Chuck The Mechanic

Had to go and see chuck again for another issue with my car. Once again the service was excellent. Just can’t recommend him enough to keep your car on the road at a far less painful cost than the dealer

The convertible top mechanism on my CLK died on me while I was traveling last week, and prevented me from getting into the trunk. (This was especially awkward since my luggage and briefcase were trapped in the trunk! No way to get them from inside the car.)
I called a local locksmith, asking them to please send someone over who can get my trunk open without using a crowbar. After several hours, they said «Sorry, we don’t have anyone.» (Or more accurately, «We don’t have anyone who can open your trunk without using a crowbar.»)
So then I found Chuck on Unilocal and called him. He explained right over the phone (1) WHY the convertible top died (and how to fix it), and (2) how to override the interlocks and open the trunk immediately, despite the non-​functioning top. (And get my toothbrush!) It worked instantly, and didn’t cost me a dime. So now I am taking my car over to him to permanently fix this issue, and tackle anything else we can find that needs fixing.
I already love this guy, and I haven’t even met him.

Second to none if you have a Mercedes in need of repair. I took my C350 here on a couple of occasions. Chuck is extremely knowledgeable, honest, and straightforward with the cost and repairs that are needed… everything you want from a mechanic but can never seem to find. The only place to go if you have a Mercedes.

Great service! Helped us patch up our grille after we had a little bump. Excellent, fast service and we love the work done.
Highly recommend!

Chuck is a blessing after my expensive and numerous dealings with the Mercedes Dealership. Chuck is honest, kind, thorough, and very reasonably priced. I trust him with any recommendation he makes for my car.

After using all the other guys in town, I’ve found my new Mercedes shop. The previous reviews here are spot on – Chuck and Tony are about as good as it gets. They fixed my CLK’s ventilation system at a more reasonable cost than I had expected, given all the add’l failures they found once they opened it up. You know that billboard saying «Expect a bank that surprises you. No, in a GOOD way»? That’s Chuck the Mechanic.

In spite of spending more than I had hoped so far refurbishing an 86 560 SL, these guys have been great.
Tony is a rare find for a Benz mechanic — a guy who knows every inch of every model and all of their idiosyncrasies but who is trying to address 100% of the problem and trying to keep costs down which is not easy to do with Benz part costs and service hour needs. He is mindful to repair parts than can be refurbished but makes sure that he puts high quality OEM parts in instead of crappy aftermarket stuff on unknown provenance. Even gave me a radiator at cost when the labour on the job ran higher than we has thought.
Recently repaired my HVAC, and new engine mount, ABS sensor. Engine mount was only 18 months old but Ben’s workshop (who serviced it for the previous buyer) put in a substandard cheap Chinese mount that failed. When the guys at Bens were queried on this they said the mount was OK… in fact it had completely collapsed as Tony diagnosed and was evident upon removal.
He also helped me understand that the problems in rough idle are almost certainly due to improper replacement of valve shims after a timing chain replacement also done at Bens. The previous owner has returned several times to Ben’s at significant expense and part replacement costs aimed at correcting the rough idle when it appears the problem is related to improper valve clearance created by a repair Ben’s did in the first place.

I happened to drive into Chuck’s shop because the «check battery charging system» alert came on while driving south on I-​35. That alert means my vehicle was running on battery only and was only a few miles from leaving me stranded. I was pretty frazzled because my phone died just as I was texting for help and I had my baby girl in the vehicle. I had no idea it was a Mercedes only shop. Instead of just turning me away, one of the mechanics offered me a charger to plug my phone in. They took a look at my chevy and even though they did not have the diagnostic equipment to properly service my vehicle, they gave my battery enough juice to get to a shop they recommended. When my hunny arrived, they explained to him what they thought the issue might be and gave him directions to the other shop so he could follow me safely there. I can’t speak for their repairs since they didn’t repair my suv. However, they treated me with compassion and courtesy even though I was not going to be a paying customer. I think that speaks volumes for the way they surely treat their customers. Thank you to the staff at Chuck’s for taking the time to help me in my time of distress.

I’ve been going to Chuck for repair and advice since I moved to Austin in 2012. I could not trust anyone more with my merz. He is honest, fast and deals directly with the dealership so IF there is something he may not know (which is unlikely) his relationship with the dealership is also highly respected. Thank you for being an all around great man!

