Remanufactured or Used?
 

I have a 190e that has been diagnosed with a faulty steering gearbox that needs to be replaced. The replacement OEM part is currently unavailable. I located a company that specializes in Mercedes parts that has remanufactured and used gearboxes. Should I go with the used one or the remanufactured one? If I go used is there anyway that I can have it tested to make sure it isn't faulty before it goes in? Thanks in advance.

Not for any of my MBs, but I bought a remanufactured gearbox for my VW some years ago (the new OEM units were also unavailable).

Used ones are probably okay when tested, but the remanufactured units get the deteriorated parts replaced (i.e., seals).

I only consider the purchase of used parts when their function is static (body panels, trim, chassis parts, etc.). Otherwise, if a new part is unavailable (or cost prohibitive), I will always opt for the "freshened" or remanufactured part...

G-Benz said it precisely. Unless your budget is too tight, go for the reman over used.

Another thought is that you could check around in the "gasp" junkyards and see if you can find one of these. On older cars when searching for unique parts like transmissions and steering gear, I have found that if you look carefully, you can often find a low mileage component for a significant fraction of the new or reman cost. Of course if money were no object, I would be driving a new E430. I would think you could find a steering box for this one. As regards reman or used, false economy to go with the used.

Good luck...... :)

You can try contacting you local dealer, i purchased certified mercedes remanufactured parts whenever availiable, and it also comes with mb warranty on it also

Okay, I did as everyone recommended and the gearbox arrived the other day. However, I have a question about it. The output and input shafts have some play at the extreme turning positions however when the shaft is “on center” there is no play... Does this mean that I have a defective part? When there is play, it is very slight... The reason I ask is that I thought that the adjustment screw adjusts across the whole range... Someone please reassure me!

You've got a properly functioning box
 

It is typical of worm and roller and also recirculating ball steering boxes that they have to have the play set right on center because they are designed with extra play off center in order to avoid binding (which can cause cracked castings) if the play is adjusted later to compensate for wear. It is important to be sure that the actual box is on center (not necessarily the steering wheel position) before attempting to reset the play -- on most such cars you do this by cranking the box from one extreme to the other with the linkage disconnected and finding the exact midpoint in its range, but if you carelessly take up the play in anything but the center position, you may find the steering binding as it passes true center.

To find the center on the MB boxes I have seen, there is a cap (which looks like a bolt) on the body of the box. remove it and look inside, as you turn the gear, the centering hole will line up with the bolt hole - when aligned, the gear is centered.