Why does anyone think Mercedes bought Chrysler? It was for two reasons: First, they needed to learn how to make cars cheaper, and needed to learn it quickly.

Second, they wanted to piggyback on Chrysler's parts distribution system and methods as they were apparently at the forefront of the industry at the time (I have to agree, when I owned a Dodge Magnum I could call in the AM and have a special-order part in my hand at 5 p.m.).

This was what was told to me by a veteran MBz parts manager. He and other experienced parts guys were seconded to Chrysler for six months to learn their system and help to implement it at Mercedes.

All cars are more cheaply built and built with less robust materials than 20 years ago. They also tend to be built using larger "systems" rather than more individual parts, which increases the price of repairs many-fold.

And yes, globalization means that your Mercedes wiring harness may be made offshore and if Mercedes is spec-ing work on a low-bid basis... well....

__________________


Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22