Why FCP Euro?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Why FCP Euro?
So my $270 Mahle radiator, which I could have bought at Rock Auto for $200, started leaking at the petcock after 2,000 miles. Pulled out the petcock and found that the outer o-ring had come apart. I noticed it was "squeaky" as I loosened the petcock.
Fortunately, I saved the old petcock, and scavenged the o-ring off it.
I sent a picture of it to FCP Euro. Figured maybe they would send me a new petcock, or credit me ten bux to get a new one, or something. Nope - you can replace the radiator under our FAMOUS LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Oh yeah this makes tons of sense.
Advice: Use FCP Euro to discern the quality parts, and then find those parts elsewhere for 25% less. There is so much labor involved in the parts, and the shipping is so costly, that the warranty is essentially useless.
Fortunately, I saved the old petcock, and scavenged the o-ring off it.
I sent a picture of it to FCP Euro. Figured maybe they would send me a new petcock, or credit me ten bux to get a new one, or something. Nope - you can replace the radiator under our FAMOUS LIFETIME WARRANTY.
Oh yeah this makes tons of sense.
Advice: Use FCP Euro to discern the quality parts, and then find those parts elsewhere for 25% less. There is so much labor involved in the parts, and the shipping is so costly, that the warranty is essentially useless.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
My 2 cents.
Sure, some DIYs require more effort than others, but, overwhelmingly, most DIYs are pretty simple after you've done it the first time. So LIFETIME WARRANTY replacement has tremendous appeal to me.
Sure, some DIYs require more effort than others, but, overwhelmingly, most DIYs are pretty simple after you've done it the first time. So LIFETIME WARRANTY replacement has tremendous appeal to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Lifetime warranty makes sense if you keep the car long-term and the parts are subject to fail again while you own the car. Otherwise, it really doesn't make sense to pay that much more for the same part. A radiator's lifespan is going to be around 200k miles so paying 35% more may not make sense. The lifetime warranty on the consumables makes a lot of sense.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Lifetime warranty makes sense if you keep the car long-term and the parts are subject to fail again while you own the car. Otherwise, it really doesn't make sense to pay that much more for the same part. A radiator's lifespan is going to be around 200k miles so paying 35% more may not make sense. The lifetime warranty on the consumables makes a lot of sense.
It's like insurance companies; they are happy to take your premium money but it's a whole different story when it comes to paying a claim.
It was simply insulting, telling me to pull and return the radiator. The shipping alone would have been more than the petcock.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,086
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
Lifetime warranties don't come for free. No such thing as a free lunch. Pricing can still be competitive in my experience and overall quality of average part is better than Rock Auto. Have purchased from both and am happy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,243
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
doubt rock auto would have done anything other than say ship it back.
Of course if it failed within 1 year from when you purchased.
And like all others the complete item you purchased.
Dealt with both...
you can save $$ with Rock sometimes but you get what you pay for - cheap parts break sooner I find.
Of course if it failed within 1 year from when you purchased.
And like all others the complete item you purchased.
Dealt with both...
you can save $$ with Rock sometimes but you get what you pay for - cheap parts break sooner I find.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
You've illustrated well here the drawbacks of a lifetime warranty that doesn’t roll down to the individual part level - it stays at the component level, and any attempt of self-repair such as replacing that o-ring would have voided the component warranty.
Stop making sense!
the question remains, as others agave asked; would you really have been better off with a cheaper alternative without a lifetime warranty.
I’d like to add that you may have gotten an outlier component from Mahle, perhaps assembled from a known bad batch of o-rings. It happens all the time.
Stop making sense!
the question remains, as others agave asked; would you really have been better off with a cheaper alternative without a lifetime warranty.
I’d like to add that you may have gotten an outlier component from Mahle, perhaps assembled from a known bad batch of o-rings. It happens all the time.
Last edited by Max Blast; Oct 8, 2022 at 06:13 AM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Point is, it's not a warranty. They aren't the manufacturer. It's a satisfaction guarantee.
In paying 30% more for the same Mahle radiator, I assumed the company was going to work to take care of me, not just quote the terms of the deal. My bad, lesson learned. If Amazon had offered me, for $70, an "extended lifetime warranty" on the radiator, I would have known not to bite.
