service question

[Jim Rosenthal]

I am in Annapolis, MD, which is in turn close to Baltimore and Washington, D.C. I have a '92 500E.

Although the man who services the rest of my collection of cars is extremely good, and has done well on the 500E, he isn't a Mercedes-Benz specialist, so mine is the first 500E he's worked on. He's also very busy with other projects, including some of mine. I've been thinking that if there's anyone in my area who is known to be expert with 500Es, I'd like to bring him the car and have him go over it. So far, I've asked Ron to repair or replace things I knew were not working right- but that's really not the way to go about it.

So- can anyone recommend someone in my area who really KNOWS 500Es that I can have look at my car, drive it, and make some suggestions as to what needs to be serviced?

I don't even slow down when I pass a Mercedes dealer anymore, by the way. I haven't had a car serviced by a MB dealer in decades. I can't remember the last time I was at any MB dealership where I thought they knew what they were doing at all. I think there are dealer shops that DO know their stuff- but not around here. Certainly not in Annapolis, MD.

 

[maw1124]

You might ask the folks at Euro Motorcars Bethesda if they have a tech there who's knowledgeable. I have no direct experience with them but consider them the undisputed experts in that area. I've known a few 500E owners there who have all take their car to Euro Motors. When I see a car with a stack of Euro Motors receipts, my blood pressure goes down. Similarly, when I see one from out there with no Euro Motors receipts, I wonder about the seller.

That said, don't sleep on the experts here. My car has been in the same mechanic's hands for 17 years and 3 owners, and what I learn here helps him (which of course helps me).

Hopefully others can help.

Cheers,

maw

 

[Hollybrook]

Try Rick Elllinger at RC-Imports (301-762-4205, http://www.rc-imports.com/). While he does not specialize in 500Es, he does good work and is fair. I know some others on the board use him to work on their 500Es.

I do my own work, so Rick has not seen my car, but we used to race in the same class and I have seen his work and how he interacts with others.

 

[Jim Rosenthal]

Thanks. I appreciate the help. I will contact RC Imports and talk to Rick. My early experiences with Euro were good- then after that, not so good. I bought two cars from them, but years later the service department wasn't what it had been. It may be better now, it might be worth a call.

That takes me back a while, actually- I bought my 3.5 cabriolet from them, years ago before they cost what they do now. and I bought a 240D from them, in the early 90s, that was one of the best cars I've ever owned. It's a good thing I don't have it now, because I would spend stupid money restoring it.

 

[Allgonquin]

Hi Jim,

I live on the Eastern Shore and work in Annapolis. I use an indy shop in Easton for stuff I can't do or don't want to tackle. This shop is nothing to look at from the outside, but has done really well for me over the years. They are MB specialists, not necessarily 500E guys, but they know older MB's really well. When I had my 500E in there they were all over it, and said they only take care of one other. They have also done a fair bit work on my two 124 E300D's. Kind of a PITA to get to but worth it - I drive 1 hour to reach them. Mid Shore Imports, Dewey Reed, 410-822-0022. They can definitely look your car over and make recommendations, as well as do the work. Tell him Chris from near Chestertown with the high mile diesel and the 500E sent you.