Water pump

[del320]

After all these years, I still fall for it every time:-

a) when a fault emerges, it is never as simple or straightforward as I think or hope, and

b) the invoice is a list of perfectly reasonable and justifiable sums yet the total is always a card-melting road to bankruptcy.

So, last month, shortly after having the front brakes done, sailing through the MOT and treating her to ChipsAway, what thanks do I get?

The fan on the Auto Climate Control started to cut out intermittently – then stop altogether. Ah! a fuse.

A couple of days later – lo – the coolant light shone brightly. I poured in a litre of tap water and booked the car into Western. On my way there, the light came on again.

The phone call later was not good news. Knackered water pump – “big job”.

So, I got the bill – discounted for old car:-

Water pump (A1042004701 80) £129.65. (Rather less than the ‘Hozelock’ variety in my garden pond!)
Dust filter (A1248300118) £22.12. (packet of Hoover bags cost a fiver)
Assorted seal rings £1.96, fuse £1.06, antifreeze £12.02.
4 hours labour @ £63.20 per hour. (so far, so good – eh?)
Dreaded VAT - £73.40.

Behold! Total £493.04. WTF did that come from?

Add that to the brakes, MOT, ChipsAway and tax disc and I’ve lashed out over £950 over the last month!

….buggerbuggerbuggerbuggerbuggerbugger….

 

[Ian B Walker]

Just wondering where the £189 extra comes from Feel for you m8.

 

[Will]

It's the labour Ian, £63.20 per hour

 

[kth286]

Del

That is slightly odd because I replaced the water pump on my 95 E320 at 140,000 miles.

Odd because my part number was the same except the 80 on the end is not quoted on my invoice.

The list price earlier this year was £183+Vat.

So what a bargain you have got at £129................unless your's is a reconditioned unit !!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have just input the part number on the Merc parts site and it is still quoted as 260 Euros (approx £179) .............interesting.

Regards

I note they did not replace the thermostat nor any of the hoses.

 

[del320]

So what a bargain you have got at £129................unless your's is a reconditioned unit !!!!!!!! (Bl**dy well better not be!)

I have just input the part number on the Merc parts site and it is still quoted as 260 Euros (approx £179) .............interesting.

You're not so far out - List price on my invoice is £140.16 + vat £24.53 = £164.69.
Remember, I'm getting a 7 - 15% discount (sometimes even more) on parts and 20% on labour as it's an older car.

Is this generosity common through the dealerships?

 

[kth286]

Del

But £183 + Vat = £215.

So if your's is shown at £129 + Vat you got 30% (approx) discount on the pump. If that's the case - excellent !!!!!!!!!!

Regards

95 E320 Coupe