It was checked for contamination before we swapped out the conductor plate and it was fine... And as far as the fluid....dark fluid, little bits of metal. Nothing big. And I just held the old plate in my hands yesterday... it was pretty worn compared to the new one...

I have found a local shop that specializes in Mercedes and BMW, and prides themselves on being the less expensive dealer alternative... and is close enough to drive to in limp home I'm calling later today... any other advice on what I should ask them?

Thanks for the input already guys, I appreciate it....