Maybe slightly off topic but I plan to use them on my Mercedes. And I have searched but found minimal info.

Planning on finally buying a 1/2 air impact wrench - and looking for info on brands. The safe path seems to be Ingersoll Rand such as the 231G or 231HA,

Anyone know anything about other brands such as Aircat which have very high torque specs (which seems to be based in WA state but who knows where they are made, claim to fame seems to be noise reduction which is not really a big deal with home use)

Thanks
Paul
400E 1992
E320 4matic wagon 2002
300SD 1984 (With only 114K!!! another long term diesel)

In my own shop I have an Ingesoll 3/8" ratchet, an electric 1/2", and a 12V electric 1/2" I use the 3/8 most, and it works fine.
On various ships and tugboats I've used all kinds and brands, from the fanciest 1" Ingersoll monsters to cheap throw-away stuff made in Taiwan. I have to admit, that my advice would be to get a couple of cheaper wrenches, maybe a 1/2" conventional and a 3/8" butterfly or ratchet-handle type. The butterfly type is very nice for quick work on small bolts. The 1/2" is overkill for almost everything but suspension parts, in my ignorant opinion.
If your shop is at all short on air, you might consider a 110V electric 1/2 impact, which are sold by most of the DeWalt, Milwaukee, ilk. They're a little clumsier than air, but they don't run out of air, and electrical plugs are sometimes easier to find than air.
Really nice air tools are nice, sort of like Snap-on wrenches. But I've gotten along for years with lesser breeds, and get most things done.
seo

I have had a Sears Craftsman for years and it has really done well for me. I do not have a business shop, but use it at home. This one was made in USA, but is at least 20 years old! Sears has a professional model on sale now at around $140 that you may also want to consider. Sears item #00919914000 Mfr. model #19914. I have found the top-line Craftsman tools to be very good performance and quality.

My Ingersol Rand has survived 15 years of the worst abuse I can give it. About 10 years ago, I bought a bearing and seal kit because I figured it was due for some tlc. I have yet to open either the kit or the impact gun.

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1989 300 SEL that mostly works, but needs TLC

Check this out, you really can't beat the price:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=53176

Yes, it's a cheapie but it will get the job done. I am using something very similar right now, a generic Campbell Hausfeld which came with my compressor. So far there isn't anything I haven't been able to loosen with it. 250 ft. lbs. ain't bad if you ask me. Especially for $15 - when it breaks, just pitch it and buy another.

Just print out the sale price and walk it down to the store - they will honor it. I also have a coupon for 50% off in my Entertainment coupon book which they will honor on top of the sale price. At $7.50 for 250 ft. lbs. you really can't go wrong.

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

i didnt want to deal w/ the air hoses, coupler etc and also didnt have enough $ to buy a high quality air compressor. so instead i bought a high quality cordless electric impact wrench, rated at 300+ lb ft torque. still havent run across a bolt i couldnt free. i love it! love the portability factor when i'm taking my S2000 to the track and doing quick tire changes.

but yes, if i knew i was living at my house for longterm and working on my cars more, i'd get an air compressor...

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Current cars:
2001 MB E55 AMG
2003 Honda S2000
2000 Honda CRV

Gone but not forgotten:
2004 BMW 325i 5sp sport
1999 BMW 540i sport
1997 MB E420
1995 BMW M3 coupe