I will never buy parts from Phil again.
I ordered the engine shock mount grommets. The picture shows 4 grommets and there is no description to go with the picture. I see on other online sites that the price is around $16 per side. So I was pretty sure that with a $28 price and a picture showing 4 grommets, I would get a kit for both sides. What arrives is only 2 grommets - one side only. Two rubber grommets, 2 washers and a locknut for $28 + shipping!!! Holey crap! I call Phil and tell him to send me the other set - there must me some mistake. He says this is correct, but emails his supplier and tells them I didn't get the full shipment (so now he's lying on my behalf). Then he wants me to send back the kit minus the grommets so I can get my new kit (fooling the supplier).
Fed up, I called the parts dept of my local mercedes dealer. They cost $9 per set there! What a complete ripoff. I will not be shopping there again!
I fully expect this rant to be flushed out of the forum because of the association. Still, I wanted to post this because I like to give back in some way to all the helpful people here.

Joe.
'82 300D

Here's proof:

This picture is what is shown on Fastlane. There is no description to go with it. I see 4 rubber things.

Here's exactly what I got. This picture is from another site. BTW the price at this other site is roughly half of what Fastlane Phil is charging. Exactly 2 rubber things shown here AND the site describes it correctly and warns that it's for one side only.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Not sure about it getting deleted, but the way I see it is you didn't get what you paid for, Phil tried to fix the situation, and you didn't want to have it fixed. Part of the money goes to support keeping this site open. Phil has helped me a time or two concerning parts. It's frustrating to not get what you expect, but when the person tries to help you out, try to stay calm and think reasonably.

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79 MB 280 SEL Euro 133k
77 MB 450SL 154k
05 Mustang GT Vert (3) 104k
12 TSX Wagon Tech (66k) (192k)
06 Subaru Outback base (135k) 164k
16 Acura MDX (109k) 111k
18 Silverado 2500 LTZ Midnight (212) 56k
97 Ford Ranger 163k
11 RAV4 154k
01 Escape 173k
04 Honda Pilot 292k
1967 Mustang (Resto Project)
1968 Mustang (Parts Bin)
00 Ford Ranger 124k

I don't believe anyone should blindly buy from any place. I always shop around but I support M-shop unless the price here ends up being significantly higher than my other choices. (Which is not common).

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-Evan


Benz Fleet:
1968 UNIMOG 404.114
1998 E300
2008 E63


Non-Benz Fleet:
1992 Aerostar
1993 MR2
2000 F250

Well I have to be honest Phil has always treated me right he has fixed the shipping costs on more than a few of my orders to much more reasonable fare. But you might want to shop around next time. Pm me if you want some other websites.

Yes, he tried to fix the situation by lying to his supplier - telling them I had not recieved the grommets in the order and asking them to resend. This was the last straw for me - I will not be a party to such a deception.

Your photos are obviously two different parts kits......9 pcs vs 7, cupped washers vs flat, etc., etc.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

I'm sorry, but this is rude.

Fastlane keeps this site open so we can all share information.
It is a great service to the DIYer, and to anyone interested in Mercedes diesels.
I have found this site more helpful in many instances than the FSM even.

I don't care what your problem was with your order, this is like going into someone's house and peeing on their rug when they accidentally parked in front of your driveway and then offered to move their car.

We ALL know there are other parts sites out there, and we probably all price shop. It doesn't sound like you'd be out a single dollar, though, if the situation were remedied as Phil tried to make it.

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I think you're jumping the gun on this one. Perhaps there was a mistake, he was trying to fix it in the most efficient manner.

Are all of the parts mentioned from the SAME manufacturer?

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Aside from the fact that the parts kits in the pictures are different, the Fastlane photo does apparently show something more than you received, and that isn't right. So you complained, properly. When Phil offered you a solution that made you uncomfortable, did you tell him that? If not, I think you are overreacting here. If you did and he wouldn't do anything different for you, then you have a legitimate gripe. IMO, at the least he should have simply offered to refund your money and take back the parts. And for good business, he should have offered to eat the freight both ways. All that assuming that the picture showing the kit for both sides is the accurate picture on Fastlane for the part number you ordered.

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1987 W201 190D

Although I can understand the OP deciding that he would order from another supplier, being refunded and having the issue resolved is certainly no reason to bash Fastlane publicly.

Move on, nothing to see here, and I'm hoping with this thread is being deleted as it serves no purpose and is not helpful, ... is at very least an over-reaction based on what was posted. We need threads that are helpful.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

WOW! Thanks for the heads-up!

I've never bought anything long-distance because I believe in doing business where I can see who I am doing business with locally. The Mercedes-Benz dealer is where I buy my parts. Buying from and sending money out-of-state never appeals to me, regardless.

you also do not know Phil's relationship with his suppliers. How he and they choose to operate should not be an issue as long as you get your parts.

Phil will also try to match competitor's prices, this may have been his way of doing that for you.


FEEDBACK

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But when Phil told him what he was doing in reality to get his money back? That's what floored me. I was shocked to read that! Why should Phil involve an innocent customer in such a thing? Doesn't give me a lot of confidence to want to get involved with a them if things go south.