6.9 Cost of Repairs

[Styria]

Came across some Invoices, spanning a period of some five months between late February and August, 1994. In other words, just on about seventeen years ago. The mileage was between 136,760 and 143,746 and the car involved was a 1978 - 6.9. I should add that there would not be a great deal of difference between any of the variants, i.e. 280 on, and stretching right up to the 6.9s.

The figures make some compelling reading, especially considering today's costs. The Invoices had been issued by the Gold Coast Toyota/Mercedes dealers. Here goes:
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Battery 135.00
OIl Filter 26.96
Transmission Filter 81.68
Front Brake Pads 90.39
Front Disc 138.30
First Aid Box 90.81
Horn 72.96
Rear Brake Pads 65.34
Fire Extinguisher 77.02
116 Tool Bag 268.98
Lower Control Arm 417.49
Accumulator 133.20
Overhaul Auto Transmission 8161-62

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There is not a lot for me to add. The cost of the Auto Tranny - way over. I had been quoted $3500.00 when I bought Gleaming Beauty with a transmission that flared from 2nd to top gear. That was in 1995 by a Benz specialist. Some of the other prices are interesting, to say the least. I look forward to further input from 'Tradies' familiar with mechanics. Regards Styria

 

[Oversize]

Well the cost of batteries, oil filters and accumulators have certainly increased!!! Was $138.30 for one brake disc or two? And the price for the transmission overhaul was just ridiculous! How much was the whole car worth back then??

 

[Oversize]

Check out the price of postage on this accumulator!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230403458194&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[WGB]

Here is my little library of Sphere brands and they appear to be selling a Lemfoeder - looks a little too shiny and missing it's yellow sticker and dab of paint.



That on the left is a Mercedes Benz OEM original red dot front, the one in the centre is a Lemfoeder rear, the one on the right is a Febi front with no dot but the same part number as the OEM one.

The cost of postage is extortionate and totally unrealistic.

Bill

 

[Styria]

Check out the price of postage on this accumulator!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230403458194&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Mark, it wasn't that long ago that I was quopted $US 195.00 for the postage of three cells. I sent a transmission pum to Chicago the other day - 3.5 kgs, and just on $A80.00 postage courtesy Australia Post. There is absolutely no doubt that the Air Freight Companies and/or the retailers are making a 'motza' - try and compare prices by way of volume and weight with that of passenger fares. Regards Styria

 

[CraigS]

UPS probably classify it as hazardous goods and hence the high cost.

 

[Styria]

Well the cost of batteries, oil filters and accumulators have certainly increased!!! Was $138.30 for one brake disc or two? And the price for the transmission overhaul was just ridiculous! How much was the whole car worth back then??

The price quoted was for one disc - regarding the transmission. There were some costly 'hard' parts that were replaced, including clutch drums and one shaft, as well as new bands. What I find remarkable is the relation between the mileage at which the transmission repairs were carried out, and the sheer scope of the hard parts that required replacement. Another item to attract attention from a cost point of view - the tool roll. I think that today you buy it for half the price. Also the front pads - you can buy them nowadays for about $60.00, if not less. Yep, quite an education. Regards Styria