Mercedes Benz repair: shock absorbers, workmanship quality, independant shop

Question
is it difficult to change the front and rear shocks on a 1997 E320 $600 sound a bit expensive. (if they can be done outside a shop are there any special tools that need to be purchased.

Answer
They are not difficult to change out, there is not really any special Mercedes tools needed for this job. An independant shop should be able to handle this repair.

The price is about accurate for a MB dealership. Parts and labor are obviously much more expensive at the dealership than the independant shop. The trade off is workmanship quality. Generally you will get better service going to a certified Mercedes Benz technician than a regular mechanic at a outside shop