Old MB Service: Continental or Alpine?

[bjstare]

So I picked up an r129 SL500 from a family friend, and it's been in storage for a few years so I got some quotes on flushing/changing every fluid on the car, lube, hydraulic fluid service, etc.

Both Alpine and Continental come pretty highly recommended, but continental is coming in at ~50% more for the exact same service. Some items are similar costs (e.g., oil change); some are not in the same ballpark (e.g., tranny flush and rear diff fluid replace are both double the cost at continental).

I asked continental why, as I'm perfectly happy to pay more for better service, as long as I know what actually justifies the cost differential. He didn't give me a good answer; my understanding is they're quoting the same work. I also requested a proper quote with labour/parts broken out (which Alpine gave me from the start, just like most normal shops do), but he just gave me a generic writeup, no explicit dollar amounts for parts, and no costs for labour broken out at all.

Does anyone have any insider info as to what would explain the difference? This isn't a major deal either way, but it's kinda bugging me that I can't figure it out. Also interested if anyone has any experiences or recommendations that would influence where I go.

[ExtraSlow]

My rule of thumb at work is if I can't figure out how to understand the quote, and the supplier isn't interested in explaining it, then they sure won't be interested in answering any of my other questions either. That's not a good sign to me.

[ThePenIsMightier]

My rule of thumb at work is if I can't figure out how to understand the quote, and the supplier isn't interested in explaining it, then they sure won't be interested in answering any of my other questions either. That's not a good sign to me.

This.
Unless it's a rugged, miserable old Kraut doing all the work at Continental, then all signs point away from them.
But if it is... He probably knows fucking everything about that car and that's the only person you want working on it.

[e31]

I find that a lot more middle eastern folks are interested in working on the older MB stuff. Lebanese and Syrian guys especially.

[G-ZUS]

I find that a lot more middle eastern folks are interested in working on the older MB stuff. Lebanese and Syrian guys especially.

Alot of them worked on em back home and can take them apart and put them back together with their eyes closed

[killramos]

Not a 600?

The only thing I can think of with R129’s… was she hot?

104568

[mr2mike]

Alpine is into creating a long term relationship with their clients.
They could hose you on the initial fluid flush but you'd then leave with a sour taste.

Some shops don't get it.

[T-Dubbs]

Continental specializes in old Benz's, I would take it there.

[flipstah]

It's probably because they can charge more.

[bjstare]

It's probably because they can charge more.

Yeah, all signs are pointing to this.

FWIW, Alpine knew more about the hydraulic fluid exchange for the roof mechanism right off the hop. Continental didn't know, said they'd get back to me (then didn't until I reminded them), and suggested I avoid the service unless necessary.

[Neil4Speed]

I took my Cayenne (I know different car/brand), to Alpine and was very impressed with the level of service and thought the pricing was very fair. Will take it there from now on, and overall preferred it over Riegel/Tunerworks.

I think the only thing I *might* be concerned about is that they might not have the same level of 'tribal' knowledge around a Mercedes vs. Porsche (which when I walked in the back... they are entrusted with some amazing cars).

That said, from your comment, the guy you spoke to seemed to know the convertible top piece well, so that to me is a big plus.

No comment really on continental. They are kind of considered to be the defacto Classic MB shop in Calgary.

BTW. Congrats on the R129, one of my all time favorites. I drove one for the first time last summer (a 2001 model), and was so amazed how good it still was. Sometimes classics sound great in theory, and reality you realize how far things have come - this was the opposite for me.

[rage2]

The last time I was at Alpine (several years ago now) they were working on an uber rare SL73 there. That’s the one with the Pagani engine.

Anyways, Alpine’s always been known as the Porsche experts, but they know their way around Mercedes just as well. It’s the right choice.

[ShermanEF9]

when my dad owned his Benz, he would only take it to Alpine. They have it together.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Another +1 for Alpine.

[mr2mike]

Have seen Ferrari timing belts done there, mechanic was taking his time, going by the Ferrari book and other service manuals they have access to.
I wouldn't hesitate in Alpine.
Your choice.

[gpomp]

Alpine told me the head gasket on my W124 was leaking. Took it to another shop and they found it was just a coolant leak from a heater hose. It's always good to get a second opinion.

[killramos]

I is sad no one laughed at my sopranos joke

[HiSpec]

Slightly off topic.
Both shops are fine for newer Mercedes for maintenance work? What about Alpine Autowerks?

[bjstare]

Alpine told me the head gasket on my W124 was leaking. Took it to another shop and they found it was just a coolant leak from a heater hose. It's always good to get a second opinion.

What other shop did you take it to?


I is sad no one laughed at my sopranos joke

Just keep trying, you'll get one eventually. And no, it's not a 600. I would have been so pumped if it was, but don't love them enough to pay market price for a clean one.