Anyone know about car engines and motor mounts?

Early B.

I picked up my car (1998 Mercedes C280 with 85K miles) from the auto mechanic today and he said I need new motor mounts and that it'll cost about $500. My car vibrates like a diesel truck when I stop at a stop sign or red light, but since I don't know much about cars, I thought I'd ask a few questions before my mechanic bends me over:

- is his estimate in the ballpark?
- what could potentially happen if I continue to ignore the problem?
- how many mounts are needed on my car? (They are sold in pairs)

Here's why I'm really asking the question - I had to take my car to the shop because I needed a new crank position sensor. The mechanic charged me $128 for the part, but they are available online brand new for less than $40. Before I bend over again, I just want my mechanic to use vasoline next time. In other words, I'd prefer to save money and buy the parts myself, then just pay for labor.

Thanks.

Serendipity

I'm no expert, but I'd think that if you continue to ignore the problem the engine would vibrate more and more until one of the motor mounts break.

When you put the car into reverse, does it shake a bit?

zingo

New motor mounts usually only happens to certain car brands; I don't know if Mercedes is one of them. If you don't trust his price, I would buy them yourself like you were saying, or just find a mechanic you don't feel is **** you.

You will probably need 4 mounts (2 pairs), but I don't know for sure.

michael_w

Apples and oranges here comparing different cars, but one of the mounts in my 95 camry went and it cost me about $170 including labor to fix. That was for one mount (only one in the front).

billbillw

I believe there are other things that could/will go wrong if you ignore the problem. If the motor shifts because of broken mounts, everything that is connected to the motor could be out of alignment. Your powered accessories (alternator, AC pump, fans) could end up rubbing on other things in your engine compartment.

For more info, I'd check the various Mercedes Owner's forums. They usually have a technical/garage section for people like you looking for answers.

Jstas

It seems that the the parts are going to be expensive because you can only get the mounts from Mercedes. The dealer will rape you on parts. I wouldn't doubt that they were over 150 a piece. Also, they are alot of work to replace since the engine has to be supported on at least one side while the mounts are being replaced.

Also, just because you can find the part for $40 online doesn't mean that you got ripped off on the $128. Often times parts listed as "new" are actually refurbished. I've seen that alot on eBay. Also, online places may have a part for 1/3rd the price but they will rape you on shipping. Beware of anything on eBay too. But for the price difference, he probably could not find the part at a local source and had to go to a dealer. Many of the parts at steep discount that you see online are at a steep discount because they will make up the money in shipping and if you are out of state, they likely get around all the fees, taxes and other such BS. So they can cut the price to make it look favorable so you buy from them instead of local.

Not every mechanic is out to rip you off. Should you be wary? Yes. But if you go behind the dude's back, he might get ticked off and not want you coming around because the lack of trust is insulting to people. So be careful how you approach it and if you don't like the price, have him call before he does any work. Then ask why the parts cost so much. He'll give you an explanation and then you can offer to find the parts cheaper but, time is usually of the essence.

shack

Find out if there is another "Mercedes" or "German Auto" shop in your area and get a second quote. Aren't you in the Atlanta area? There should be a bunch of them around. Also check with auto part stores that specialize in German or European auto parts. They may even be able to do the work or know someone who can.

Early B.

Jstas wrote: »

It seems that the the parts are going to be expensive because you can only get the mounts from Mercedes. The dealer will rape you on parts. I wouldn't doubt that they were over 150 a piece. Also, they are alot of work to replace since the engine has to be supported on at least one side while the mounts are being replaced.

Also, just because you can find the part for $40 online doesn't mean that you got ripped off on the $128. Often times parts listed as "new" are actually refurbished. I've seen that alot on eBay. Also, online places may have a part for 1/3rd the price but they will rape you on shipping. Beware of anything on eBay too. But for the price difference, he probably could not find the part at a local source and had to go to a dealer. Many of the parts at steep discount that you see online are at a steep discount because they will make up the money in shipping and if you are out of state, they likely get around all the fees, taxes and other such BS. So they can cut the price to make it look favorable so you buy from them instead of local.

Not every mechanic is out to rip you off. Should you be wary? Yes. But if you go behind the dude's back, he might get ticked off and not want you coming around because the lack of trust is insulting to people. So be careful how you approach it and if you don't like the price, have him call before he does any work. Then ask why the parts cost so much. He'll give you an explanation and then you can offer to find the parts cheaper but, time is usually of the essence.

We all know that mechanics mark up the cost of parts two or three times the actual retail value of your local auto parts store. Where does the extra money go? In their pockets. Most consumers aren't aware of it. The mechanics aren't necessarily being dishonest -- they're simply shifting the cost from labor to parts. If they didn't do that, the cost for labor would probably be well over $100/hour. Cost shifting is done everywhere -- health care, funeral services, real estate...you name it.

