340 Bellevue Way NE. Their phone number is (425) 454-2937.

This is basically a cut-and-paste of my reply in http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52983.

What paint & body shop has the best bang for the buck in Western Washington? I want a good job but am also cost-conscious. The problem with the car is detailed in thread http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=52459. I was about to take it to one of the shops I already got an estimate at but thought it would be a good idea to get input first.

Some threads seem to indicate I could get a total repaint for around $2,500 and that would be nice, but I'm not going to a chain shop. Any input is welcome and appreciated! Thanks, Dan

Well, I called Mercedes Shoppe and asked for an estimate. 'Sure, I'll call you this afternoon!!' Over a week -- never called me back. Not my kind of 'shoppe'!

Sorry, but I personally haven't had the "opportunity" to try them out yet....

You can look into Mercedes Centrum INC in Bellevue. Talk to Paul Roberts. He saved me about $360 by telling me I probably needed a new battery. Barrier Motors told me I needed my flywheel greased ($480). I'd plan on consulting him if I ever have more problems.

DLS

I'm looking for a good MB shop in the Vancouver, WA / Portland, OR metro area that works on W123's. I do most of the work myself but I need to keep someone in mind just in case something comes up that I won't be able to fix myself or if I'm in a bind for time.
THANKS!

Lietuviai - I recommend German Auto Repair (503-643-0898), located on SW Nimbus (near Washington Square). Over the last 15 years, I have used him (Jan) exclusively on a BMW and 4 Mercedes. He is scrupulously honest and extremely competent. He is Czechoslovakian and you could dine on his shop floor. I've tried both the Portland area dealerships as well as several independents - none comes close, in my opinion, to German Auto Repair.

I have a few service records from the previous owners from that shop for my car. I'll look them over in more detail and I'll keep them in mind.
Thanks!

I've had my E420 (..and three other cars) serviced for the past three years by Gene's Auto Repair in Bellevue (425-453-5420), right behind Barrier. His prices and shop rates are always better than the dealer, but more importantly, he usually gets me out of there the same day, which is way cool, since I just hate being without my Benz. If I had to wait around all day and pay those awful dealer rates for parts and labor, I'd probably only have *two* cars! :)

But in my book, Paul at Mercedes Centrum is the one I swear by.

Read my story on the thread:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=71491&perpage=15&highlight=paul%20centrum&pagenumber=4

Have used him exclusively for the last 4-5 years and he has saved me money on several occasions and is very straight forward with advice.

The last issue was the return tubes on my 300SDL was leaking and I stopped by Paul as I was concerned about the strong smell.

Paul was on his way home but given the level of the leak he took 20 min. to replace all return tubes on the spot. He wished me a good weekend and didn't charge me a dime. Well he knows very well I will be back with either my 300SDL or my 560SEL as I do believe very strong in preventive maintenance and I totally trust Paul in making the calls.

Jari

Hey guys, I just wanted to share a great shop I found through a friend. It's located in North Bend which isn't too far east on I-90 from the Issaquah/Bellevue and surrounding areas.

It's called Star Company, Inc. The shop is run by an older gentleman by the name of name is Frank Pasich. He has a thick german accent and is very knowledgable in his work. I believe he's the only one who works at the shop as well. His hourly rate is $65 which isn't bad compared to a lot of other shops. He just did my 30,000 mile maintainence and my car runs great now.

I can give better directions, but the phone # is (425) 831-6171 and is located at 1208 Bendigo Blvd. N. in North Bend 98045.

He got it done very quicky, about one full day for the whole 30,000 mile go thru, and infact I got right in the same time I went to schedule because he's a pretty small shop with no long waits or appointments. I'll definately be back there for further work needed on my car, I'm glad I found this place!

Thanks for the info. I'm in the Factoria area and have been looking for a good place for a while.

Glad to hear. Just curious... I know there's a lot of places around in your area. Have you tried any of them? Isn't there a german car specialist shop right there in factoria?

Yes, I have used German Car in Factoria. They replaced the ignition tumbler in my other car (BMW). They did a good job but they broke a couple buttons on my radio which they had to remove to get to the ignition. Not a big deal but they didn't even metion it to me and the radio was only a couple week old. On the other had they did repair it quickly and there was no problem after I got the car back. They also detailed the car (inside and out) and changed a couple bulbs for no charge. He seemed like a good guy but I had mixed feelings about them. For the job they charged me $700; over the phone I checked with the dealer and they told me they charge about $400.

