Large difference in - Front end parts... Lemforder, Meyle, Ocap, etc.
 

Just as the title states, is there much of a difference between these parts? On some the Lemforder is around three times the cost of the Meyle.:eek:

Is the quality difference enough to warrant the cost? Or would I be fine with any OE parts (non-Taiwan junk)

Okay thanks!

Lemfoerder is almost always OE quality...owned by a OE parts GIANT (ZF).

All of the others you noted are either re-packagers or non_OE manufactures.

MOST of their parts come from Italy, Turkey, OR the Pacific rim.

I have been using Meyle suspension parts for years on BMW and VW applications (very little M-B experience) with much success. In some cases they are better quality or an improved design over OE. Either way, they are all quality brands and will perform as desired.

Lemfoerder for sure. It does depend on the quality of manufacture to some degree. Lemfoerder makes the same as or better than they did when they originally supplied the part to Mercedes. Just check them out online. I will need tie rod ends and some bushings very soon. I hope to get the Lemfoerder bits, but I'm just a beginner so what do I know. Check out the Lemfoerder site for info, request free packets of info regardings the concerned parts. They'll send it out asap. To me they look to be the better maker of quality OE parts for my MBZ front end.

Thaks,
Jason

I buy Lemforder whenever they are offered. Well if I were planning on selling the car I'd give the cheap stuff a try.

I love these responses, which are quite common, that essentially say "buy the highest price, it's safer". There are companies in this world who price high just to target people with such a philosophy, when there is no discernable quality difference. The question was "how does the quality compare", not "is it wise to always pay the highest price". I'm skeptical that Meyle should be ruled out just because of low price - I've had several good experiences with them on other items. Having a "high price is safe" philosophy is everyone's privilege - but the question here pertained to quality.

well said i agree 100%.

I have noticed over the years that the lifespan of certain aftermarket front end components is very short in comparison to the oem original parts.. I kind of expect this when usimg certain brands of aftermarket parts.
Have no experience with the mercedes aftermarket front end parts though. Other than noticing one centre bar is a lot smaller than the original in diameter and that did make me notice it. I also would not buy and install it even if adaquate. Since the size of most aftermarket front end parts is the same that leaves mostly softer metals as the causitive of any shorter life span perhaps. Some tie rods are really sub standard for example in my opinion.
Aftermarket parts with a really good reputation should not be avoided as the cost savings is pretty large. Just sometimes hard to find that information.

I do work where that Quality or lack of Quality shows-up all of the time.

If you want to install a component every couple of years then don't worry about price or Quality at all..

But if longevity is the motive then stick with an OE Quality part...

The listed questions about those parts are answered every day.

ONLY Lemfoeder sells OE quality of those listed brands! There are other OE Brands..like TRW OR even Moog...but not on every part..even Boge can be OE as well as Corteco or Fruedenburg.

Meyle
 

Several good experiences doesn't mean quality. Several hundred does. I can't tell you how many meyle balljoints have been broken in the shop while being pressed back in. Broken tie rods, worn control arm bushings, broken motormounts after a few thousand miles...the list goes on and not just suspension parts. I have yet another box full of broken parts just for the Meyle reps when they make thier yearly visit from Germany to all the local indy shops. Lemfoerder is superior.
Paul

That's information - to say "buy the high price" is not.

Who said buy the high price? "Moog, Fruedenburg, TRW, Corteco and Boge can all have OE level quality parts". The professionals that see the parts fail every day are the ones to answer these questions. I think asking the pros about which makers are on par with Lemfoerder is a good start. It seems to come down to what's a deal and what is a deal and also good or better quality. The choice is mine and so I would want to make an informed decision. Lets not talk about this people who pay high prices stuff. I would appreciate hearing more about how the actual parts stand up to one another. I can search for a better deal on a transmission mount any day of the week. It's about getting the best one for the money that concerns me and I would imagine most of us on the this forum. Why else would we be here? Which last longer? It's a simple question. Maybe they're all the same, maybe not. Can you say the same about other parts? I cant.

Thanks,
Jason

That's lnformation for anyone who may be skeptical of Meyle being ruled out due to it's low price.
Paul

I trust the DOC
 

If there is one person here who has the definitive answer, and has never steered me wrong nor anyone else to my knowledge, it's MB Doc.

Call me a sheep, but with the experience he has, he's seen all these brands, he knows repeat customers' cars, and I'm sure he knows how to look up service histories and has a 27-year trending-gauge for probably EVERY brand of MB part out there.

Just my .2