The rubber section was ~ 0.5" proud of the face of the pulley at the point of greatest protrusion (about 3:00 in the photo). In total, roughly 90 degrees was not flush (as it should be). In my book, that is a failure. It just hadn't proceeded to the point of taking out other parts, yet.

The dealer confirmed the failure, but presented a clearly rehearsed "MB considers this to be a normal wear item that should be replaced every 80k miles" speech. When I pressed the service manager on the old part (00 00) versus new part (08 00) question, he fell back into the speech, wouldn't acknowledge any difference between the two - "they're all supposed to be replaced." When I questioned him about pre-80k failures, he claimed no knowledge of any HB failing with less than 80k miles.

I left feeling, on the one hand, frustrated by what appears to be a concerted effort to sweep the issue under the rug. On the other hand, I'm OK with the "deal" that we worked out. $55 for the HB+bolt and $156 in labor was split between me & the dealer (my cost $105 and change). The service manager made it clear that it was him, not MBUSA, that was eating half the cost in the interest of customer relations.