[W124] Re: [Mercedes] looking for quick sanity check on sudden cooling system repair needs

[Steve Nervig]

On Dec 9, 2005, at 1:28 PM, Alec Cordova wrote:

> Well, my 89 300CE didn't survive the freeze we just got in the Austin,
> Texas area. She was overheating on this morning's commute, and only
> giving me cold air in the cabin, even on defrost. Upper and lower rad
> hoses were warm. Heater hose coming off the back of the head was warm
> near the head, but not warm on the other end.
>
> Mercedes of Georgetown, which isn't my favorite but does give free
> loaner cars, claims my radiator is leaking and my thermostat needs to
> be replaced. They also say my water pump has some extra play in the
> shaft and is probably on its way out, although it's not leaking yet.
>
> They want almost $700 to replace the rad and thermostat, plus another
> $700-ish to do the water pump. Not yet clear if that includes the
> couple hours of labor saved by replacing the water pump while they're
> in there for the rad and thermostat.
>
> The car has almost 197K miles, and she's in reasonably good shape
> except for the climate control blower, which I'm pretty sure is not
> the blower motor itself. I had shocks, struts, and front suspension
> rubber replaced a year or so ago, so that's all good. Some of the
> wife's recent expenses leave me in a position where I probably
> shouldn't replace the car (which kinda stinks, since John M on the
> diesel list is selling his 91 300D 2.5, and I'm sure he's got it in
> great shape), so I'm basically committed to repairing this one.
>
> Do those numbers sound like the right ballpark for these repairs at a
> stealership? I know the radiator and thermostat retail for $250 -
> $300, and the water pump retails for about $230.
>
> I need to give them a Go or No Go within the next hour or so.
>
> Why oh why must I be so addicted to these cars? ;-)
>
> Thanks,
> Alec Cordova
> Taylor, Texas
> 89 300CE, 196K

Alex, here are some numbers I found in the STAR Time Guide:

R&I Rad		1.2 hours
Thermostat	.5 hours
Coolant Pump	3.9 hours, 3.4 hours with Rad removed.

Draining and filling coolant and possible flush might add a bit of  
time. I would think a skilled tech would be able to beat those book  
times by anearly half, but of course that isn't the way it usually  
works.

If it were me, after driving a coupe, I can't imagine trading it in  
and driving a stinker, but that's just me. ;-)  But you are probably  
right, John will have his car in great shape (I've seen it).

If you've had the valve/guides/heads done recently, I'd keep it.

Regards,
Steve Nervig
Seattle
1990 300E
1992 300CE Sportline


--
If you don't know where you're going,
any road will do.