Like many car owners, I’ve experienced my fair share of vehicle troubles. Recently, I was grappling with a couple of persistent issues with my Mercedes. For some time, I’d noticed worn anti-roll bars and a concerning thudding sound whenever I accelerated or lifted off the pedal. In the past, I’d entrusted my Mercedes to various specialists, mainly for routine maintenance. While their work was generally satisfactory, I often felt disconnected from the process, lacking clear feedback on the specifics of the service provided.
Driven by a desire to understand my car better and become more self-sufficient with its upkeep, I’ve taken on a range of repairs myself. From replacing wings and bumpers to tackling tricky tasks like fixing dashboard LED segments and window regulators, I’ve gained considerable experience. I’ve even ventured into more complex jobs like changing shocks, discs, pads, and all filters, not to mention the spark plugs – a true test of patience! One particularly memorable challenge involved drilling out two snapped wheel bolts, a garage-induced mishap that turned into days of painstaking work.
Despite my growing DIY confidence, the escalating issues with the anti-roll bars and thudding noise were becoming too significant to ignore. Reluctant to take my car to just anyone, I decided to investigate local Mercedes specialists in Braintree, where I work. To my surprise, I discovered Waterhouse Cars, a garage conveniently located less than five minutes from my workplace – a hidden gem I hadn’t realized was so close during my year and a half working in Braintree. Deciding to give them a try, my first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. Waterhouse Cars exuded professionalism from the outset. The garage was impeccably clean, the staff courteous and welcoming, and the waiting area had a distinct air of quality, reminiscent of a Mercedes dealership but without the showroom gloss. Adding to the reassuring atmosphere was the presence of several impressive Mercedes vehicles on site.
When the mechanic came out to conduct a test drive, his expertise was immediately apparent. Even as we reversed out of the parking spot, he pointed out a vibration that I hadn’t even registered as a problem. Within moments, he had diagnosed both the anti-roll bar issue, responsible for the thuds over bumps and the reversing vibration, and a more serious problem: a worn engine mount. He explained that the worn mount was causing the engine to shift noticeably when accelerating and decelerating.
Returning to the garage, the mechanic promptly took my car into the workshop area. True to his word, he called me within just five minutes. He showed me the worn anti-roll bars and engine mounts, confirming his initial diagnosis from the test drive with clear visual evidence.
The necessary repairs included replacing two engine mounts and two anti-roll bars. Impressively, the entire job was completed in under two hours. The price was also a pleasant surprise – remarkably competitive and significantly less than I had anticipated. For your reference, the total cost came to £373.
Having collected my car today, I am astounded by the transformation. The difference in the car’s performance and handling is incredible, all thanks to Waterhouse Cars’ efficient two-hour service.
I wholeheartedly recommend Waterhouse Cars in Braintree to any Mercedes owner seeking top-notch service. Their professionalism, cleanliness, clear communication, honesty, and competitive pricing are truly exceptional. For a long time, I’ve been searching for a reliable Mercedes specialist like this, and I’m delighted to have finally found one in Braintree! Adding to my confidence in their expertise, I even noticed another E430 at their garage, a rare sight as I’ve only seen about three in the past three years!
