The answer is real simple for mercedes benz corporate. They simply need to solicit pre-paid orders for whatever part number. All they need to say is once we get 200 pre paid orders (or whatever number...), then we will re-manufacture the product and send out your part(s).

They could easily have a count meter on their web site so that people knew where the count stands. And, if say, after six months they don't achieve enough sales, they simply refund the monies to you, the customer.

All this said, it wouldn't hurt MB to have a few extra parts on the shelf for their loyal MB customers......