What brand of water pump for the M103
 

My buddy needs a water pump for his 89 300E 103M. A rebuilt factory is $200. A new Bosch at Pep Boys is $125 (approx). Any other suggestions? Go new or rebuilt on this part. Factory or aftermarket?

The 617 diesel is a factory rebuild only as I understand.

Any of the brands offered through the FastLane link at the top of this page is a safer bet than a Pep Boys rebuilt Bosch unit, IMHO. Replacing a 300E water pump is as time consuming a job as a water pump replacement can get. You don't want to do it more than once in your life.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Early this year I replaced the water pump on my father's M104 (similar to M103). I fitted a Laso brand pump which was recommended to me. Genuine MB was around AUD$500 whereas this one was a little under AUD$300. I would have concerns as to how "rebuilt" the rebuilt one is.

I second Greg in Oz.
Laso pumps are good quality.

He told me the Bosch unit (at Pep Boys) was NEW, not rebuilt.