Not to beat a dead horse...

But you can get many/most OEM (with the star) parts from this site -- they may or may not be listed in FastLane, you have to call Phil. Or you can get expert advice on OEM/Aftermarket parts from the friendly staff at this site (Phil). And by doing so, you are supporting this for-profit business' decision to host this incredible resource that we all use.

Add to that that the prices are generally better, and the parts are shipped directly to your door (saves you a trip to the dealer).

I don't advocate buying parts (brakes or otherwise) from unknown online sources. But I would trust the folks at MercedesShop before I would trust the folks at the local dealership. MercedesShop lives and dies by it's reputation for quality and service. Local dealerships (of any brand) have some of the most unsavory business practices of any business in your community.

Just my 2 cents... arguably worth that.

Jeff Pierce

OEM manufacturers for me
 

Having just been in this same boat - I checked the prices at my local dealer, then called Phil. Ended up saving alot of money by buying Textar pads over the factory bits. Installed them this weekend. NO problem. Works as well as the part with the star label (the last set). I am convinced what I got is the same part just with a little less weight (that of the ink that prints the star). Phil was also able to supply the factory pad paste that everyone recommends and everything was at my doorstep the next day. Installation in this case worked perfectly, no issues whatsoever.

If pricing were the same, I'd buy from my dealer. If not, I will buy OEM. It's usually not worth it to buy non-OEM replica parts in my opinion.

Jim