Hello,

My car is a '93 300D. The strut mounts on the front are showing some cracks on the rubber, so I decided to replace them because the mechanic at the dealership told me that when they give, the rod goes through the hood and it's obviously a very expensive repair. Anyway, I bought new strut mounts from some online parts store. The brand is Bilstein. Today I took the car to a mechanic (not the dealership) and the mechanic was telling me to make sure that they are the OEM parts, not aftermarket parts, because they replaced those before with aftermarket parts, in they broke in only one month. He also told me that even if the brand is Bilstein, that doesn't mean that it's the OEM part, because they can have two grades: an OEM grade and a cheaper aftermarket grade. The dealer sells the mounts for $80+ each, and I paid $40+ each online for these Bilstein mounts. It seems that the difference in price is too much for them to be the same part.

What do you make out of this? Should I go ahead with these Bilstein strut mounts? Thanks in advance for any comments.

Hello,

I think that most aftermarket parts are ok. I think in your case you are using a product that is made from a major shock/strut company. If the part came a no name/brand company I would be worried. I will replace my stock struts/shocks with Bilstein, Koni, and/or H and R., I plan on lowering my car. Just my two cents.

What worries me? The OEM strut mounts on my Mercedes which have been know to break off!!! Welds break off at speed=major accident...w210 e class 1996-2002. I have yet to get an inspection done at the dealer. Which is on my laundry list for my Mercedes.