300E Fan Clutch - BEHR question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

azurite300E · #1 03-21-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi, I'm shopping around for a new VFC for my 300E, and found one on ebay that is an original BEHR part, but it does not have the red sticker on the bimetallic strip (BMS). Seller claims that only the parts sold directly to MB do bear this sticker, because of trademark concerns about the MB star logo that is on it. As it can be seen below, this VFC has a copper-colored BMS instead, which is how supposedly BEHR sells them to independent parts resellers. According to seller this is a new unit, in a BEHR box, and has been stored in the correct position to prevent premature failure when it is put into service.

Anybody heard about this before? I've tended to get very cautions due to the huge raise in counterfeit "New OEM MB" parts lately on Ebay.

Fortunately I'm not in a hurry to replace the VFC, as I managed to refill mine with very thick oil (was not able to source the Toyota silicon oil others have used), and it seems to be working well, although it stays coupled for a bit too long when the engine is first started, so I might have overfilled it (I put in about 27CCs). Still I want the car again use the original VFC.

In any case car runs now cool as a cucumber (82-85 C, max 95 pushing it hard up a hill) in our tropical weather of year-round 25-32 C. Before it was easily going into the 110 mark when going uphill for a minute or two, and stop and go traffic easily took the temp to 100-105 C.

Thanks.

azurite300E · #2 03-21-2008, 09:39 PM

bump

Spelunker · #3 03-30-2008, 01:59 AM

Yes, that's rather suspicious. I purchased a Behr fan clutch from an online WorldPac vendor last year and it has the prominent red Behr sticker but no M-B Logo.

azurite300E · #4 03-30-2008, 08:51 AM

Thanks, I agree with you. On the other hand, if it where chinese counterfeit crap, why bother to leave out the sticker. They normally copy it down to the last detail, only quality and endurance is obviously left out. Still it really sounds strange. Selling price is $125 if that may be any further indication.