Chuck and crew are never a disappointment. Having a higher mileage Mercedes means all sorts of replacements and electrical problems, so I would wind up in there every so often. With a background in airplanes, I’ve always had an interest in mechanical/​pneumatic/​electrical systems, so I am grateful that they let me bug them with questions and they ALWAYS explain things to me WITHOUT talking down to me– a rarity I find, especially being a female!
I appreciate the no B.S. approach Chuck gives for what to expect and how much things are looking to cost in future repairs of known problems on my particular year/​model. His prices are much better than the dealers and he even charged me less for something he originally quoted higher, because it took less shop hours than the book rate– which is how all mechanics charge, regardless of actual time. Over time, he has done many extras at no charge that would have added up to a lot of money, otherwise. He loves Mercedes and I can tell his goal is to keep me safe and on the road, not to rip me off. I highly recommend!

Amazing, fast service. This is the best place to take your Mercedes in for service. Forget the unresponsive people down the road (AKA THE DEALERSHIP). Chuck uses genuine parts and provides fast, honest service. He was extremely nice to me throughout the entire process. He was extremely cooperative and patient, which is extremely important in a mechanic. Prices are fair and he never left me out of the loop of things. He had my car in and out by lunch time and made me feel extremely comfortable at his shop.
I am extremely satisfied with the service provided to me by Chuck and Sulliman and look forward to bringing in my car for all services and repairs.

This place is great. Quality repairs, exceptional service/​help, reasonable pricing. We have been taking our Mercedes to Chuck for years and have always been very happy. Chuck is a cool guy. Our only complaint is he only works on fancy cars such as mercedes, bmw, lexus etc. but it’s understanable, they specialize in the fancy cars and it’s better to do something and do it well vs trying to do everything.

Chuck
I want to thank you for taking care of son Ari and the 1999 E320 radiator repair. I live in Dallas so I did not have a mechanic in Austin. My son is in school there and I gave him my old car to use there. The radiator sprung a leak and he brought it in to another shop and to make la long story short they wanted to charge me about $ 1800 which included $ 1400 to do body work on the bent supports holding the radiator. I spoke to my mechanic here in Dallas and he said that didn’t sound right. I Looked on Unilocal and found you. Your total charge including the body work which was just straightening the supports came to $ 681 incl tax. Thanks for your great help and I would recommend you highly to anyone in the Austin area. I am gald I have a mechanic that I can trust .
Mike Margolies

Chuck is exactly what you want in a mechanic. Honest, prompt, available, and reliable. His work has always been top-​notch and his prices fair. Most importantly, he won’t B.S. you with unnecessary repair recommendations, and if you can get by with something cheaper, he will tell you. His shop doesn’t look fancy, but don’t be fooled by appearances. Also, I must note, Chuck has dealt very well with my wife, making her feel comfortable and informed, which, for her, was an unusual experience with mechanics. I wouldn’t hesitate to take Chuck’s advice or to bring any car to him for repair.

Chuck is the man for all of your Mercedes service and repair!
The driver’s side seatbelt retractor stopped working in my CLK. The local dealer quoted me $ 898 and another garage (Ben’s Workshop) quoted me than a $ 1000.
Chuck did the work using genuine MB parts for $ 496. Ie, going to Chuck saved me $ 500.
Chuck is honest and quick. His shop isn’t fancy in any way, but who cares about that when he does great work at a great price?

Amazing service. A friend towed in her old, not running 300 diesel I was thinking of buying. These guys looked it over gave us a list of what needed fixing and when I decided against buying it, the mechanic bought it. She couldn’t be happier and I’m relieved not to have purchased a money pit.

Definetly take your Merc or car to Chuck!!! HONEST!!! And good work.
My Merc is 2005 C230. Spent soooooo much money with dealerships or mechanic who played the guessing game with my time and good money!!!
Go see Chuck, even if he isn’t in your hood!

Purchased a 2010 e350 coupe from carmax… went to chuck for an oil change. He was kind enough to do a once over on the car to confirm that is was a solid buy and in great condition and in great mechanical shape. Besides his mechanical abilities chuck is also great at customer service, extremely professional and friendly both in person and over the phone

Chuck is an honest mechanic. Highly recommended

I literally DRIVE from Dallas to Austin to get my car worked on by the Guru, Chuck. Dallas, TX wanted US$ 1,000 to fix transmission/​shifting issue. Chuck said US$ 400. Guess what? He charged me US$ 385! Said he got a better deal on the part than anticipated. This my friends is integrity. If you go here, expect the best service and straight shooting when it comes not only to estimates, but actual work. Chuck don’t play around — he is serious about customer service and providing real value. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate his passion for Benz. I work hard for my money as does he, so we get along real well. Go and see if I am lying…