I am sure it was a one-off o-ring failure, and if I were the seller or supplier, I would be concerned with it. But that's just me. I did notice the o-ring is shiny, not matte like I am accustomed to seeing. Maybe it gripped the walls of the radiator tank as it was being turned in.
Regrettably, the o-ring I saved from the old radiator leaks intermittently. This is probably why I thought the radiator was leaking. Shame; I probably could have gotten more miles out of it.
In paying 30% more for the same Mahle radiator, I assumed the company was going to work to take care of me, not just quote the terms of the deal. My bad, lesson learned. If Amazon had offered me, for $70, an "extended lifetime warranty" on the radiator, I would have known not to bite.
I am sure it was a one-off o-ring failure, and if I were the seller or supplier, I would be concerned with it. But that's just me. I did notice the o-ring is shiny, not matte like I am accustomed to seeing. Maybe it gripped the walls of the radiator tank as it was being turned in.
Regrettably, the o-ring I saved from the old radiator leaks intermittently. This is probably why I thought the radiator was leaking. Shame; I probably could have gotten more miles out of it.
Last edited by eric_in_sd; Oct 8, 2022 at 08:22 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
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From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
When I was looking at replacement parts for my 450, FCP's lifetime warranty prop just wasn't there. When the return shipping is on you, the extra expense waters down the value and with them charging significantly more for their products than the competitors it was not worth it to me. Yes, then there is the fact, you have to buy the replacement and they refund if you meet whatever criteria they have. The whole thing made me uncomfortable.
When Arnott sold directly to customers, their lifetime warranty was great. They would pay for shipping both ways and there was never a question that they would honor the warranty. The air suspension parts are something you know will fail over time and their prices were much better than the MB units so, again, it made total sense to me and I used the warranty without issues,
When Arnott sold directly to customers, their lifetime warranty was great. They would pay for shipping both ways and there was never a question that they would honor the warranty. The air suspension parts are something you know will fail over time and their prices were much better than the MB units so, again, it made total sense to me and I used the warranty without issues,
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
doubt rock auto would have done anything other than say ship it back.
Of course if it failed within 1 year from when you purchased.
And like all others the complete item you purchased.
Dealt with both...
you can save $$ with Rock sometimes but you get what you pay for - cheap parts break sooner I find.
Of course if it failed within 1 year from when you purchased.
And like all others the complete item you purchased.
Dealt with both...
you can save $$ with Rock sometimes but you get what you pay for - cheap parts break sooner I find.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 933
From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
I get ya and would not have paid premium myself fro radiator
I look for the overall Cheapest (including sales tax and shipping), name brand, quality and a minimum of 3 places above and beyond Local Auto Parts, Rock Auto, & Amazon
I check local first as I usually want part ASAP and paying for next day air shipping is crazy $$$$
As for FCP and warranty I would pay a bit higher part premium for some parts.
The more likely I would need part again the more I would pay from FCP.
Example = Brake Pads & Rotors.
Say FCP is a 10% premium
My price next tie is return shipping which for example is about10% of total cost.
Next set of brake parts just got real cheap and so did next.
That is where savings comes in Wear items.
Filters, wiper blades anything that costs well more then shipping price.
The question is when is, What is their lifetime parts warranty worth it to you in terms of high price andor part.
example PArt I do no expect to fail again say yoru radiator - yeah find the cheapest highest quality one you can.
Brake Pads and Rotors - wear items... yeah Free ones in future have merit since I wear them puppies out.
What about filters, Wipers etc.?
SO my cost on these parts next time is only shipping = big time savings.
Yes you our out some money up front but you get it back when they get part
"Have not done the oil filter as I go to local guy for changes as waste oil is a PIA"
I am not saying they are theonly place to buy parts...
Too many places to buy parts and I check them all.
Next buy Volvo XC90 brake pads and rotors.
I need to get a wheel off and inspect.
I will check FCP and they need to be priced close as OEM lasted 7 years - and that is long time as might sell car by then,
Wish FCP sold Tires!
I look for the overall Cheapest (including sales tax and shipping), name brand, quality and a minimum of 3 places above and beyond Local Auto Parts, Rock Auto, & Amazon
I check local first as I usually want part ASAP and paying for next day air shipping is crazy $$$$
As for FCP and warranty I would pay a bit higher part premium for some parts.
