Rant: MB Dealers Parts Dept know nothing about diesels!
 

I went to two dealers today to buy and replace the hard plastic vacuum line that runs to the banjo bolt. Both parts dept didn't know what i was talking about and the EPC parts diagrams are horrific. You can't find anything. One suggested that i go to an auto parts store, which didn't have anything. I finally went to Home Depot to find something similar. The old vacuum line was aged hard and didn't have any pliability to push it on the banjo bolt. It had broken off which made the 300CD sluggish and slow as molasses up hills. Now can they make the stub end when you have to thread the line at the firewall any shorter?! It took me forever to get it in there...

The only way to get the right stuff for any older Mercedes is to bring part numbers and diagrams. If you can't figure out the EPC diagrams, post a question here -- someone should be able to give you good information and then you can go shopping. The local dealer is always happy to see me because I'm an informed customer. You can do the same thing.

Jeremy

#56

http://www.auto-parts.spb.ru/cat/cat...50657a78631628

56 A 617 070 03 81 LINE
56 A 617 070 03 81 LINE FROM CHANGE-OVER VALVE TO INJECTION PUMP GOVERNOR 380 MM
56 A 617 070 07 81 LINE FROM CHARGE AIR LINE TO CHANGE-OVER VALVE

I tried to sign up and subscribe to the EPCnet online for the last few days but I get this error, "SORRY: THERE WAS AN ERROR PROCESSING YOUR TRANSACTION. PLEASE TRY AGAIN LATER." It's not working for me.

I have plenty of extra vacuum lines and will be in New Canaan on Sunday. What length do you need?

Thank MBeige and Fulcrum. It's amazing that the MB parts guys couldn't find it! I'm going to stay with the Plastic line from Home Depot. It is surprisingly very similar and it was a PITA to thread it into the switchover valve so I am going to let it be. However what is the part number for 65, my banjo bolt didn't have a washer on it when I took it off. Thanks.

Why dont you just contact Phil or whunter ? The buy parts link may have what you are after as well.
Cant understand you guys in the USA not using the sites parts supply.

When that line became brittle and cracked on mine I tried plastic line from the hardware store. It became too soft and pliable in hot weather so I switched it out with soft bendable copper tubing with rubber fittings at the ends. Far more durable.

I agree Edge, the MB EPC is difficult to use. I do find the "Eastern European or Russian" version much easier. Find it here'

Mercedes Benz EPC Type W123 123 Information | Everything Benz

Scroll down the page to find your model and it is very simple. enjoy it! And you don't have to sign up for it or anything. Just find your model, store it in a bookmark and it is always ready to go.

I love using the EPC to get part numbers for my Benz.

Our local MB dealership used to have a guy there that understood how his part computer worked, and rarely got me the wrong parts. He's gone now, and everything I've ordered by their new guy has been wrong, at least once.

Since I started using the EPC, nothing has been wrong.

If you are having trouble launching the EPC, try reading up on the system requirements. I had to update adobe to get it.

I would never walk into a dealer if I didn't have a part number ready. I started fiddling around with EPC enough to the point where I could get almost any part I wanted.

The parts counter guys actually know me by name now and give me wholesale pricing (the dealer doesn't make a cent). I asked why and one of them told me that the figure I'm doing their jobs so I shouldn't be charged extra.

I try to rarely buy from the dealer unless it's a part that needs to purchased there, either by no other option or the aftermarket options are sub par.

Because when you notice something modestly priced that needs replacing, you want it same day and not have to wait a few days before you change it out...

Thank you for posting the site, junqueyardjim.

I visited my MB dealer once. I gave the part number and the guy behind the counter said without looking in the EPC: "That is the rubber hose on top of the valve cover?". And it was.

Sometimes the parts are not where you expect them to be in the EPC. The vacuum pump is found in group 23 Hydraulic pump for instance.

I know my parts guy well, in fact when he moved to a different dealer, which is farther away, I still come by to visit him when I need parts.

So if I needed some parts ordered, or at least inquire on pricing and availability, I send him an email instead with the p/n, vehicle chassis code and quantity required. This way, he does not need to rush getting the information required.

#65 is P/N N 007603 3008109

For me the best mercedes parts department is Phil on this site, even a vague description is enough for him.

My local dealers specially the sugarland MB dealer is downright crazy. They were asking me USD 20/meter for white plastic vacuum line, I had to ask them what they were smoking?

USD 20/meter plus tax - you better be wrapping it up in expensive wrap and have it delivered by a dove.