trusted manufacturers list
 

I saw a list on here for the companies to avoid and the ones you can probably get good part from, i have searched every which way to find the list and can't seem to. help

500E / E500 Parts Vendor Quality List that is one that was posted I believe

Thank You!

well that stinks.... when the parts you need can only be had from the "never buy or you and your car will burst into flames" list

If you post what you need someone might have recommendation.

If you are going by online listings, remember that lots of stuff that is available does not show up in the PeachParts online catalogue. If you call them, they can look up stuff not listed online (and I have noticed that some pretty basic stuff isn't making into their online listings).

If you have not already, try doing a search at EverythingBenz - Mercedes-Benz Forum and Web Search Using Google to see who carries what.

Worst comes to worst, you can post a 'want to buy' (WTB) ad in the Mercedes Used Parts for Sale and Wanted subforum here, and see if you can find an OE or OEM part used (or even sitting unused in someone's basement).

I know the feeling.

I avoid Febi like the plague but often there isn't a reasonable alternative. In these cases I often go and see the dealer - sometimes I've been surprised.

Which parts are we talking about here? I'm curious.

stuff like exhaust hanger donuts, motor mounts, diff mount, suspension parts.... everything available on line looks to be on the naughty list.

Most if not all of those parts can be found on this website from good brands for a reasonable price, at the top of the page under "new parts catalog"
rule of thumb: don't get a febi part if it is a rubber component, Lemfoerder, Phoenix, Corteco and Mercedes OE are generally considered good

it's a tough thing, you get a car that has sat in the desert and it will be great it's just everything rubber, especially if the previous owner didn't do anything, has turned to stone and it is OK for a little bit but once you start using it...... not so much

Another source of ratings is the Pelican Parts online catalog. They try to rate suppliers for quality. In my opinion, it might not be perfect, but seems worth a look.

For exhaust hanger donuts, Bruss is listed as a good brand. I don't have any personal experience with them yet, but will probably try them out in the near future. WOCO is supposed to be another good brand.

Well for exhaust donuts i think just about anything can beat the copper house wiring the PO used to hold the exhaust in place..... that being said i have also seen where people have said they have gotten a couple hundred miles out of some junkie brands..... i was thinking about cutting some out of a tire sidewall, i still may

This site carries exhaust hangers for your car, its $4.50 each for the donuts for Mercedes OE, the larger hanger is $20 from Mercedes, or $9.25 from a 4 star aftermarket brand. Tire sidewall might work but the actual part would work better.

my thought on the sidewall were the fibers would help to keep it from just coming apart

If you have sidewall available immediately, no reason not to try it, but I personally would try elastic cord if I wasn't going to use the actual part. Wrapping elastic cord and giving it a good knot should be easier than cutting a correct size donut out of sidewall.