Genuine or OEM for suspension parts?
 

I am looking at doing some maintenance to the suspension and driveline on my '89 300CE.

I am looking to do the following:
- Flex discs
- Driveshaft support
- Transmission mount
- New struts/shocks
- Front strut mounts
- Control arm bushings
- Subframe mounts

I am hearing that more and more parts are being outsourced offshore and built to lower quality standards. Given that the parts are not changed often, and some being labour intensive to replace, I would rather spend a bit more and have a better quality part.

I purchased the Febi flex discs and discovered they were made in Germany. However, the Corteco transmission mount that is supposedly OE was made in China.

Any parts suppliers to avoid for the above work? What parts can I substitute OE over genuine Mercedes parts?

I'd use genuine on the subframe mounts and the control arm bushings because they are so much hassle to replace and MAYBE/PROBABLY they're made better???

The other parts I'd be happy with OEM.

Good luck!!!

"Genuine or OEM for suspension parts?"

What, if any, distinction is to be understood between the terms "Genuine" and "OEM"?
And if there is a distinction, is there a difference?

Genuine would refer to a part sold and used by the manufacturer. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) would be a part made by the same OE supplier to the manufacturer, without manufacturer logos.

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There's also a Genuine Parts Company that supplies parts to automotive manufacturers and the aftermarket. They own NAPA.

https://www.genpt.com/

Duke

I used the genuine people for subframe mounts and lemforder control bushings and oem for others.

I don't know what is available from your list but lemforder sells a lot of the suspension rubber. Good quality a fair price.

SWAG is a good quality company but harder to find.