Is anyone familiar with this strange brand of OM603 vacuum pump? I got it on eBay for $200, about 2/3 of the lowest price I've seen elsewhere. It's the new style with the enclosed bearing, looks and feels well made, part # 000 230 31 65, which the EPC says is the latest number. The label on the box says "BTAP/Germany/Fits MB/000 230 31 65 Vacuum Pump." It came with a metal "pocket" gasket. Everything I've read on this forum says that all of these vacuum pumps are made by Pierburg. The printing on the pump says "BENPART 1900 19/07."

I removed the old pump (it looked undamaged so I was lucky) and cleaned off the remnants of the paper gasket. After removing the timing chain "cage," I installed the new pump with its gasket. After "priming the pump" with oil from a squirt can, I started the engine and it runs fine with good vacuum levels.

I'm always a little concerned with bargain off-brands and wondered if anyone here has ever tried one of these.

Jeremy

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