Any good indie shops in the Olympia, Washington or nearby?

The best mechanic, without a doubt, that I have ever had:

Ernie Schmidt
Mercedes Benz Service
Automeister II, Inc

work (425) 822-5708

12029 NE 85th Street
Kirkland WA 98033
USA

Note: One block east of Lee Johnson Chev on the same side of 85th tucked back in the corner of an auto strip mall.

Owner - Certified Technician
30 Years Experience

there HAS to bo one...where the mechanic will pay attention to my motor needs without inventing any...i have had that experience at a local dealership....thanks, stephanie

I have had good luck with this place in Seattle.


http://www.daimlerauto.com/

Honest guy, reasonable prices and works on models from the '50's on up.

Any recommendations?

In Seattle area, only one I've heard good about is someplace called "Benz Friends", or something like that. Not even sure where it's at, but I've heard that name tossed around for 10 or 12 years as being a good place. But they may only do Mercedes, as the name would suggest.
I use Conaway Motors in Everett. (They do all german brands)Been very pleased with them, but probably a bit far for you.

Hello,

Anyone know of any good MB indy's near Olympia/Centralia area? I have given up on my last garage in Tacoma since they seem to "invent" so many new things. I can handle the small stuff but need a good shop for larger things.

Thanks.

Might contact Zeitgeist. He lives down your way.
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/member.php?s=&action=getinfo&userid=13510

I've had good work done at Performance Motors in Lynnwood. Owner is Pete Sowl. 21116 67th Avenue West, 98036-7307. Phone is 425-775-5670. Worked on my late (and unlamented) '66 300SE coupe to good results.

Car Tender on Capitol Hill has worked on both my 6.3 and E420. I work downtown, so they're closer than Pete's place in Lynnwood.
1706 12th Avenue. 206-324-0345

Ravelli Motors 9400 Aurora Avenue North has seen my 6.3 and handled repairs well. 206-522-1888.

Benz Friends is awesome. Rob knows his stuff and can get you most anything for your older Benz. Takes a while to get in and a while to get out, but results are worth it.

Ranger-

Foster Wheel
4012 Leary Way NW
Seattle, WA 98107
206-789-5353

Shane or Cory will do you up right. Just re-finished some wheels I got off ebay for my E320.

I see that Ernie is back in business in a new location. This man is an outstanding mechanic and very reasonable. Highly recommended.

Ernie Schmidt
Automeister II, Inc
Mercedes Benz Service
Owner - Certified Technician
30 Years Experience

12029 NE 85th Street
Kirkland WA 98033
USA

mobile (866) 964-2886
work (425) 822-5708

One block east of Lee Johnson Chev on the same side of 85th tucked back in the corner of an auto strip mall.
Location Map (http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?country=us&address=12029+NE+85th+Street&city=Kirkland&state=WA&zip=98033)

Does anyone know a good shop in Spokane WA?

I found a place that works for me. My son bought a 190d that eventually required a rebuilt motor. This shop was extremely reasonable with the kid. Their shop rate is about a decade behind, but thats ok with me. Looks like they only do MBs and they have been at it for a very long time.

Friedel's Service
345 Factory Place North
Renton, Wa 98055

425.228.4262

They are located close to the Sunset Exit on 405.

I'll add another enthusiastic recommendation for Benz Friendz in South Seattle. I've also heard from reliable sources that the Mercedes Shoppe in Puyallup is very good, but that's too far away for me.

For an independent parts source, MBMW parts on Aurora Ave North in Seattle can't be beat. Abe, the owner, has been in business for over 25 years and can give lots of good advise. Dealer item parts there are often at about half the price you'd pay at the local dealers.

Body shops- fortunately so far I haven't needed their services for my MB. RNR in Bellevue has a good reputation but also has a reputation for being expensive. I used Bernard Import Bodyworks in Seattle for two collision repairs on my VW GTI and was very pleased with them. I would probably take my Benz to them as well if the need ever arose. They are a select repair shop for my auto insurer, which means that the insurer guarantees their work for as long as I own the car. Bellevue Auto Rebuild advertises in the local MBCA newsletter as specializing in MB; I haven't had any experience with them yet.

Marshall Welch
Seattle, WA
'82 300D-T 63,000 miles

I also enthusiastically recommend Foster's Wheel. They are reasonably priced. I've used them for over 10 years- multiple straightenings for the 15-inch BBS wheels on my VW GTI. With all of the potholes around here, I don't see how people can manage to drive around this town without denting those fancy big wheels with the low profile tires!

