Any decent shops in Miami?

[OttoB]

Hey guys... per a recent post, I recently got a '92 500e from a MBWorld member and been doing mostly cosmetic work to the interior and exterior for the past several weeks. Next, is the mechanicals and I was wondering who I could take the car to locally around town. To those not familiar with Miami, its HUGE and traffic can be a nightmare (I live by downtown), but I would like to get some recommendations for someone to be the wrench on it without having to pay for his kids' college tuition simply because we drive MB's... There's nothing that requires immediate attention on the car at all, but I want some routine fluid replacement and just an overall inspection to ensure all is as good as it drives/looks.

Thanks, and look forward to hearing from some of ya's soon.

Regards,

OttoB

PS I posted this inquiry also at MBworld, but despite 140 + views, no recommendations as of yet, so I'm looking for your input! I will post pics on it soon - its been tastefully modified already and looks cool.

 

[126v8]

Lets see the car first LOL

 

[gerryvz]

Ummmmm.............

 

[OttoB]

The only pics I have are those from when the car was for sale - so here's a couple, but more to follow once I get it back sooner than later, and I'll do a "formal" intro on the car but hope you enjoy...

 

[550Maranello]

Forget MBWorld, Benzworld, etc. 500espot is the best E500E forum in the world, period. Just ask Gerry!!!

Try German Car Care on S. Dixie Hwy in Coral Gables. I have seen plenty of German cars in their parking lot, some Jaguars and Range Rovers too.

Then, there is Prestige Auto Tech and JS Benz International both in So. Miami. JS is a MB only shop, sells body kits, parts - a huge inventory of new and used parts - service and race tunning.

I don't have experience with any of them but will have to choose one when I retire and move to Miami in the fall.

Kind regards,

Orazio

 

[OttoB]

After spending ridiculous amounts of $$$ last year at facility specializing in Porsche's for my 1991 911 turbo, I went to GCC to get an estimate to redo the entire engine because the screw at the end of the crankshaft sheared, and it would require opening up the engine. GCC did not want take on the job, and instead recommended that I purchase a replacement engine and they would do the installation. For that alone, I'm hesitant on them, but thanks for mentioning the other two and I'll look into them some more. Orazio, is your phoenix a picture of a Maser Spyder by chance? I had a biturbo yearsss ago...

 

[550Maranello]

Please keep in mind that all shops make mistakes sometimes.

Yes, it is an '89 Zagato Spyder converted to 3a Serie, the car had only 18K when I sold it.

When we move to Miami I will try to import a '97/98 Ghibli II or Open Cup

Kind regards,

Orazio

 

[KarlC]

The only pics I have are those from when the car was for sale - so here's a couple, but more to follow once I get it back sooner than later, and I'll do a "formal" intro on the car but hope you enjoy...

That looks like AndreNY old car, did you buy it from him ?

 

[gsxr]

Yup, that's Andre's car, sold on eBay a few months back.

 

[OttoB]

Yes, that's the car - a supposed reputable transportation company I hired to deliver it to Miami managed to put no less than 3-400 scratches throughout the entire car and I'll be suing them for the repairs as they simply turned the other way after acknowledging first that they were responsible for the damage. Hence, the paint on the car, but I also have replaced lots of interior stuff and anxious to actually get to enjoy it soon!

 

[JordiC]

Hey Otto, I live in Miami as well, in Coral Gables. I stopped by GCC once when I saw a 500e there, but the proprietor was not very talkative. Believe it or not in the 3 years I've owned my 500E it has never been touched by a local mechanic. So far nothing major has been needed. The average labor rates in town can vary between $80-$100/per hour, much less and I'd be suspect. PM me as we definitely need to get together. I can tell you who to avoid in this area. It's good to see Andres' car was bought by a local aficionado.

And yes this is my 1st post here as well although I've been lurking around ever since ecstasy went down. I guess I just never had a question that hasn't already been answered! Cheers to all.

Jordi

P.S. If I'm not mistaken this might be your very car when Andre had BBS LM's on it. Gorgeous.

 

[Swordfish]

After spending ridiculous amounts of $$$ last year at facility specializing in Porsche's for my 1991 911 turbo, I went to GCC to get an estimate to redo the entire engine because the screw at the end of the crankshaft sheared, and it would require opening up the engine. GCC did not want take on the job, and instead recommended that I purchase a replacement engine and they would do the installation. For that alone, I'm hesitant on them, but thanks for mentioning the other two and I'll look into them some more. Orazio, is your phoenix a picture of a Maser Spyder by chance? I had a biturbo yearsss ago...

I know Andre from the Audi forums and BMW as well. Do you think this was a pre-existing condition and the reason for him selling the car ?

He does go thru cars like underwear , but he seems like an OK guy., but I feel bad for you that you have to put all that work into the m119 so soon.

Good luck with it.

