I would accept the offer.

I used non-MB ball studs in my 380 and Herr Fuchs did not caution me about using non-MB parts.

Since your mechanic is going to remove all the ball studs, be sure that he cleans out the oil passages before he puts the new ones in.

Hope his first experience with the pre-load adjustment goes well.

Cheers.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Delighted to report all is now well. When 'old' HLC's removed there were 5 that were appreciably shorter than the other 11 - presumably hadn't retained oil?

Having installed the full set of non-MB replacements the engine is wonderfully quiet, cold or warm.

The lesson here seems to be that a surprisingly large proportion of genuine new parts can be faulty.

Interestingly, the TRW components were identical to the MB ones - even to the same part no. stamped into them.

Thank you again for your prompt advice.

Chris - glad to hear your "Baby" is working well again!! Until you have been a victim of defective new parts - it is hard to believe it can happen - but it does. Never forget common sense logic when diagnosing problems - it usually never fails!! Once again - glad your problem is solved!!!