Marshall Welch
Seattle, WA
1982 300D-T 63,000 miles

I've heard that The Mercedes Shoppe in Puyallup is very good. I haven't used them myself.

Marshall Welch
Seattle
1982 300D-T

See my other posts on this forum.

Good independent BMW shops- Dan Patzer in Marysville- north of Everett- at least for the older BMW's- he's hard to beat. He might seem expensive, but that's because he does it right the first time. As far as I know he's still in business- keeps a colleague's 73 2002 tii running as good as new.

I've heard mixed reviews on Strictly BMW in Bellevue- some good reviews, though. The Car Tender in Seattle has a good reputation for Euro cars.

Marshall Welch
Seattle
82 300D-T 63,000 mi

Hi, guys. I'm looking for a decent shop in the South Seattle (Washington State) area. I'm already aware of Mercedes **to, Inc., in Lakewood. I'll never go back there-- horror story, I won't go into it. Anyway, I need to find an honest mechanic who can service a 1982 300SD at reasonable rates. Currently, my car has a major oil leak and a problem with the turbo that will probably require rebuild or repair, so they need to be capable of dealing with that. Thanks in advance for any replies.

P.S. This forum is the best!! I've done very few posts, because most of my questions have already been asked and answered. I've repaired quite a few common problems thanks to info posted by knowledgeable members.

How about THE MERCEDES SHOPPE In Puyallup. Steve is the owner, does a great job. Let me know if you want the address and phone....

Several good selections

http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=47797&highlight=benz+friends+seattle

Benz Friends is pretty highly regarded

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I ended up trying the Mercedes shoppe in Puyallup. I was pretty pleased. I met the owner, he was about as nice a guy as you could meet, and very knowledgeable. Diagnosed my leak/turbo problem and had it fixed up and out of there ASAP.

My job is moving me to Bellevue, and I wonder if anyone here can recommend any good shops in the area. Someone to do routine servicing and maintenance on my 126, and who could hopefully not be scared away by the fintail should it develop any hiccups.

Also, I am not sure if I like the looks of the parking garage in the building where I will be living...any members here on the eastside have a spare garage space to rent out? The fintail needs a safe-ish home.

I've had Schmitt Automotive Services in Bellevue work on my 300E and was very pleased. Their number is 425-957-4501.

I have used Friedel's Auto Service (in Renton WA, just South of Bellevue, 425-228-4262) for going on 25 years, and they have been excellent. Majority of work is on MB's, and know diesels very well. They are honest and know their stuff. They have kept my '77 240D in great shape, still strong (rebuilt engine at about 210K) at 385K miles...
I have been happy with them.

Thanks for the tips. When the 126 needs its next service, I'll try one of those. There seems to be a lot of MB here, not just new ones, so there must be a good shop here somewhere.

With out a doubt, the finest mechanic I have ever encountered for my Benz is Ernie Schmidt (not the same as Schmitt Auto) at AutomeisterII, now in Issaquah, just off of I-90. He is very reasonable in his charges, too.

Ernie Schmidt
Automeister II
1480 19th Ave NW
Issaquah WA 98027-5329
(425) 392-3012

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1480+19th+Ave+NW,+Issaquah,+WA+98027+(Ernie+Schmidt%3B+mobile+(425)+417-6199%3B+work+(425)+392-3012%3B+work+fax+(425)+392-2753)

I bought my car from Frank Schmitt at Schmitt's Automotive (not Ernie Schmidt in Kirkland) after he failed to sell it on ebay (he had bought it locally and fixed it up for resale). The experience was a good one. Everything was pretty much as represented, and when a title issue arose (because Utah has much stricter transfer standards than Washington), his wife did a lot of work to make it right - they had my money, I had the car and it was basically my responsibility; they could have been a lot less diligent, so it was appreciated. Also, he converted the A/C from R12 to R134 and did an amazing job - 2 years later, the A/C still blows too cold even in scorching weather, I have to redirect the vents so I don't freeze. I'd give Frank a shot if I lived there.

Looking for an independant Volvo repair place in North Seattle area. Have a 1984 240 wagon that needs looking after.