PS- I think it would be worthwhile for you to send it to Autowerkes in Sarasota. Ask for Rex Pippin the owner. They know m119's quite well and have worked on many 500e's . He's nuts about them !

 

[OttoB]

After looking up the other two shops recommended online, and both charging over 65% surcharge on items that I purchased on eBay brand new for hardly much, I passed on them as well. I also own a pristine 1994 Jag XJS which has been well maintained by a local specialist in CG for the past 4 years with zero complaints ever. So, I gave him a call and he recommended Best Motor Works and I took the car there to change the fluids and fix a couple of details which remained outstanding. They did a very good job and their hourly rate was $70 p/hr. The only caveat was that it took 8 business days to return the car back.

The car, happy to say, looks outstanding after spending more than $6K since buying it for a mini restoration and it looks awesome and then some. It easily cruised at over 145mph on a secluded strectch the other day and I simply have to make the time to take new pics... Essentially, its still lowered and with the same wheels (exterior the same), but if Andre sees it again, he would be able to notice the differences in the numerous improvements it's undergone frOm head to toe. As a matter of fact, drove it to Orlando today and behaved like a champ!

I will do a formal intro soon and thank you for touching base. For me, it was never matter of money whether to buy the "right one" and rather, by gut reaction which makes me smile wide every time I look at it or even get in the car and take it for a spin... No regrets... yet!

 

[cstratton]

Talk to the parts guys at Vertex and ask them

 

[OttoB]

Vertex is where I spent ten's of thousands on the porsche and everything in it is still under warranty, which is why I keep taking it back to them on an almost monthly basis. I spoke too soon about the car behaving like a champ on the drive to Orlando! The A/C went south on the drive back this past Sunday where, at first, it started blowing warm air, then smoke came into the cabin!!! I was not a happy camper being that I had just picked it up a couple of days before and there had been no hint of any problems with the A/C at all during the previous 15 times I had driven it. I now have been recommended another shop also in Coral Gables from a couple of guys who only work on European machinery and former employees from The Collection and Bill Ussery Mercedes. Since both the Porsche (in the shop for 2 months) and the 500E (in the paint shop 7 weeks, then 2 days, and later 10 days at mechanic's) were both picked up last week, I'll wait out this week before having to get the A/C looked at... What a bummer, especially when you have an unsympathetic GF who's not into cars, let alone older ones.

 

[JordiC]

I've known the guys at Vertex for many years. Locally unbeatable for Porsche parts and support. Mechanically though my first choice would be Scott Finlay or Richard Danvers.

Otto have you tried Gold Wing Motors on Coral Way and 75th? I've spoken to the owner who says he has a few 500E clients but I have never left my car there so I can't vouch for them. I have a solid A/C guy who will travel to your location for repairs if needed.

As for the GF, I can relate. She rolls her eyes whenever I mention the word "Mercedes". I suggest we drop our ladies off for some retail therapy while we talk cars.

Regards,
Jordi

 

[OttoB]

So, it turns out the evaporator is toast, and got a $1,800 quote by these new mechanics using original MB parts. Having replaced it in my Jag (to the tune of $2,300 or so a couple of years ago), I pulled the trigger to get it done. What sucks the most is, that I've only driven the car a handful of times total since purchasing it given that it went to the paint shop for 4 weeks, drove it 1 weekend only, then to the mechanic's for 10 days, then drove it for another weekend, and now back to the mechanics for repairs... I know it comes with the territory in driving older euro high performance cars, but all I want to do is enjoy it! One of these days, just one of these days, I'll get around to doing the intro with pics!

 

[jano]

That's actually a really good price on the evap r&r...

Did you get a PPI before you bought the car, or check the VMI?

I feel your pain When I bought my first car several years ago (jag xkr coupe), went into the body shop for 4 weeks, then to the dealer for several other items (all planned at the beginning) which was supposed to be at most 2 more weeks. Turned out to be 6 weeks because of part difficulties, and when I picked up the car, the steering wheel was off center! Had to take it back, and wait 4 more days. It was torture.

And I just got my e500 back from the body shop after waiting 9 months.. *sniff* it has to go back for a few minor items, but the painter is in the hospital so at least I get it for a few weeks..

 

[gsxr]

You may not want to hear this... but the evaporator can often be patched with chemical sealant such as Cryo-Seal, for a few hundred bucks total. The patch often lasts for many years (assuming it's not a huge leak). Otherwise the dash and half the interior have to be removed to R&R the evap... huge job, tons of labor, $1800 sounds downright reasonable. Definitely use an OE MB evaporator, not aftermarket! The good news is the new one should last another 15-20 years.

