quickpewter

Hey all,

Wonder if anyone can help me source the original lower fender liner part/number. It's for the driver side front. Sits in front of the wheel. The original part comes with a rubber deflector and that's the case for all corners of the car. I believe it's the same part on any W203 C-class. I've recently hand to change it and the MB dealer replaced it with a part that does not have the rubber deflector. Dealer parts/service manager told me MB stopped making them with a deflector but I'm find this hard to believe because most MB models, W203 and newer, have this particular deflector on them. So why would MB stop manufacturing the part as originally designed? <shrug>

I've searched and was able to find a non-OEM one that looks identical to the one they dealership put on my car. It's from partsgeek and costs around $18. I'd hate to think my dealer chaged me $60+ for a non OEM part.

Can anyone help point me in the right direction with a MB part number and/or place to order the correct part as originally designed?

Thanks much.

Saaboteur

203 698 29 30 is what I've found in the EPC for the front lower left fender liner.
203 698 30 30 is for the right side.

I had to replace one of mine as well, I think I had to get it from the dealer as the usual places I tried (bimmerspecialist.com, autohausaz.com and germanparts.ca) couldn't come up with anything.

quickpewter

Thanks, Saaboteur.

Pardon my ignorance, but what's the EPC? Is that a resource I can go to myself for researching parts? If so, how?

Also, how recently did you replace that part? I ask because I'm being told by the dealer it's no longer manufactured with the rubber deflector. Like I said, I'm skeptical but have no way to validate my skepticism and push back on them to get me the correct part.

Saaboteur

The EPC is the electronic parts catalogue.

http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/welcome.jsp

You need to subscribe, but it's free even though they take a credit card number. Also, you need to be a US resident. I had a buddy hook me up with a subscription.

Removing and replacing that part is pretty easy. Wheel off, undo the various fasteners, done. Bless Mercedes, the nuts are not steel but are plastic meaning no corrosion.

I don't remember having a rubber deflector on my car, but it could be that at some point in time the other side had also been replaced.

quickpewter

Appreciate the help, Saaboteur. I'm Canadian as well. Just happen to be living and working in the US for more years than I care to admit.

I don't mean to belabour my original question.... the part number you provided earlier and the part you replaced on your car does or does not have that 8"x2" (approx.) rubber deflector that hangs perpendicular to the bottom of the fender liner? Because my wife's C230K coupe has it at all four corners, as does my C55 on all but this one corner now, as do most C class old and new models that I see. In fact it's on the E class as well, etc.

I know. I probably seem obsessive about this stupid piece of rubber. I just want the car to look right. I'm detail driven. lol.

pointman

USA! USA! USA! There's the door, Syrup lover.

quickpewter

My point being, I'm barely qualified to continue calling myself a Canadian at this point. FWIW, I find Vermont pure maple syrup to be superior. Vermont is still considered America, right?

pointman

haha I was just joking with you. But yeah, my next post.. assuming you got defensive, was going to be shattering your existence by telling you how America has better syrup too. Thanks for ruining it!

quickpewter

Nah, not defensive at all... I got your friendly dig. Now, are you gonna help with my part quest or are you gonna explain the basis for American exceptionalism to me?

Saaboteur

Jayzuz, the untruths being spouted out! Next thing you know you're going to be on about how much better American beer is than Canadian beer!

Anyway, I went out at lunch and had a nose around my car's front end. Confirmed no rubber deflectors on the front lower fender liner. I know I replaced one side, as when I got my car last year the right side was busted. As far as I know, the left side is original but I'm not 100% certain. One of the previous owners had replaced the front bumper at some point.

If you're detailed conscious, perhaps you could remove and replace the other side as well, then you'll have two sides without the deflectors...it's either that or hunting one down in a salvage yard, but the thing is the cars are still relatively 'young' such that they don't usually show up in self serve yards, so you're left with going through the dismantlers. And for a $50-90 part (I think I paid about $90) it may not be worth it.

pointman

Oh sorry dude. You're new here. I rarely have answers. You're SOL on that one.

America, why? America, *** yeah. Thats why.

quickpewter

Yeah... I feared as much. Thanks again. Going to drown my sorrows with a Sam Adams.