Thanks,
Rob

I checked out Ernie Schmitt of Automeister II in Kirkland, WA on dakota's recommend. I agree with dakota all the way. Ernie has a great deal of experience with MB but most important, he seems very honest and dosen't over charge. I'm already planning my major 90K mi. tune up with Ernie. If you are in the Seattle area, give him a try: you won't be disappointed ( Altought you might have a hard time finding his shop if you've never been there B4):)

I've been happy with Strickly Mercedes on Lake City Way / 80th. Haven't been there a lot but so far so good. Car Tender is a mile from my house but they always quote huge prices when I call them.

For alignment TruLine seems to be regarded as one of the best. Just a random looking place but there are always Ferrari's, MBs and Porsches in there. $180 for all 4 wheels but it was done well.

Benz Friends is just 80's and earlier Benz's AFAIK. They have a great rep locally.

I checked out Ernie Schmitt of Automeister II in Kirkland, WA on dakota's recommend. I agree with dakota all the way. Ernie has a great deal of experience with MB but most important, he seems very honest and dosen't over charge. I'm already planning my major 90K mi. tune up with Ernie. If you are in the Seattle area, give him a try: you won't be disappointed ( Altought you might have a hard time finding his shop if you've never been there B4):)

I have to totally agree on this one. I'd read about him here and that was worth a lot but the tipping point was a recommendation by the owner of a high-performance Porsche shop that has a lot of respect in our local sports car club. So I sent out to Issaquah to visit Ernie.

I had to drop the car off late at night due to schedule. He called a couple of days later to let me know that the big job (repairing my broken transmission) was complete, transmission as going back in and that he would be knocking out the other issues (I printed off a detailed list and left it in the car). Less than 1 weeks later my trans was fixed (needed seals and a new clutch pack), he's fixed my leaking valve cover gasket and replaced the caps/rotors, checked the plugs (in very good condition he said and did not need replacement), check out my HVAC system, did a brake inspection and geez.. a whole laundry list of stuff. In fact if I'd not show up a day before I said I would he was going to wash my car for me too!

And I got all that for less than 1/4th what the dealer wanted to charge for just the trans! Finally met Ernie when I picked up the car and I was very impressed with him.

BTW. The car runs great! I have reverse gears again, no more leaky valve cover and it drives straighter on the road and no more idle miss!

I give Automiester II a big thumbs up. Even though it will mean at least a 2 hour drive for me to get there, he'll have my business again!!!

I shouldn't post this because it will just mean I'll probably have to wait longer for service. Nevertheless,

Friedel's in Renton is absolutely tops! They've specialized in MB's forever and know absolutely everything. I just bought my first MB a month or so ago mainly because I know Friedel's is in town. Highly recommended. If they ever close, I don't know what I'd do. They're terrrific.

I shouldn't post this because it will just mean I'll probably have to wait longer for service. Nevertheless,

Friedel's in Renton is absolutely tops! They've specialized in MB's forever and know absolutely everything. I just bought my first MB a month or so ago mainly because I know Friedel's is in town. Highly recommended. If they ever close, I don't know what I'd do. They're terrrific.
Great to know, they are in the area. Somehow I had not heard of them until now though.

Thanks Kevin

How about in the Tacoma area? I live in Steilacoom and have need of a shop that can replace the ignition switch and lock. Any good reputable shops in this area?

Has anyone been to Ravelli motors in Seattle? I have heard some positive things about them but would like to hear from someone who has used them.

I took my 84 300D to Ravelli for Fuel Line replacement. The owner was quick, and did a good job, but wasn't the informative type. I like to learn about what was done and why. He is more of the "your car is done" type without sharing. His shop rate is $95/hr as of Fall 2007.

I decided to try Automeister in Issaquah for my 300D's valve adjustment. While in for the adjustment, Ernie also noticed a few minor things and repaired them at no additional cost -- tightened up play in steering wheel, adjusted overfilled Automatic Transmission fluid, and replaced a few burnt out dash bulbs. Overall, it was a very good experience, except for the hassle of getting to Issaquah!

I took my 500E to Automiester in Issaquah for a major transmission service. Ernie did an excellent job, resurecting the complex transmisison (it lost reverse and 1st gears completly). It's been over 10,000 since the overhaul he did. AND the price was appropriate. He also did a tuneup, checked my timing chains and plugs (all of which were in excellent condition and did not need service).

I would have no reservations about taking my vehicle to him again for service, I just wish I did not have to drive 90 miles to do it.

The "Mercedes Shoppe" on South hill in Puyallup has always been fair price and excellent work on my 500SL. Steve has been working only on Mercedes for 30+ years and knows the cars inside and out. I work in the auto business and I think he is the best in the area.
J Johnson