I've been to my local MB dealer more times than I ever thought I would be. Originally I went with reluctance, as a last resort, when I couldn't find a part anywhere else or when I needed a part and I didn't even know what it was called. They always came through for me, and more times than not they had at least the same price I'd pay elsewhere. For example, I went yesterday and picked up the temperature gauge sending unit and the auxiliary fan sensor for my 75. Performance Products wanted $78 for them and then I would have paid shipping on top of that. I got them both from my MB dealer for a total (including tax) of $72. When I tore into the dash of my 78 and discovered the center valve distribution boot had disintegrated I couldn't find it anywhere - I didn't even know what it was called. I went to them, expected to pay through the nose for it, and got out of there for less than $40, part in hand.

If I ever need another servo, I'm certainly not going to the dealer. I can find a rebuilt - better than the OEM - for about 1/3 the price. But for a lot of parts the dealer is closer, better, and offers me the same or better price.