In observing and contributing to this forum I have come to the conclusion that Mercedes Benz just ain't what it used to be.

Complaints about questionable engineering in the newer model vehicles (post W123 and W126 models) and something I refer to as 'excessive featurization' is a recurring motif. Additionally, there have been some recent threads about the lack of quality in "Genuine MBZ" replacement parts. Specifically, a thread about inoperative thermostats comes to mind.

My own experience bears this out as well. When I bought Marlene, she needed a left rear taillight lens, I couldn't find a good one in the boneyard so I resorted to the local MBZ wholesaler. $133.97 later I was in posession of a new assembly, taken from an unopened, "Vorsicht" tape sealed parts box that had TWO broken alignment ears. Fortunately, this didn't affect the installation or functionality on my wagon and I continued to use the light assembly.

I was at the same distributor last week and while standing at the counter the gent next to me was picking up a replacement auto tranny pan. First of all, the parts tag sticker was on the INSIDE of the pan where you are forced to remove and clean it off if you are to use the pan. And second, two of the mounting/alignment ears were badly bent. It didn't look like a warehouse handling issue either...the pan appeared to have been painted AFTER the ears were bent becasue there was no flaking wherer the metal had been stressed.

All this to say, "caveat emptor" when going after replacement parts and be glad that there are plenty of W123s out there for parts cars.

Later,
R

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