BTW - I would very, very, very highly recommend having all the vacuum pods replaced while the dash is out. These are the widgets that control the air flaps. There are 5 which are critical... 2 at the main air flap, one for center vents, one for the diverter flap, and one for the defroster flap. It's another ~$200 in parts for all of them and maybe an hour extra labor, but believe me, it's worth it. I would be willing to bet that at least one is dead right now. Nobody usually notices until something major happens, like no airflow out the center vents. I had both of my 500's center vents die within a month of each other last summer! I tore the dash out & replaced all the pods on the '92 a few months ago, and I need to do the '94 before it gets warm again. Pics of the vac pod R&R (shown on an '87 model) are at this link.

 

[OttoB]

Impressive website you got there, Dave. With more time, I'll check it out as there's tons of info that I'm sure has taken you quite a bit of effort to gather. My train of thought is the same as yours - if its lasted 19 years, then let's replace it with a new OEM part rather than patching it. You do bring an important point with the vacuum pods which I had not thought about, but definitely will have the mechanic assess it once he takes the dash apart. Before the A/C went bad, I had never experienced such a strong and cold system before, and that's taking into consideration several other makes I've been lucky enough to own in the past (Audi, BMW's, etc.). I actually replaced the driver's and center A/C vents, as they were broken when I got the car.

Anyhow, thanks for your input and I'll see what happens with mine - it was a good sense of relief when I pulled up yesterday to the mechanics and they knew exactly what it was (500E) and they've worked on them/owned before...

 

[OttoB]

Turns out per the mechanic, that the evaporator and everything else in the A/C system is fine... But, he reckons the warm air and subsequent smoke (gas) from the vents came out about because the car must have overheated (not even close to happening), which tripped the relay into shutting off the A/C. i argued with him that it defies logic and common sense because the warm air started blowing shortly after turning the car on that morning (driven it with no problems the night before and in relatively cool weather), the car sat covered over night and was cool during the day, and the car was never in stop/go traffic but on the interstate when the smoke came into the cabin, making me turn it off. So, even though I have always kept my eye out on the temp. gauge and per Andre he replaced the radiator 10 months ago, the mechanic is changing the water pump (he believes its the original one - and tested it where it doesn't engage at all times), replacing the cooling fans, and the radiator. In all, its still cheaper than the quote given to replace the evaporator (still waiting on actual figure), but I'm at a loss as to WTF could have caused the A/C to blow warm air in the first place when the car was still cool. Is this going to happen again, but for the cooling system being redone?

 

[gsxr]

Time to pull codes, particularly from the BM (Basic Module). There is a safety circuit which monitors AC compressor speed, and if it's different than engine speed, the module thinks the compressor is seized or the clutch/belt is slipping, and it kills the AC. If it's a minor problem, it will fix itself with an engine restart. If your car is a 1992 model year with the manual belt tensioner, the belt tensioner is highly suspect... BT, DT.

BTW, it's code #6 from the BM which would validate this problem. If present, clear the code, and if the problem occurs again, see if code 6 is back. If so, that's the cause. Then you have to figure out why it's happening (i.e., belt, tensioner, AC clutch, etc).

Hey, at least the evap is good!

 

[JordiC]

Isn't this a common problem among Mercedes A/C? I've heard stories of hot air coming into the vents due to bad heater control valves. The valve breaks sending heated water through the system even though the system is set to cool. As for the smoke, maybe it's a bad heater hose which sends engine compartment smoke in through the vents. Unless the smoke was from an electrical short, but that odor would be distinctive. Why would the mechanic suggest replacing parts that seem to be operable and maybe irrelevant to the primary issue? Is this based on a hunch?

 

[gsxr]

The monovalve problem mostly affected older chassis, particularly the 123 and maybe (early?) 126 chassis. It's a pretty rare failure on the 124 though.

Dunno about the smoke - that's a mystery at the moment, unless there was some scent along with it to provide a clue (rubber odor? electrical? etc.)

 

[gerryvz]

Monovalve issues plague late 123, all 126 and mid to late 107 chassis cars.

Generally, if a rubber monovalve diaphragm fails, you either have all heat all the time, or all cold all the time. It's a 10-minute fix with a $40-50 part. I've replaced them both on my 560SL and my 560SEC.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[OttoB]

It was a funky burnt smell. I will address all if these issues tomorrow with the mechanic and thank you all for the heads up!

 

[Zuffenhausen]

star garage in Margate

 

[spaceman_west]

star garage in Margate

anybody have any experience with this shop?
or suggestions where to bring my 500e for a check up in the miami area.
thanks!

 

[carreraboy911]

ohh wow old post, wonder if you ever fixed that A/C issue?
BTW Andre's car is the only other car I've seen that looks like mine

 

[raisin man]

anybody have any experience with this shop?
or suggestions where to bring my 500e for a check up in the miami area.
thanks!

I've been using Benz Auto Service in Miami for 15 years. Mechanic Ramon Perez is very competent & an alumni of the local Coral Gables dealership. No one else touches my 94 SL 600, 92 500E or 03 E55.

 

[spaceman_west]

amazing. great to know.
i spoke to star garage too and they were excited by hearing '92 500e. so that was good sign.
haven't brought the car in yet.