There are several W124 parts that I've noticed have gotten a LOT more expensive over the past few months. Example, a rear window regulator could be bought last winter for apprx. $130 USD. Now they are nearly $200!! A lot of the engine parts are getting up there too. I understand supply and demand, but I think suppliers are gouging a market segment that ALREADY is paying way too much for this crap!!

I believe that most of the price increase for parts manufactured in Germany is due to the strength of the Euro relative to the dollar.

George

Other than obvious stuff such as exchange rates and inflation, I believe there are a couple of things going on here. One is the simple fact that the number of 124 cars running around is on the decline. Decresed production=increased production cost. I have also always believed that Mercedes (and probably other manufacturers) apply pressure to older vehicle owners by making it more and more expensive to maintain their vehicles. This is easily done by increasing parts prices and of course their motivation is to sell more new cars.

Ron
http://germanstar.net

Good info Germanstar!! Add to that the fact that the imports control their aftermarket tighter than the US manufacturers do. They have exclusive rights to their parts, so that you can't walk into AutoZone and buy stuff at decent prices. I guess it could be worse. At least WorldPac cuts us SOME slack.