Thanks for the info on the dealership in Boerne. I was going to venture up there next time I have a need for a dealership. I would be interested in the parts guy's name that helps you in San Antonio. Maybe I was there when he was not working and the guy I got was just a dud.

I also wasn't impressed with MB of SA on my first parts visit but after I went back more than once, usually prepared with a list by part number they seemed a bit more responsive. I don't recall the parts guy's name, but I was looking for an O-ring from the turbo to the manifold and the factory parts didn't seem to fit. The parts guy said they used to be different sizes and agreed the new MB part didn't look right, so he took me to the service area and we rummaged a mechanic's "spare parts" drawer and found the right one (with the mech's permission, of course).

If you haven't signed up for the MB startek site, I'd recommend that. The link is on the forum here somewhere. You can research the part number, look at the blow up diagrams and even see how many of some parts are on hand in the US for your car.

Then you go in prepared: I need this part, with this number, it goes here... looks like this...

You shouldn't have to do that, but it seemed to work for me.

i'm terrible with names! he was a hispanic dude probably in his late 50's - early 60's and super eager to help each time i've gotten him at the parts counter.

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1982 300sd from craigslist $800 greased on one tank with NO CONVERSION in the Hot Texas Sun. (currently dead & awaiting engine damage investigation and/or longblock swap)
new daily: '03 vw 5speed jetta tdi wagon. bagged&chipped

If you go to MBSA I would speak to Joe if he is still there. He always treated me right.

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

This is the guy who was always helpful when I bought parts there. I'm also not sure he's still there, as it has been a long while since I've lived in SA.

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Christopher
'06 Mercedes E350 station wagon (silver/black)
'85 Mercedes 300D (black pearl/palomino)
'85 Mercedes 300SD (smoke silver/burgundy)
'79 Cadillac Sedan DeVille

'05 Toyota Camry (because always running is nice)

'85 Mercedes 300D sold back to orig. owner 8-1-06
'84 Volvo 264GL Diesel, owned 2000-2013