Wiper Blade source in Canada - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ehmand · #1 03-28-2004, 09:07 PM

Anybody know of a place to get wiper blades (in Canada) for my 1995 S320.

Would order from Partsshop, but we get killed on shipping + duty + GST and $USD conversion.

Thanks much.
Dave

SHYNE · #2 03-28-2004, 10:19 PM

Sorry partsshop does not ship to Canada.

I think your best off going into the dealership. I wouldn't bother with Canadian Tire or Parts Source unless you just want blade inserts.

I am not sure what province your from, some "foreign" car parts depots due exist and they would be a little bit less expensive than the dealership.

If your short on time and patience, just go to the dealership and pick up a pack of blades and get it done.

Best of luck,

Mike McKinney

manny · #3 03-28-2004, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SHYNE
Sorry partsshop does not ship to Canada.

How did you come up with that one ?
I don't have any problems with my shipments from them.

blackmercedes · #4 03-28-2004, 11:21 PM

MB's have odd sizes and dealers are good sources. Also, most dealers will install it for free if you buy it there. Nice touch as it's not a DIY job I look forward to...

bhatt · #5 03-29-2004, 09:02 AM

I know this isn't related to wiper blades specifically, but...

Shipping to Canada is MUCH cheaper if you don't use UPS. They're a total ripoff with all of the brokerage fees.

Have your supplier (ie. Fastlane) ship via US Mail. They charge GST on your purchase plus a flat $5CDN fee for brokerage services. It's really a bargain compared to UPS!

Neal

daddiojiggy · #6 03-29-2004, 09:40 AM

fastlane/partsshop do ship to th enorth but ups screws us over.ship any other way than ups and you'll be happy!i had phil ship free to the border and ups took it the rest of the way-and screwed me bad!still ended up cheaper but the deal wasn't as good as it could've been after everything was put in.

blackmercedes · #7 03-29-2004, 10:18 AM

I bought some stuff from Phil, and told UPS that I would act on my own behalf for brokering the goods. It's a simple procedure that your local Fed Gov't office will walk you through. Just a form!

Anyway, UPS seemed to think that was too much trouble and they just delivered the package, brokered without any fees. Anytime I've had something shipped from the US I have done it this way, and everytime UPS fails to wait for me to broker it and just delivers it. The $35+ brokerage fees are a rip-off when you see how simple it is.

The US mail tip is an excellent one. Thanks!

bhatt · #8 03-29-2004, 10:33 AM

Sorry to hijack this thread with 'shipping to Canada' stuff, but hopefully I can help someone out.

If you have something sent via "priority" using US Mail, it gets delivered by Purolator in Canada. They charge $8 for this service, which isn't a bad deal if you need something faster than the usual US Mail-Canada Post route. I think the service is called Global Express Mail or something like that in the States.

UPS apparently doesn't charge the brokerage fee if stuff is sent via UPS Air. It's only the ground stuff that incurs this fee. Note that GST is still charged in either case since Paul Martin & company's spending habits need to be supported

Neal

ehmand · #9 03-29-2004, 09:18 PM

I've bought stuff from Partsshop before - that's not the issue. And yes UPS charges way too much for "customs brokerage". It's true that they don't charge that for overnight service, but then you get killed on the shipping anyway.

The problem is that for small items, by the time we pay shipping, GST, "customs brokerage", exchange etc, you end up paying more than double for a $100 part.

UPS charges $27.45 "customs brokerage" for shipments from $100 - 200. This is on top of a shipping charge around $10. Overnight gets rid of the customs brokerage fee, but then costs $46, just for shipping.

Add $7 GST, conversion 35%, and a $100 item ordered from the US, shipped by UPS costs $100 + 30 + 10 + 7 + 35 = $182.

This is before Canada customs levies it's duty, which vary (depending on the mood of whoever's working that day) but can be anywhere from 0 to around 30%.

So, for little stuff, I like to find a local supply, when I can. Does anyone know of a good supply (even mail order) on the North side of the border?

Car Nut · #10 03-29-2004, 09:52 PM

Are you sure the MB parts are cheaper in the US? I buy all the MB parts at the Canadian MB dealership everytime I visit Canada. I paid like CAD20 for a pair of wiper refill for my 1999 E430. Otherwise I am paying USD15 for ONE wiper refill in US.

Jackd · #11 03-29-2004, 09:59 PM

Ehmand: Why don't you pay Canadian Tire a visit.
I use to replace my wipers fillers every other month with original MB parts.
I now buy the complete windshield wiper refill at Canadian Tire and they last 3 times longer.
I'm cheap, and I have a ton of Canadian Tire Money.
JackD

ehmand · #12 03-29-2004, 10:16 PM

Been to Canuck Tire. They don't have anything that fits (according to their parts sheets) my S Class. They have some for various E class, C class and MLs, but nothing for the S.

ehmand · #13 03-29-2004, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Are you sure the MB parts are cheaper in the US?

No, that's why I'm looking for a source in Canada....

pberku · #14 03-29-2004, 11:22 PM

I just bought my wipers in Montreal from the local Bosch Autoparts Dealer. He carries all the Bosch parts for Mercedes, including many non-Bosch Mercedes parts.

The place is called AutoLectra, The phone number in Montreal is: 514-342-1044.

Not sure, but they may have offices in other parts of Canada or, if not they may be able to refer you to the local Bosch dealer in Calgary. Alternatively you can order directly from them.

They are always cheaper the the mercedes Dealer, and if you ask for a discount they will usually give you 10%

Phil

xp190 · #15 03-30-2004, 01:34 PM

I get wiper inserts from Canadian Tire, then I modify them slightly to fit. So far it worked like a char, just that their wiper blade inserts are not meant to last a very long time unfortunately.

As for shipping, yea it is murder, and the dealer charges even more on some parts but not most, I have a few sources, and if I can't find a good one, I try to make modifications, but of course for parts like wiper inserts only.

xp