I have been a semi frequent poster on several other automobile forums and have found most of them to be kind of "horsey." By that I mean that when the least little thing is put in a post that conflicts with the interests of the people providing that forum, they will delete it.

In contrast to that, I have been posting on this forum somewhat regularly for over five years and cannot recall anything that was deleted or anyone scolded for posting information that conflicts with the profitability of Fastlane, or in the past, MB Autowerks.

It amazes me how many people will post questions asking where to get parts while it is very obvious that one of the purposes for their supporting this forum is to help promote the sale of MB parts. It seems to me to be downright rude.

Asking on these forums for parts sources is much like walking into the auto supply, walking up to a customer at the counter and asking him where to buy a part that would obviously be sold in that store, while the counterman is listening.

There has been the normal necessary moderation of posts over the years, even some of mine have been thrown out the window, and probably for good reason. I have NEVER seen, however, posts thrown out for promotion of the competitors of this site.

That's all I have to say. It's nothing more than a post, to point out to those who might not have noticed, just how much class these folks have.

Have a great day,

Agreed. I have noticed what you mention and it just shows what kind of people we have running this board. When somone asks where to buy parts, I always refer them to fastlane.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I'm afraid I must offer my apologies to Fastlane. I have benefitted from this site, and have purchased parts from other sources. Initially, I was not aware of the connection between this forum and Fastlane Parts. Fastlane is now my source for parts.

J. M. van Swaay

Good points Larry. It doesn't hurt to politely direct someone to Fastlane in a thread. YOUR PART

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BENZ THERE DONE THAThttp://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...c/progress.gif
15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
97 E420 Donor Car - NEED PARTS? PM ME!
97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

Good thread, Larry. I've had the same thoughts from time to time over the last couple years.

Phil has been incredibly helpful to me every time I've called him, and prices are reasonable. Can't beat that combination!

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Steve
'93 400E

I buy 90%+ of my parts from Fastlane. I always try to direct people towards Fastlane and Phil.

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1999 SL500
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

Most professional forum i've ever been associated with and Larry Bible is one of the main reasons. Knowledgable,reliable and honest.All the techs and experts on this board just can't be beat and spend time and go way out of their way just to find an answer-whether it be a new member or a seasoned veteran, it doesn't matter.

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1999 C280 Sport, 1967 911s Porsche

Just want to second the original remarks. Great site, knowledgeable advice.

Through this site, I have made a connection to an excellent local indy shop that I didn't know existed, and what's more, I'm very pleased with their work and their Mercedes savoir faire.

Thanks a ton.

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62 220sb
67 250S
72 280SE 4.5
74 280C
77 300D
82 240D
85 190E 2.3
86 300E RIP 12/28/09
85 300SD
92 300D 2.5
00 E320 Current
Over 1,000,000 miles in Benzes, Since66

....and a whole passel of BMW 2002 and Tii

I would order my parts through fastlane but don't because they do not ship US mail to Canada. One of their competitors does. Shipping to Canada with UPS can drive the cost up higher than going to the dealer.

Jorg

I have to agree with everyone here. I would like to add that shipping at Fastlane is so much better than anywhere else - most times I can order something on Monday morning and have it by Wed. morning - sometimes Tues. evening. The shipping rates are, by far, much better than other companies. I have directed many people to Fastlane - especially my indie mechanic. Have never had a problem with anything and always helpful when I have had questions. If it weren't for this site and company there is no way I could afford to have a MB - and with this site and company there is no way I can afford NOT to have a MB!
My 2 cents worth. Keep up the good work, guys!!!!

Even though I live in the UK so Fastlane is no real use to me (yet? ), this is one of the first forums I joined, and the only forum I keep coming back to. Nice and open, and all the guys running it are friendly and just let us chat, as opposed to trying to control their 'little world' - the forum they are Gods of.


This also gives me real confidence in the site's business side, as opposed to those ones that ban discussion of competitors, and even ban discussion of orders/problems etc with their own business (which recently convinced me not to order computer parts from one site).

Good luck and we wish you continued success for the forum, and for its commerce, in the future .


Russ

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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg

Thanks guys!
Fastlane is definately the fuel that runs MercedesShop.

There are many reasons why this website is good:
- Great Members
- Great Moderators
- Great Parts Support
- Great Servers & Fast Internet Connection

The money we make on Fastlane allows us to have the best technology which translates into quick response times.

How often do you have to wait for a page change in the Shop Forum?
How often do you find the Shop Forum or Fastlane unavailable?
Not often!

We pay over $12,000/year for our dedicated servers and fast internet connection that MercedesShop uses. It takes a lot of hard work and lots of money to keep a site like MercedesShop running. Fastlane is the way we do it.

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Bill Wood - Retired Webmaster
My Personal Website
1998 Mercedes E430
2010 Toyota Sequoia
My Photo Albums

I view MercedesShop as a win-win situation.

MercedesShop supports itself through FastLane funds.

I save money by buying my parts through FastLane and am able to do my own maintenance through the wealth of knowledge gained through MercedesShop Moderators and Forum members.

I received a flyer from a local Mercedes dealer touting its service "deals".
Below are some of the "deals":
Brake Special $225/axel - excludes AMG models and does not include replacement of brake disks.
FSS A Service - $250
FSS B Service - $420
Brake Fluid Flush - $110
Cooling System Service - $110

I look at these dealer prices and remind myself how thankfull I am of MercedesShop for providing me with priceless knowledge, reasonable part pricing, and excellent parts service.

Thanks again MercedesShop!

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

A toast to Mercedesshop and Fastlane (as I raise my glass of scotch)!

Found this place thru Google when I first bought my Benz several years back. Was immediately impressed with the degree of help offered here and the plain old common sense exhibited by the members.

As for Phil, what more could I say? Always a delight to speak and deal with.

Have often mentioned this was the best forum on the web for some time... and it still is. The only web site I visit each day.

Well Done.

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KenP

1996 S500 W140 Coupe

I must confess that I had bought parts from various suppliers (even ebay) while being a member here....that is until actually tried Fastlane, and found their prices to be the best and shipping extremely fast. Hey guys, they are why we are here...let's support them!

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1996 SL320 97K miles
1996 C220 130k miles
1992 500SEL 170k miles <---sold
1986 300E 216k miles <---sold