Informed consumers should do whatever is in their best interest to minimize the cost of products and maintenance. A smart mechanic probably won't turn away business from a customer who brings his own parts with him. I've done that several times in the past with no problems.

hoosier21

you own a Mercedes and want to nickle and dime.. lol

I am starting to wonder if you ****, will you come on here and ask if you did it right

nothing really wrong with posting every single thought/question/problem you might have in life, but damn Brad, do you perform a single function in life without posting it on the forum?

hey love ya bro, poking fun at ya and all, but damn dude

Jstas

Early B. wrote: »

We all know that mechanics mark up the cost of parts two or three times the actual retail value of your local auto parts store. Where does the extra money go? In their pockets. Most consumers aren't aware of it. The mechanics aren't necessarily being dishonest -- they're simply shifting the cost from labor to parts. If they didn't do that, the cost for labor would probably be well over $100/hour. Cost shifting is done everywhere -- health care, funeral services, real estate...you name it.

Informed consumers should do whatever is in their best interest to minimize the cost of products and maintenance. A smart mechanic probably won't turn away business from a customer who brings his own parts with him. I've done that several times in the past with no problems.

Uhhhh...no. I know several honest mechanics that don't do that. If you are going to approach the situation with that attitude then there is nothing I can do to help you. You're on your own. Sucks to be you.

Early B.

hoosier21 wrote: »

you own a Mercedes and want to nickle and dime.. lol

I am starting to wonder if you ****, will you come on here and ask if you did it right

nothing really wrong with posting every single thought/question/problem you might have in life, but damn Brad, do you perform a single function in life without posting it on the forum?

hey love ya bro, poking fun at ya and all, but damn dude

I post here because most times you 'effers have the right answers!!

Hell, yeah, I nickel and dime. That's why I bought a 10-year old Mercedes.

And yes, I've already posted here about my farts.

Got any other questions?

hoosier21

Early B. wrote: »

Got any other questions?

is the Promitheus TB better than sex?

Ricardo

I have changed mounts in a few minutes; of course it might be different for different cars....but I wouldn't think too different. Your car should be easy. If you have a 6 in line there, you'll probably have one mount on each side.
-Support engine (jack + 2 by 4 will work)
-remove mount's bolts/nuts.
-raise engine
-replace mounts
-lower engine
-bolts/nuts
-done.

Early B.

hoosier21 wrote: »

is the Promitheus TB better than sex?

Nope. The TB chafes.

candyliquor35m

You can save a lot of money by buying your own parts and finding a honest mechanic that will only charge you for the length of time he thinks it will take instead of what the book says. When you buy your own parts, the mechanic will not guarantee his labor if your parts turn out to be defective once they are installed. With motor mounts you don't need a guarantee.

Stay away from ebay for auto parts unless the car is so old that no one else stocks it. Go to O'Reillys, autozone or whatever parts retailer you have in your area. If they don't have it, buy it from the dealer.

One more thing, anyone can work on a mercedes. They aren't any harder to work on than a chevy.

Early B.

Ricardo wrote: »

I have changed mounts in a few minutes; of course it might be different for different cars....but I wouldn't think too different. Your car should be easy. If you have a 6 in line there, you'll probably have one mount on each side.
-Support engine (jack + 2 by 4 will work)
-remove mount's bolts/nuts.
-raise engine
-replace mounts
-lower engine
-bolts/nuts
-done.

Thanks, Ricardo.

madmax

If you are worried about price and workmanship, start doing your own repairs. I do and I don't know a whole lot about anything. You just have to get in there and do it.
madmax

disneyjoe7

Part and labor is what you're paying, seems a little high but I don't know Mercedes parts. I say get another estimate to see if this is in the ball park or not as trust in your mechanic is everything.

Not replacing mounts could cost you big. I placed an engine in a car I built and knew a engine mount was bad (Just a kid and no cash figured what's in the engine counted not was bolted from engine counted.).... Long story short no long later I needed a transmission also as the engine mount being bad placed a great force on the transmission case placing a 20" crack around it. I quickly lost a lot of tranny fluid and found on later just how bad this all was.

Well it cost me a lot more then the mount.

joeparaski

Why don't you have your mechanic show you the engine mounts on the car? Tell him you are interested in seeing what an broken engine mount(s) look like and how they affect the car.

For what service did you bring the car in for in the first place? (to which he then found the motor mount problem).

Never get an estimate done at one place and the repair done at another. Always get the repair done by the "qualified" person that checked it in the first place.

Joe

4406bbl

All I will tell you is use Mercedes parts only if it is a rubber motor mount or driveline part. My son changed his mounts and driveline parts with cheap replacements on his BMW and got to replace it all again,some of the auto store made in china or india rubber stuff is junk. Some Mercedes use a fluid mount,that may explain the high cost,go to a Mercedes chat and ask.

66chevyIISS

I won't repeat what others have already said, but I will comment on bringing your own parts. The shop I used to work at many years ago didn't really have a problem with installing parts the customer purchased on there own, but we would not warranty any work done with the customers part.

Scenario: You go and buy the motor mount to save $50-$100 and we charge you $350 to install it. A month goes by and you come back with the same problem. Well that $100 you just saved with your part is now out the window because its going to cost you another $350 for me to fix it again. Where as if you spent the extra $100 on my part we would have ate that $350 labor cost.

