Does this work sound legit and a decent price?

[Janes360]

Hi there. I have an 11 year old navy blue convertible beauty (E350SE). She's just been serviced and the garage recommended some proactive repairs to address the following:
1. Slight play in the nearside front suspension lower front arm ball joint
2 Ball joint gaiters split (no play) on: offside front suspension lower front arm ball joint; nearside front suspension lower rear arm ball joint; offside front suspension lower rear arm ball joint.
They said the way Mercedes manufacture you can't just replace the gaiter, you have to replace the whole suspension arms. They said that the work is not urgent but will need doing at some point and can affect tyre tread wear.
They want £700 to do this work.

I took a punt buying this beautiful car last year at a good price despite high mileage (c120k), she's in immaculate condition etc. I never knew I could love a car this much hahaha. So maybe this is just the cost of getting an expensive car fairly cheaply. I'm an absolute newbie to all this so any advice would be really appreciated.
Thank you!

 

[AMGeed]

Welcome to the forum Jane
It sounds like the garage is giving you an informed opinion and not pushing you towards having the outlined work done immediately.
Once cars reach 100k+ miles suspension parts do tend to need replacing due to wear and tear.

In your position I'd find a Mercedes specialist in your area and get a second opinion and quote before going ahead.
The E class is a great car and well worth spending money on to maintain it.
If you mention your location maybe someone can recommend a specialist (indy) to look at your car.

 

[AntMB]

I'd wait and see what the next MOT throws up.....

 

[Rpp999]

Reading the post I was thinking along the same lines as the above post, when was the last MOT and was there any advisories.

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

If you let us know whereabout in the UK you're based, someone might be able to recommend a local independent specialist.

As for the urgency of the repair... I don't know when your next MOT is due, but keep in mine that the split gaters are definitely an MOT fail, and possibly also some of the other issues raised by the garage.

(EDIT: just saw AntMB's post)

And, if you like the car and intend to keep it for the long run, it might be worth investing a little more and replacing other suspension components that are likely to show their age, while the mechanic is there.

Additionally, keep in mind that it's always recommended to replace suspension components in pairs, on the premise that if one side went, the other will soon follow.

A good garage will use either genuine MB suspension parts, or Lemforder (a very reputable manufacturer), so do check what parts they intend to use to make sure they are of OE quality.

Good luck.

 

[MrGreedy]

I own a 10 year old E350, and I'm readying myself for replacing all that you have listed.

I've already purchased gearbox and the two engine mounts as well, because these will need to be changed also. Replacement of all this suspension type stuff is very common as these big powerful cars tick over 10 years/100k miles.
Like you, my car is in great condition, and the cost of a bit of larger than average repairs at 10 years is a small price to pay for avoiding the £40k depreciation that someone else has paid for!

For suspension and mounts go with Lemforder parts if you are not using Mercedes genuine parts. Accept nnothing else unless it is urgent and there is no stock available. Once done, it should be good for another 11 years!

Welcome and good luck. Keep us informed.

Edit: Ha! I see markjay beat me to half my post

 

[markjay]

Also, for info, your 2010 E-Class Convertible model code is A207, which is good to know when looking-up parts (it will share most parts - other than roof and boot etc - with the C207, which is the E-Class Coupe).

The car is in fact based on the W204 which is the C-Class saloon of the era, rather than on the W212 which is the E-Class Saloon, which can be confusing.

Also, if you type-in your VIN (which will start with WDD207xxxxxxxxxx) in here:

MBEpc.net

mbepc.net

It will show you the list of options that the car left the factory with.

 

[AMGeed]

Having seen you are in Tonbridge Kent, this is the guy to contact for servicing and repairs.

Mercedes Servicing, Tuning, Remapping Tonbridge | AMF Automotive

 

[Janes360]

Welcome to the forum Jane
It sounds like the garage is giving you an informed opinion and not pushing you towards having the outlined work done immediately.
Once cars reach 100k+ miles suspension parts do tend to need replacing due to wear and tear.

In your position I'd find a Mercedes specialist in your area and get a second opinion and quote before going ahead.
The E class is a great car and well worth spending money on to maintain it.
If you mention your location maybe someone can recommend a specialist (indy) to look at your car.

many thanks!

 

[Janes360]

Reading the post I was thinking along the same lines as the above post, when was the last MOT and was there any advisories.

less than 6 months ago and no advisories

 

[Janes360]

Welcome.

If you let us know whereabout in the UK you're based, someone might be able to recommend a local independent specialist.

As for the urgency of the repair... I don't know when your next MOT is due, but keep in mine that the split gaters are definitely an MOT fail, and possibly also some of the other issues raised by the garage.

(EDIT: just saw AntMB's post)

And, if you like the car and intend to keep it for the long run, it might be worth investing a little more and replacing other suspension components that are likely to show their age, while the mechanic is there.

Additionally, keep in mind that it's always recommended to replace suspension components in pairs, on the premise that if one side went, the other will soon follow.

A good garage will use either genuine MB suspension parts, or Lemforder (a very reputable manufacturer), so do check what parts they intend to use to make sure they are of OE quality.

Good luck.

That's helpful, many thanks. MOT was done in June this year. I'll check re the parts.

 

[Janes360]

That's helpful, many thanks. MOT was done in June this year. I'll check re the parts.

Sorry, forgot to say, I'm in Kent. Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook kind of area. Thanks

 

[Janes360]

Also, for info, your 2010 E-Class Convertible model code is A207, which is good to know when looking-up parts (it will share most parts - other than roof and boot etc - with the C207, which is the E-Class Coupe).

The car is in fact based on the W204 which is the C-Class saloon of the era, rather than on the W212 which is the E-Class Saloon, which can be confusing.

Also, if you type-in your VIN (which will start with WDD207xxxxxxxxxx) in here:

MBEpc.net

mbepc.net

It will show you the list of options that the car left the factory with.

That's fantastic, thank you very much!