Subject: Insufficient time allowance

Make: MB

Model: ML430

Year: 98-02

Operation: R&R exhaust system, right side

Time allowance: Mitchell 1.9 hrs

Labor text note: R&R both 3.2 hrs

Motor 1.1 plus .7

Labor text note: None

ADP Presently not known

CCC

Labor text note:

Date of Inquiry: January 24, 2004

Inquiry (as stated by inquirer)

We just took this vehicle for exhaust replacement from the right converter back to tail pipe and the book allowed 1.4 hours. We had to first drop the transmission x member and also take off the Right front fender skirt to access the bolts on the manifold. Also the factory exhaust that was on this was a one piece welded on pipe so we also had to cut the exhaust in pieces to get it out. The new exhaust comes in sections and it is designed a little different so there is some playing around to get it into tight areas. But we definitely need to drop the transmission x member to be able to get the Right converter and pipe into the vehicle. Also the crash book (motors) shows the pipe & converter and also the muffler but not in sections like the dealership had sent it to us. This is not a 1.4 hr job.

Suggestion to all data providers:

Please review this operation

Response:

Mitchell - 3/31/04:

Review of the OEM service procedures confirms the inquiry. Evaluation of the required tasks results in the following update labor allowances:

R&R Exhaust System Complete 5.6hrs
R&R Front Exhaust Pipe R/L 3.5hrs (R&R Both 5.0hrs)

ADP - 4/22/04: We made a call to the manufacturer who agreed that the transmission crossmember and the fender skirt need to be removed to gain access in order to reach bolts required for exhaust system removal. We will add the appropriate labor to match these recommended procedures.

MOTOR: 04/01/05 -

MOTOR reviewed and adjusted the labor to R&R exhaust system complete, rearward of manifold to 5.4 hours and updated the labor time on the front converter & pipe to 3.4 hours.