I don't know any shop that will warranty a part unless it was purchased through them. My advice would be to weigh your options wisely.

heiney9

All I can say is if you are using the dealership they rape people. Me personally I do a lot research on-line. There has to be several competent places on line that have a similar issue that can give you advice.

I own a Volkswagen and I use this site as a resource

WWW.VWVORTEX.COM

I assume there are the same types of places for Mercedes. You can compare notes and models and common problems as well as typical costs and DIY write-ups and generally get some solid advice.

If you are wanting to save some money or figure out the best solution to a problem or both Google is your friend. It takes time and effort to do the leg work but you'll probably know more than your typical mechanic if you learn.

If you don't have the time to learn and research, then STFU and pay through the nose for the convenience of having someone do ALL the work for you.

H9

Face

Dealers don't jack up the price, they usually will charge list price.

As others have mentioned, yeah, you can get it for cheaper somewhere else. But, they installer usually won't warrantee the part if it's defective or goes bad shortly after it's installed. Then you're attempt in saving money will only cost you more in the long run.

Either find a garage that specializes in foreign auto repair or pay out the rear at the dealer. Welcome to the world of Mercedes.

Early B.

Face wrote: »

As others have mentioned, yeah, you can get it for cheaper somewhere else. But, they installer usually won't warrantee the part if it's defective or goes bad shortly after it's installed.

OK, so I suppose I need to find another mechanic because he didn't offer me a written warranty on the parts he installed.

tonyb

No,but the dealer will.Yeah,dealers are rip off artist for sure,but if you lack the know how to do it yourself,get it done right.Especialy if you plan on keeping the car a while.

pearsall001

That's the downside of those boutique cars...Mercedes, BMW, Lexus etc. etc., you pay thru the nose on repairs for the "privelege of owning one". It's no different from owning a boat...a luxury that's going to cost you at every turn. Enjoy!!!

Early B.

pearsall001 wrote: »

That's the downside of those boutique cars...Mercedes, BMW, Lexus etc. etc., you pay thru the nose on repairs for the "privelege of owning one". It's no different from owning a boat...a luxury that's going to cost you at every turn. Enjoy!!!

I have a "baby Mercedes." Trust me, it ain't luxurious. I ripped out the cassette player a few months ago and installed a $69 CD player. No factory-installed GPS with XM radio here, my friend. The most impressive aspect of the car is the cup holder. I only bought it in hopes of getting 200,000 miles or more out of it, unlike the American cars I've owned in the past.

heiney9

pearsall001 wrote: »

That's the downside of those boutique cars...Mercedes, BMW, Lexus etc. etc., you pay thru the nose on repairs for the "privelege of owning one". It's no different from owning a boat...a luxury that's going to cost you at every turn. Enjoy!!!

There is a small amount of truth to that, except all cars are so sophisticated now they are all expensive to fix.

Brad, if the price you are quoted is from the dealer that's about right. Based on your very brief description it sounds like the diagnosis is correct. I always keep up on maintenance like this because as has been mentioned it leads to other problems if let go or is unknown. I bet one of your mounts went and since it wasn't fixed (or diagnosed) right away now they all need replacing.

I have been extremely lucky to have found an excellent local mechanic who specializes in VW/Audi and he's been my mechanic for over 20 years. He's extremely knowledgeable, stands behind his work/parts 100%, has become a good friend and is very reasonable priced compared to the dealer. Plus he knows all the latest fixes and faults as well as having all the tools/equipment necessary. I feel extremely lucky to have found him and he's been hinting at retirement lately and I'm not sure what I'm going to do now.

The dealer is usually excellent but you pay through the nose for all their overhead. As I suggested before go in-line and gain some knowledge so atleast when they give you a quote you know exactly what and why it costs so much.

I can tell you on GTi all but one of the motor mounts are fairly straight forward to replace but the "one" is PITA to get to meaning higher labor cost. Also depending on which MM it is all but one are reasonably priced. One of the mounts is special and filled with fluid and is much more expensive than the others. Probably the way it is on your Merc.

Good luck

H9

Early B.

The real reason I brought this issue up is because I'm challenged with the prospect of spending $500 right now on my car. That's why I'm exploring other alternatives. I just spent almost $400 on the car in the past week. So I'm not trying to be a cheapskate here; I gotta deal with my own economic reality and juggle a few things that take precedent over the motor mounts. I obviously want to get the work done, and if I can get it done cheaper, then that's what I'm gonna do. If not, then I have some decisions to make. That's life. No big deal.

strider

Alldata says 3.5 hours labor plus the price of parts. I'd say $500 would be about in the ballpark for what I'd expect to pay somebody to do it.

sucks2beme

The only real way to save money is to do it yourself. Dealers have a high overhead. That's just the way it is. Is it a ripoff? It's like buying amps and speakers from those small 2 channel shops. You are paying someone who
knows the product and carries a full line of parts and service. Either pay
the pros, find a lower overhead shop to save some money, or DIY and
save big. Three choices. Pick one.