6 of 1 and half a dozen

[c955]

My W124 coupe's due for its MOT in a couple of weeks. I don't think it's going to fail on anything. There are a couple of things that'd be nice to have looked at such as the oil pressure sender, a temperamental indicator relay and a quote for sorting the front wheel arch (most of the lip is rusted).

My dilemma is whether to take the car to the general mechanics just up the road from me or to a MB dealer like Purslows a 35 min train ride away.

The local chap will be cheapest, but I'm not sure how he'll manage IF there is a problem with passing the MOT.

Purslows, I imagine, can sort out whatever needs sorting out; at a price naturally.

Opinions as to the best course of action please...

 

[Ian B Walker]

I would use a reputable Indi, but you would expect me to say that.

 

[Will]

Only a few miles from you is TM Motors, a very good MB independant and a good MB bodyshop next door - for the age and type of vehicle I would think this type of work would be more suited to a place like this - the money saved on the repairs can go towards a new wing and fitting

Will

 

[grober]

Body Coloured Wheel Arch Trims

As Ian and Will say a good Independant Merc specialist every time. Many present day dealership mechanics are not too familiar with the older models. You will save "mucho dinero " and get a better job IMHO. And while we are on the subject of rusted wings has anyone tried the chrome wheel arches and WAIT FOR IT! WAIT FOR IT! tried spraying them the body colour. Wouldnt look so "bling" and would be an easy DIY. Wonder if anyones tried it??

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Gotta be better to remove the bodypanel and respray it? Better sorting it now rather than leaving it to get to a point where you have to buy a new wing.

 

[Will]

Got to be best to replace the whole wing I'd say - more cost effective long term than trying to bodge up a rusty one (most of the lip has rusted?)

Will

 

[c955]

Thank you for the advice. I knew someone would be able to offer a helpful solution!

I'll give TM Motors and Colin Ferns a call to get an idea of what they're both like.

As I'd like to keep my car for a while, getting the whole wing replaced sounds more appealing. However, I'll wait to see what the indies say - assuming my funds don't have to take care of a load of MOT problems first...

 

[Gollom]

Just as a guide, we had the wing on Carol's W124 done and if I recall it cost IRO £150 with a very well matched paint job!

 

[Howard]

I can vouch for Colin Ferns, he's a very good indi .....