Hello all!!!Need a lil advise. Looking at a 99 C280 Sport w/ 104K miles (dealer wants $8K).

Took it to a MB Specialist yesterday. Says it needs:
1)Lower Ball Joints (part $70, labor $360)
2)Tie Rod Ends (parts $268, labor $180)
3) Front and Rear Rotors and pads (rotors $170, pads $90, labor $180)
4) Alignment ($90)
5) AC needs freon ($90 to hook to machine + freon)

Question is.....Do I need to take it to a MB specialist to have work completed??? I'm trying to save $$$. What can I trust to the average mechanic?

Also, notsure if 100K mile service has been completed. Car seems to drive fine. Should I invest in the items above or have service completed? Is it worth the trouble?

Any advise would be well appreciated!!!

 

Every town has a skilled Mercedes mechanic it seems. I would investigate getting as much done by that person as possible. I don't think i would take it to just any mechanic around town though. Certain things on these vehicles just are done better by someone who knows about these cars, especially the newer vehicles (1995 and on). For a car of that age, I would never recommend going to the dealer unless it was under warranty or a recall, etc. I have a 2000 C-280 and have been driving it for the past 2 years. It has been a wonderful car and had no major maintenance issues to speak of. I think once you get these issues resolved you will find yourself behind the wheel of a very pleasurable and dependable vehicle.Good luck!

 

I agree. The suspension parts should be gravy for any good alignment shop, who will also be able to do the brakes. The refrigerant (a 99 will be running 134a, not Freon) is also routine for shops that do AC work.
Your prices seem to show that you aren't dealing with a dealership.

 

if u havent bought it yet dont i would never buy a car that i have to spend money on right off the back. u can find something better.

 

Thanks all. Regarding AC...what type of refrigerant should I be using for a 99 C280 sport? I'm not familiar with 132A. Is there a major diffrence between 134 and 132? I'm leaning heavily on your experiences.
Thanks

 

134a, my brain jam.

 

DONT BUY! I have a 2000 C280 with only 60,000 miles and it has been nothing but trouble. Nothing mayjor just little stupid stuff. Go with a W210 E class 1996-2002 or a W203 C Class 2001 and newer. This c class are not bilt good in my opinion and the interior seems cheap. If you realy want a c class get an 2001 or newer they are way better in my opinion.

 

www.GERICIA.COM

WWW.KMSPARTS.COM

WWW.MODS4CARS.COM

WWW.VDOREPAIR.CO.UK

WWW.PERFORMANCEPRODUCTS4BENZ.COM

WWW.SPEEDTUNINGUSA.COM

WWW.BENZWORLD.COM

WWW.LARKSPEED.CO.UK

WWW.CKSPERFORMANCE.COM

WWW.A_R_TTUNING.CO.UK

THAT SHOULD HELP AND ALOT OF UR STUFF IS REALLY HANDS ON AND DO IT URSELF W RENTAL TOOLS FROM ADVANCE U GET UR MONEY BACK WHEN U RETURN THEM. SAVE UR LABOR MONEY AND UR WALLET LIKE 400 BUCKS AND SEE THE DIFF. EVERY CAR HAS WEAKNESSES N FLAWS ITS UP TO U IF U WANNA WORK THRU THEM OR FIND WHAT THEY ARE N FIX THEM. SORRY FOR CAPS AT SCHOOL TODAY NO WAY TO GET THEM OFF. CIAO

 

Thanks for all the advice! Haggled the dealer to repair the front endand recharge the AC. Love the car...can't get it outta my head now! Since I'm in themilitary I have access to the auto craft shop (tools and lifts). I'd really like to do the basic maintenance on it (oil, brakes, coolant, etc...). With it being a MB, can I do this stuff myself? If so, could anyone suggest a good repair manual? I'll need one with pictures!

Again thanks....great feedback!!!!