Ok, so we have a new (opened in Jan '10) service center here that does MB service. The guy worked for Carlton MB for years and has had all the MB training including being the only service tech trained on the McLaren MB in the area. I called them and asked if they would do an oil change and of course they would. Well this guy has never seen the inside of a XFire and was amazed that it was exaclty like the MB. OK enough background.

$100 oil change was cheaper than the stealer and the other MB service center so I was ok with that. The guy brought be out to the shop floor to show me the front suspension bushing and said they had to be replaced for a price of ~$350. I did a search here and I don't see anyone having issues with this. I have an '05 with ~67K miles. Has anyone else had to replace the bushings (one on each side)? He tells me it's a special tool . It's pressed into a metal sleeve. He said it would cause excessive tire wear. Comments please.