How much do you think all this will cost (parts+labour) - I'm considering some DIY !

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R

rossyl

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693
Location
N.London
Car
CLK 230K W208 Coupe (1999)(Auto)
Well there's a fair few things i want fixed on my car. However, I'm keen to avoid big bills. I'm considering DIY, but i don't want to spend a load on parts then have to sacrifice a weekend (which I live for!) to fiddle and be ultimately unsuccessful.

So I could take instead just take it to Cars with Stars in Muswell Hill, and ask them to do everything (any thoughts on them?)

So if you could assist in estimating cost of parts, cost of labour, and skill/time needed for each of the below, that would be great!

1. Drivers door check strap
- this has completely come away, and I can hear it rattling in the door. Not sure how bad it is, but there is a dent from the inside coming out.
- might be worth checking passenger side check strap.

2. A/C Condenser and Drier
- Parts i think i'll get off http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/body...-stonechips-por15-bilt-hamber.html#post844963

3. Wing mirror, mirror not going left&right only up&down
- looks very fiddly to get the mirror on and off.
- no idea what parts might be needed.

4. Spray rear bumper

5. Installation of Parking Dynamics PD1.

6. Oil change/Star Diagnostic

Thanks guys.

R
 
rossyl said:
Well there's a fair few things i want fixed on my car. However, I'm keen to avoid big bills. I'm considering DIY, but i don't want to spend a load on parts then have to sacrifice a weekend (which I live for!) to fiddle and be ultimately unsuccessful.

So I could take instead just take it to Cars with Stars in Muswell Hill, and ask them to do everything (any thoughts on them?)

So if you could assist in estimating cost of parts, cost of labour, and skill/time needed for each of the below, that would be great!

1. Drivers door check strap
- this has completely come away, and I can hear it rattling in the door. Not sure how bad it is, but there is a dent from the inside coming out.
- might be worth checking passenger side check strap.

2. A/C Condenser and Drier
- Parts i think i'll get off http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/body...-stonechips-por15-bilt-hamber.html#post844963

3. Wing mirror, mirror not going left&right only up&down
- looks very fiddly to get the mirror on and off.
- no idea what parts might be needed.

4. Spray rear bumper

5. Installation of Parking Dynamics PD1.

6. Oil change/Star Diagnostic

Thanks guys.

R
Click to expand...

I'd take it to Olly at PCS myself.
 
Mirror and oil change not too difficult, you could pick up a secondhand mirror from a breaker but the rest...

I agree with Alfie, take it to Olly.:)

The bumper will need to be sprayed in a booth by a professional to get a good finish.
 
I've asked Olly for a quote.

The independant I took it to last was S#!&...I've notice a couple of scratches on the interior and exterior on return...not happy but just so sick of him! Also the paintwork in general isn't the best, so it would only lead to an argument.
 
1. remove the door trim card to see what you are dealing with. ---search for some how to's on the net.

2.leave to a aircon specialist

3.take off the mirror cover to see whats going on----there's a how to on here somewhere on a mirror from a similar model. The mirror often just clips into 2 small ball ended adjusters on the motorised unit--simple fix.

4. spray rear bumper- easy DIY with the right AEROSOL cans from MB a bit of masking, bumper filler, and some fine wet and dry and your away. Its a bumper after all not a wing.

5. probably needs the rear bumper removing-- fiddly job for one person and attachment bolts can be rusted up, so more time consuming than you might think.

6. oil+filter change easy if you know the basics--you may need to buy a dipstick on Ebay £10 (but good investment for future if there isn't one on the car

7. Star diagnostic needs a specialist [e.g. OLLY] to interpret the codes properly.

Most of these jobs are labour intensive rather than requiring expensive parts apart from maybe the aircon. It really depends on how much you value your leisure time v paying for someone to do this for you.
 
Last edited:
Thanks grober.

1.
Taking the door card off seems like a hassle, but i might have a look. Also it might inform me as to what parts i actually need, and if Olly (or someone) is needed.

3.
Will look at the mirror, but i fear not being able to put it back on.

4.
Bumper, got to say i'm a bit concerned about this, might have to do some more research.

6. Oil change.
I've done it on Peugeots, and my old Fiesta! but the four bolts on the bottom look like a pain, and i only have the standard jack...not a trolley.


I suppose how much i do all depends onOllys costs, got to factor in petrol.
 
Re - the oil change. You should be able to remove the undertray and sump plug quite easily, you don't need to jack it up either.

You will however need a tool to remove the oil filter housing lid.

Being 100% honest with you, it sounds as though most of what you're looking to do will need some skills/tools/experience that might prevent you from carrying out the work yourself. On that note, it could be better for you to pay a specialist to do the work for you and try and do some extra work/overtime at what you're skilled at to help pay for the repairs? :)

Will
 
Of course it also depends on how capable you are at DIY,& have you got all the tools you'll need. Really think any car owner should have all the basics like trolleyjack, ramps, socket set, metric spanners etc etc
 
The door check is pretty straightforward , part only a tenner or so last time I bought one . You need to remove the door card and undo ( from memory ) 3 small bolts ; also knock out the pin securing the strap to the A pillar . The unit should then drop out inside the door - method of refitting should be fairly self evident . Once the door checks jam up ( common fault ) you can do real damage to the door by forcing it - best not to delay .

That job is easy diy , the others are probably better left to a pro if you're not confident about doing them .
 
Thanks guys.

I do have some experience, I have removed refitted front panel, headlights, radiators, bumpers, etc on a peugeot 405...with only the aid of a normal car jack! I also have a socket set, but that is it.

Thing is I was 18 then, and I'm lazy now!!

The mirror I will look at, the oil change - i will have a think, the door card I will look into further but if i'm having the other bits and bobs done might just leave that to a pro.

Costs?
 
My car needs more than yours! haha

1.Air con not working
2.Heater blower noisey
3.Engine Service
4.Gearbox Service
5.Door check strap (probably windoe lifter now too as that clunks)
6.Boot lock (got the boot open, but cant find a sensor or get my lock to work)
7.Wheel arch liners
8.Fog light wiring
 
bennesspipers said:
Of course it also depends on how capable you are at DIY,& have you got all the tools you'll need. Really think any car owner should have all the basics like trolleyjack, ramps, socket set, metric spanners etc etc
Click to expand...

LOL the thought of my sister with these things is really funny, she wouldn't have a clue! Ask her to write a will or sort out inheritance tax though & she'd do it in her sleep.... but change a bulb on her car?! Not a clue.

Kate
 
nakedinengland said:
My car needs more than yours! haha

1.Air con not working
2.Heater blower noisey
3.Engine Service
4.Gearbox Service
5.Door check strap (probably windoe lifter now too as that clunks)
6.Boot lock (got the boot open, but cant find a sensor or get my lock to work)
7.Wheel arch liners
8.Fog light wiring
Click to expand...

thats about £700-£1000 to be honest i got a service ac compressor and condenser for £700 not to long ago fitted
 
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