Got my order from fastlane and was surprised the Behr radiator was made in So. Africa. While I know businesses are outsourcing their labor cost, am wondering if these rads are any good?

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joel

Prayers bring forth enlightenment.

Even at MB dealers some of the radiators from BEHR are the SA versions.

They aren't as nice looking BUT failure rate runs at the same level as the German made versions!

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Same thing here. I installed it four weeks ago. All fits, angles, and connections were correct and performance is OEM.

I just ordered the heater blower motor - it will be intersting to see where this item is made!

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2003 AMG S55
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/3414/...5813f01a_s.jpg

Today things are not the same quality as they once were a perfect example would be to take a close look at a new Benz and the look at one thats 10ys old or older. Big difference we live in a disposible soceity and real quality is a thing of the past.
.

PS If you have something of quality take care of it as you won't be able to replace it.

Just my oppion

Wish I could have been able to do that to the original motor mounts.

my mechanic told me the South African ones are better than the German made ones because the Germans use recycled/environmentally friendly plastic that doesn't hold up.

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2005 Mercedes C230k sport sedan, 6 speed
1987 Porsche 924S - 968-engined track car

I have heard the South African ones are so well engineered that they never need to be taken apartheid.........

Just in case you didn't know, Mercedes-Benz has a full assembly factory plant in South Africa where W123s, W124s, W210s and W211s were/are manufactured locally from outsourced parts from Germany and other countries.

Having such a plant would mean to me that at least locally manufactured parts should stand to general M.B. specifications and quality standards.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

Not being fictitious, but do you think Alabama M classes have local parts up to traditional Mercedes germany spec? I don't know what parts are sourced from U.S vendors other than labor

You forget that SA (or at least some part of it) is as advanced as most wetern European countires. FYI, SA has long MB history.

BTW, would you rather buy a part made in SA or China/India? I'll bet my money on SA.

Didn't you guys know, Billy Bob, Rufus and Bubba make all the Parts for the M class in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Only after the Alabama football games, and after a case of Budwieser each. They have to drink that much since they've consumed 10lbs. of porkrinds during the game, ya'll.