Forgot my little test follow-up. Just for giggles, I tested the broken Star, yup, they are made of zinc which is what pot metal is, but i'm sure Mercedes used a more pure zinc alloy as these things are pretty tough. So If you break a star, might give soldering a try using a torch to sweat the parts but be careful, the melting temp of lead & zinc is close and too much will melt the base metal. The molten zinc stays encased by the chrome plating but will start to come out like one of those fireworks "snakes" pellets.

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87' 300D, Currently undergoing an OM606 swap/build! SUPERTURBO!!!
03' 2500HD Dmax + goodies!
82' 300SD, parting out!
93' 300TE 4matic, parting out!
83' 240D Project Cheap Drive
89' 300E, parting out!
74' Datsun 510 wagon
88' RX7 10thAE, 13B track car build soon

Skippy~ As for perception: Drive what you like and can afford. Those who don't like it can supply vacuum to one of your components. LOL

If you need parts, I have some!

Twinkle, twinkle little star how i wonder what you are. Now we know!

Yes, the OE stars are definitely high-quality chrome & potmetal. Some of the aftermarket ones flake, peel & crumble after a few years!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

Well I bought a new Mercedes star. It was part 116-586-01-88.
It seems a bit heavier than the aftermarket Uro one that was on before. It's much shinier that's for sure! The bottom is stamped "1" and "89".

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1987 300E