I'm about to order a bunch of suspension bushings, motor mounts, trans mounts, tie-rods, balljoints, etc., and I've noticed that there's often 2 or more manufacturers supplying the same part (Lemfoerder, Febi-Bilstein, Meyle, Corteco/Freudenberg, Sachs-Boge, Moog, TRW and others). The prices can sometimes be very close or significantly different. Is there a general consensus as to who makes the best rubber and suspension/steering parts in terms of quality and longevity? I don't mind paying a bit more if I know I'm getting the closest thing to MB original equipment without having to pay dealer prices. If anyone would like to list their picks in categories such as rubber parts, suspension/steering parts (balljoints, tie-rods, etc.), shock absorbers, etc., and why you feel their parts are superior I'd appreciate it.

Conversely, if you feel one or more manufacturer's parts stand out as being particularly sub-par, along with your reasons why (especially personal experience) I'd like to hear that also.

Thanks,

Gary