Quote:
Originally Posted by mamali
They are reasonably cheap. Not sure to use aftermarket fenders or get used. Thanks
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I installed aftermarket front fenders on my MIL's E320. They were made in Taiwan, came pre-primed. I painted them myself (got paint matched per the MB color code, used my airgun) and had them professionally clearcoated (clearcoat has cyanoacetates, you don't want to breathe that) for $50 each.
Took me about 3 hours to remove the old panels and install the new ones. Pretty easy overall.
As far as original vs. aftermarket, it simply depends on the application, IMO. If you are looking to restore a rare specimen in otherwise mint condition (unlikely if you are having panel issues), then get OEM. Otherwise, I would definitely vouch for aftermarket. Much cheaper. The fitment and quality on mine were good. Bolted right up, no issues. The primer seemed to be evenly applied and there was no rust on the fenders.
I paid $180 per fender.
As far as the W210 chassis goes, I'd almost put money on the aftermarket fenders being HIGHER quality than the POS body panels Mercedes used on these cars. Absolutely sinful. The W210 has a great engine (M112/113) and a great tranny, but the body metal is crap, crap, crap. Up here, the W210 is essentially extinct. You still see W123s and W124s, but most W210s are dead or on the way out.
Here's some pics...
Aftermarket fender after painting...
E320 before...note the amount of rust...
Fender off. Some body rust as well.
Finished. The paint matched very well. Fit was also excellent. The fenders have been on the car for close to two years now and no rust yet.
Good luck!