E Bay for parts and "Cheap" parts - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rick Hall · #1 11-09-2009, 01:34 PM

I like to cruise through the threads here and see if I can either learn from the experience here or offer help to someone on a topic that I know about. It has become apparent that there are a lot of people on here that use E Bay for parts and tools and buy no name parts. When I read these threads and see how much people pay for these parts and tools it amazes me that they are not much cheaper and oftentimes MORE expensive than buying a REAL german part or a part from the dealer. Why is that? Usually the original part has lasted 15 years or more and MANY thousands of miles before failure. Why then would someone want to put an Autozone, chinese cheap part in as a replacement? Good example is a Behr radiator. If you use MB coolant and replace and flush as required, you will get MANY years of life from the original. If you cheap out and buy Prestone or whatever, you get a failure. Been documented many times, something about the makeup of the coolant itself. Also, when MB coolant leaks, it leaves a white trail when dry, easy to pinpoint. MB coolant isn't cheap but neither are radiators and mechanics! I just replaced the oil pressure sending unit on my '91 300E. Original has been in there for 18+ years and 189,000 miles. Made by VDO, replacements could be had for as cheap as $35 up to $100. Of course the dealer is about $65, the $35 one is made in China and God only knows how long it will last but I found a VDO online for $58 delivered. Didn't even think of Autozone or PepBoys.
I bought my Benz new and have spent considerable time and money to preserve it in a top running condition. As a result, I have learened many expensive lessons. There is no such thing as a "cheap" mercedes or a "cheap,quick" repair.A cheap Benz will eat your lunch in reapairs if it hasn't been maintained and a cheap,quick repair will always cost you again in time and money, usually at a most inconvenient time!!
Just wanted to hear from others on here what their thoughts are on this subject.

dangol'benzo · #2 11-09-2009, 03:32 PM

I think theres alot to be said for working on ones own car. Buying parts from the dealer is synonymous with throwing money away in my book. Fine german parts can be had for much cheaper many other places. batteries for instance, why would you spend 150+ on a dealer MB battery when you can pick up a name brand unit for half that? The idea that "buying anything other than MB OEM is a waste of money" is a joke.

JimFreeh · #3 11-09-2009, 03:38 PM

Could be the same logic that compels people to buy a $900 Mercedes that would need $10k thrown at it to make it 'perfect' vice a very nice, similar example for $5k that needs little or no work.

Jim

G-Benz · #4 11-09-2009, 04:35 PM

I think lumping the folks in this forum into one or another category is a bit unfair:

For instance, you didn't even mention the parts source that exists here as well...FASTLANE!

I think those of us who plan on keeping our older Mercedes running for awhile make thoughtful and intelligent decisions as to where best to obtain a particular part.

I find that OEM batteries from the dealer for instance aren't considerably more expensive than say, the Interstate counterparts.

And some parts can't be had anywhere else BUT the dealer.

Fastlane is my primary go-to source for everything else.

I have gotten items from eBay as well, but suffice to say, these have all been pieces that were non-essential to the operation of my vehicles...such as wheel caps, chrome shift surrounds, and decals.

And on occasion, the procurement of some rare or hard-to-obtain part available by an individual who parted out a similar vehicle...

remotemark · #5 11-09-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G-Benz

I find that OEM batteries from the dealer for instance aren't considerably more expensive than say, the Interstate counterparts.

.

Recently I was at Potomac German Auto. Another customer was there and he bought a used OEM battery, one year old, had come out of a CLK with 18,000 miles on it. He paid $20!!!!

Now that's a battery purchase.

ps2cho · #6 11-09-2009, 07:08 PM

Agreed. I learned my lesson buying some aftermarket brake pads + rotors. They squeaked like absolutely no other for about 6 months before I just had enough and bought some OEM pads. Not a squeak out of them at all. Not once. I have had a squeak develop recently, but it is most likely the cheap rotors, not the pads.

But going to the dealership is throwing your money away. Fastlane beats dealership prices and offers good quality parts.

anziani · #7 11-10-2009, 11:47 AM

I agree that there are no "cheap" Mercedes. I bought a '93CE for $2K. I now have $6K into it and still am not done.

Anziani

cheapold280ce · #8 11-10-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by remotemark

Recently I was at Potomac German Auto. Another customer was there and he bought a used OEM battery, one year old, had come out of a CLK with 18,000 miles on it. He paid $20!!!!

Now that's a battery purchase.

Wow I didn't think there were any parts for $20 or less at potomac german auto much less a battery.

Buy majority of my parts form Ebay. But they are name brand parts Bosch, Beru, Mann, Beck Arney, or used OEM parts. I always check to see what it would cost at fastlane or ********, ******** etc..

I got a new set of $90 bosch wires for $14 including shipping. A set of late C240 mag wheels with tires for $50, New fuel pump for $25, Used reconditioned brass injectors for $40. A Super clean fuel tank for $50. the list goes on and on. I just got two front remanufactered caliber's for $60.

Where else are you going to find parts so cheap and without having to waste gas doing it.

I just wish they never "upgraded" the Ebay motors site I liked the old software so much more.

babymog · #9 11-10-2009, 12:48 PM

My version: check new OE first, and if the price is out of line, go OEM or quality aftermarket. In some cases (example: CCU or outside-temp display) the new prices are so out there, that a good used one seems like a worthwhile gamble.

msethk · #10 11-10-2009, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anziani

I agree that there are no "cheap" Mercedes. I bought a '93CE for $2K. I now have $6K into it and still am not done.

Anziani

i know what you mean but I dont think any car can be cheap if you want to personalize it... you could reasonable say you could throw the same amount into a 30 year old pinto or a brand new truck (i.e. a lift kit and tires and stereo) or, you could have gotten a mercedes for $2000 and not put any money into it and driven it for a long time too, some people would be just as happy.

dhjenkins · #11 11-10-2009, 04:41 PM

My used Bosch "euro" headlamps from Germany (ebay.de) cost me more than what I paid for the car, and there are no OEM smoke/clear side markers or smoke/clear tail lamps.

I pretty much only use OEM parts for almost any repair on any make/model, unless a client simply can't afford it.

It should also be pointed out that just because something is from the dealer, doesn't mean it's the highest quality part - a good example is AC Delco's "universal fit" line of parts - all made in China and no better than an autozone part.

Manufacturers are looking to cut costs any way they can, and quite a few (don't know about MB) are switching to lower quality parts.

babymog · #12 11-11-2009, 08:32 AM

There must be clear front/side lights if the car was available in France.