I rebuilt my 1975 115/300d last year. I got a list of parts that I needed and priced them through various web sites. I took the list to my local MB dealer and asked the parts man if he could beat the prices. He matched most, beat some and couldn't beat others. The difference wasn't much and I saved postage. The other advantage was that if the part didn't work there was no problem sending them back, plus I got a lot of helpful hints about repairs.

To get these low prices the parts man called me a repair service-Foss Restorations or some such. I didn't need a tax no. or any sort of paper work. Now ever time I go in there I get the same discount pricing. I think it is about a 40% savings.

Hit up your parts man for the same deal. Tell him that you would prefer to buy local and if he can give you a dealer's discount you will buy from him. Remember, if you don't ask he won't offer.