I am trying to order a new combination switch. My OEM supplier doesn't include the red key with the switch. Does anyone have a part number for the tool? I find other vendors that have OES parts that include the red key. I'm tempted to purchase that part since it includes the key. Can anyone provide any assistance or direct me to the best source for the part? Thanks for any help you could provide!

srb1194

Perhaps I wasn't clear in my original post. The key I am referring to is the one that holds the clockspring for removal. You can see it in the link below. Would you buy the OES part over the OEM to get this tool? I don't want to regret the purchase. Any help will be appreciated.
http://www.carparts.com/details/Mercedes_Benz/C320/OES_Genuine/Turn_Signal_Switch/2003/W0133-1891541.html?TID=froogle&cpoegetusisw03mercedesbenzc32020032003oesgenuinew0133-1891541989140

Thanks!

I usually back the screws out until they poke thru the outer holes then carefully pull both halfs out together. With the screws back thru the holes it keeps the clock spring from rotating. Use white out to make sure you re-align/install the clock spring in the same position.

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So the result is you don't need the key if performed using your method. Do you have any experience with OES versus OEM?

FYI - ********az has a nice explanation of OEM vs OES you might find interesting. OEM vs OES is largely a difference without a distinction.

Sorry I guess it's not proper to post certain websites.

Here is the relevant excerpt:

OE, OEM and OES (Factory) Auto Parts

OEM (original equipment manufactured) and OES (original equipment supplied) many times are one and the same. OE, of course, is a more generic term that refers to the brand that came as original equipment on the car. Most auto manufacturers assemble cars from purchased components and manufacture only the sheet metal components.

Therefore, the "factory part" you can buy from your dealer was most likely made by another company, sold to the car maker and then resold to the dealer for ultimate sale to you.

An important point many people are unaware of is the fact that multiple OES brands are not only normal but are actually mandated by international standards as part of the qualifications for ISO certification. Car manufacturers must have secondary sourcing (i.e., multiple suppliers) for certain types of parts in order that any problems with one supplier will not disable the car manufacturer's production and allow for substitution of the other brand for new production and any warranty replacement or repairs.

As an example, the original VDO pump may be interchanged with the Bosch unit with equal performance, the ZKW foglight may be interchanged with the Hella unit or the Balo brake rotors replaced with Zimmermann.

The OEM suppliers to Asian and domestic car makers are not always as easy to identify. Due to the proliferation of automotive conglomerates and spin-off companies, the original manufacturer may sell the parts under numerous brand names.

Further, many parts manufacturers are considered OES when, in fact, the exact same parts came on the car under a different brand name. We continue to strive to offer the direct OE replacement under whichever brand name is available.

We deal directly with many OEM/OES companies and stock the exact same parts as your local dealer - usually at substantially lower prices! It may not always come in a package with the car maker's name but it is, in fact, the very same part, manufactured by the very same company.

Why pay for all those middlemen when you can get the exact same part at ********AZ? ********AZ strives to supply one or all of the original equipment brands when available - usually the most commonly used brand is the more available one at a cost savings that we can pass along to you, our valued customer.

That's why our price may be 20%-90% below your dealer's price. You're not skimping on quality - it's the same quality as the dealer's part. You're just cutting out the overhead caused by too many middlemen.

Please note I have no connection with the vendor other than as a customer.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon

I can't open that link?

This site deletes certain links (most all do some) in posts automatically. PM me if you want/need the URL.

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Good luck.






1998 E320 Wagon