OEM
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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2004 CLK320
OEM
My friend works in a MB dealership as a SA and we had a discussion on OEM parts recently.
He is against after-market parts. He said although a part is made from the same manufacturer, they may not make the part in the same specs as given by MB. So, it is a hit-and-miss and we will never know what we are getting. The OEM parts are cheaper but maybe they will have to be changed more frequently. Considering the labor cost, I may not be saving much.
Recently I bought a Mann pollen filter from an online store and when I compared it to the old MB filter, I found it to be much lighter and a lot less sturdy. I also ordered a Mann oil filter and now I am not sure if I want to use it.
He is against after-market parts. He said although a part is made from the same manufacturer, they may not make the part in the same specs as given by MB. So, it is a hit-and-miss and we will never know what we are getting. The OEM parts are cheaper but maybe they will have to be changed more frequently. Considering the labor cost, I may not be saving much.
Recently I bought a Mann pollen filter from an online store and when I compared it to the old MB filter, I found it to be much lighter and a lot less sturdy. I also ordered a Mann oil filter and now I am not sure if I want to use it.
Last edited by mis3; Jan 13, 2013 at 10:06 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Oem usually is interpreted as factory equivalent, but it is not always true.
On the other hand they can be better.
I was the product manager for an OEM system sold to MB. They are a demanding buyer, but that does not mean they always buy the very best.
On the other hand they can be better.
I was the product manager for an OEM system sold to MB. They are a demanding buyer, but that does not mean they always buy the very best.
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MBZ doesn't make a lot of its own parts. It sources them from suppliers. When they end up in MBZ factories and dealership parts shelves, they bear the three-pointed star logos and MBZ part numbers. Those OEMs are generally not prohibited from making their own versions of those parts. They should be of equal quality to MBZ-branded parts. For example, Mann oil filters. There are some parts that I would not buy "aftermarket", but others I wouldn't worry about at all. Cabin air filters, wiper blades, bulbs, etc. are no worries, but oil filters, suspension parts, electronics, etc. are all critical enough that I only buy genuine (or known OEM, like Mann oil filters).
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
Rudeney: So, you will use the Mann oil filter?
Autohausaz
Mann OEM HU7185X
Oil Filter Kit; Polyester Fleece Media, Extended Service
As a side note, I also bought Mann air filters from the same site. The feel and appearance of these Mann air filters are exactly the same as MB.
Autohausaz
Mann OEM HU7185X
Oil Filter Kit; Polyester Fleece Media, Extended Service
As a side note, I also bought Mann air filters from the same site. The feel and appearance of these Mann air filters are exactly the same as MB.
