For all those in South / Central NJ.. an excellent shop, is Autobahn Automotive. Family owned, low cost, and they do great work. Owners are incredibly friendly, and will "go the extra mile" to make you happy. They specialize in Audi, BMW, MB, Porsche, and VW's.

Looks like I found my new repair shop. The last three places I went to, were horrible.

If ya go, tell them the guy with the black 300D sent ya!

40 Chestnut Street
Lakewood, NJ 08701

732-363-5552

Motorwerks,LTD
1776 Hooper Ave
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-255-2200

Mercedes Motorwerks is pretty good too. Very friendly family-owned business. The owner is a real nice guy, too.. and they have an utter ton of W123's, and W124's parked out back, for repairs & some parts.

The only reason I prefer Autobahn Automotive, is because two other diesel-heads in my immediate area reccomended them to me first.. and they get the job done at a good pace.

Either way, you can't lose with either one of these shops. While I can't speak for Motorwerks, I've heard they do some great work.

I have personally used Motorwerks, LTD over the past 8 years. The owners name is Mike. He doesnt let any of his 2 or 3 junior mechanics work on my 190e 2.3-16 because he likes to work on it himself. I really dont care, as long as what is being done is done right. I never had any problems and Mike is an honest mechanic. He came from Contemporary in Little Silver like 10 years ago and has been on his own since then.

Everything you say is true except for one thing. Mike used to work at Coast Imported Car Co. (no longer in business), in Toms River, and he's had his own shop for about fifteen years.

Rumor has it that Motorwerks is on the verge of going out of business. His top tech stole his customer list and opened his own business. I've used Autobahn ever since Motorwerks left my oil cap loose and almost ruined my engine. The guys (and girl) at Autobahn are reasonable with their prices and enjoy their jobs. I am not affiliated with them, just a very happy customer.

Really? Interesting. I was getting quotes for repairing my A/C last summer, and Motorwerks didn't even want to touch my system (It's a gray-market car, with a volvo compressor in it). They seem like nice enough people, but I don't like to hear the words "Yeah, we really dont like to work with that / R-12" when I go to a MB-mechanic. Never figured they're in financial trouble, though.. every time I drove past there, they had a few MB's parked in the front, with a ton of diesels and gasser MB's out in the back. They just didn't seem as passionate about these german cars, as Autobahn is. Still, nothing BAD to say about them, but nothing particularly great, either.

I've only started going to Autobahn recently, actually. Within the last year or so, and I must admit, they do a fine job on my vehicle, waste no time, and seem to truely *enjoy* these cars for the engineering marvels they are.

Not only that, but the people are probably the friendliest mechanics I've ever met. Great to talk to, and very knowledgable. Definately will be going there for most of my repairs (by most, I mean things I can't do myself, or just plain don't feel like doing myself.). If anybody is unhappy with their current mechanic, or is looking for a good shop by them, give them a shot. No, I don't work for them. Hell, I have a hard time adjusting my valves, let alone anything else.

The only bad thing, is that you may have a little trouble finding them. They're sorta tucked away in the back of a lot, with minimal signage. Not sure if he knows about this site yet, but if you're reading this.. Hi Dave!

-Matt

1984 MB Euro 300D(Black) 170,000mi, Turbo Added in Germany (Oo{=|=}oO)
1984 MB US 300D-T (Black) 298,000mi (Sold) (Oo{=|=}oO)

The "top tech" is no longer in business. I guess it takes more than a list of names to run a good shop .

no kidding! when did that happen? serves him right, though. Mike didn't deserve that.

I just got back from Autobahn today, actually. My poor 300D needed a valve adjustment really bad, and I was too lazy to do it myself (plus, I don't trust myself with engine repairs). I had them change the glow plugs too, since the car was starting a big rough in the cold weather.

Long story short, car runs like a top now, and like usual their prices were very fair. Service was friendly and quick as always. Whenever I drive into the shop, I just know that my benz is in good hands. Yeah, I know.. I keep shamelessly plugging the place.. but I must admit that I've become pretty impressed with the work they do there. Definately reccomending them to all my friends with german vehicles.

Still, a shame to hear about Motorwerks. They were nice people, and I hate to see businesses fail. Though, they seemed to be doing fine a year and a half ago, when I last visited. All I know is that if they DO end up going under, I'll be there to uh.. "help" buy some of those diesels sitting out back!

__________________
_______________________________
(Oo{=|=}oO) 1983 MB 300D USA, 212,000mi. 80's yellow/white. "Gunther"
(Oo{=|=}oO) 1984 MB 300D Euro, Turbo Added in Germany, 186,000mi [SOLD] Missing her dearly.
(Oo{=|=}oO) 1984 MB 300D USA Turbodiesel, 269,000mi. [SOLD]

Everything you say is true except coast didnt go out of business....my dad was the head master tech @ this place long before it was coast. He worked here for over 30 years and then passed. Im not sure what mike your talking about cause i knew alot of them. This whole building changed hands a few times but stayed the same place till it burned down in 2000???? i believe from the kids that broke in and started a fire. It was a nightmare for my family.

Coast Imported Car Co. was taken over by the 1st National Bank of Toms River in late 1991. The bank kept the place open only because a potential buyer was in negotiation with the owners. Before the deal could get done the bank failed, and was taken over by the FDIC (pretty common during the recession). Coast became TSE Motor Cars in early 1992. Some employees attempted to unionize the shop, but lost the election by one vote. Several key people left shortly thereafter. TSE hung around for a few years, until it burned down.

I'm guessing your Dad was Leo or Billy.