Are Aftermarket Fenders OK? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rs899 · #1 11-28-2002, 07:56 AM

I recently bought an '82 240 stick that needs two front fenders (they have both rusted through at the weld in front of the wheel and above the chrome behind the wheel). I have located a donor car for one side and can pull the fender for $40 but my understanding is that this is a great deal of work due to the undercoating used on the earlier cars. I have seen new aftermarket fenders (assume Chinese or Taiwanese) for under $50. I am sure they don't match OEM in terms of thickness or quality of steel, but do they fit and look right? My thinking is if they look and fit OK, I may be better off with them (thickly painted, of course). Any thoughts?

JCE · #2 11-28-2002, 10:59 AM

I have been going to the same large body & paint shop for 20 years. About 7 years ago I asked if they used factory or aftermarket for my Acura Legend, and they said that they hate aftermarket body metal. They said there is often a fit problem to mess with, which runs up the labor charges on an 'open' quote, or cuts into their margin on fixed quotes. When they are done, it looks more or less 'right', (sometimes the creases in the fender line aren't as sharp edged as factory, and the gaps are a bit larger as well) but the work is usually less durable than the original or factory replacement fenders, and the cost difference isn't that great as a percentage of the total job. They used aftermarket only at customer request, for high mileage commuter/beater cars, and strongly discouraged it for 'keepers'. Maybe things have improved since then, but 'caveat emptor'.