The more likely I would need part again the more I would pay from FCP.
Example = Brake Pads & Rotors.
Say FCP is a 10% premium
My price next tie is return shipping which for example is about10% of total cost.
Next set of brake parts just got real cheap and so did next.
That is where savings comes in Wear items.
Filters, wiper blades anything that costs well more then shipping price.
The question is when is, What is their lifetime parts warranty worth it to you in terms of high price andor part.
example PArt I do no expect to fail again say yoru radiator - yeah find the cheapest highest quality one you can.
Brake Pads and Rotors - wear items... yeah Free ones in future have merit since I wear them puppies out.
What about filters, Wipers etc.?
SO my cost on these parts next time is only shipping = big time savings.
Yes you our out some money up front but you get it back when they get part
"Have not done the oil filter as I go to local guy for changes as waste oil is a PIA"
I am not saying they are theonly place to buy parts...
Too many places to buy parts and I check them all.
Next buy Volvo XC90 brake pads and rotors.
I need to get a wheel off and inspect.
I will check FCP and they need to be priced close as OEM lasted 7 years - and that is long time as might sell car by then,
Wish FCP sold Tires!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,749
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Fuel filters..
ball joints...
air filters...
cabin filters...
So far so good with them. I'll be ordering some windshield wipers soon. Winter's coming.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Update: A more senior (I assume) rep from FCP Euro contacted me and apologized profusely. After no small amount of work, they discovered that they actually do sell the petcock drain plug (for a BMW application; Mahle OEMs such radiators all over the place) and they are overnighting a plug to me.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 70
2007 GL450
Update: A more senior (I assume) rep from FCP Euro contacted me and apologized profusely. After no small amount of work, they discovered that they actually do sell the petcock drain plug (for a BMW application; Mahle OEMs such radiators all over the place) and they are overnighting a plug to me.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
Radiator Drain Petcock
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
is this the part that you are looking for:
Radiator Drain Petcock
Radiator Drain Petcock
In fact, I had already ordered the Uro part, but it is still in Arkansas.
I suspect the more expensive, if not all, aftermarket are also Behr parts private-labeled, but there is no good way to tell. It is such a cheap part, it is hard for me to imagine it being worthwhile to copy the mold, but there is much I do not know.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
From: Cazenovia / Chicago / Wokowice
2010 GL450 , 2005 Sprinter 3500, 1980 SL 500
more importantly you would have probably received the wrong part... the number of times rock auto has sent me the wrong part, not as pictured , described, or even the right part number has pushed me to the point where i am going to order off of Amazon or eBay if a place here in Chicago does not have it ( North side auto , their return policy is great and you get to open the box and confirm before you pay for it....)
FCP doesnt have 2005 Sprinters (which are simply Mercedes rebadged) so I have been using Rock auto.... but after the last control arm mess I am done with them...
FCP doesnt have 2005 Sprinters (which are simply Mercedes rebadged) so I have been using Rock auto.... but after the last control arm mess I am done with them...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
I have FCP oil in my car now with a fresh change kit on the way. I'll be sending the old oil/filter back to them and getting my money back minus some shipping. Considering an oil change costs around 100$ and shipping is nowhere near that, it's worth it.
Fuel filters..
ball joints...
air filters...
cabin filters...
So far so good with them. I'll be ordering some windshield wipers soon. Winter's coming.
Fuel filters..
ball joints...
air filters...
cabin filters...
So far so good with them. I'll be ordering some windshield wipers soon. Winter's coming.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
FCP doesnt have 2005 Sprinters (which are simply Mercedes rebadged) so I have been using Rock auto.... but after the last control arm mess I am done with them...
https://youtu.be/ePU133lpjeo
https://youtu.be/ePU133lpjeo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Update: A more senior (I assume) rep from FCP Euro contacted me and apologized profusely. After no small amount of work, they discovered that they actually do sell the petcock drain plug (for a BMW application; Mahle OEMs such radiators all over the place) and they are overnighting a plug to me.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
Mahle was extraordinarily responsive. I informed of the issue on their web site, and the fellow that contacted me included the internal email chain, which was about four layers deep.
Note that MB-labeled part is quite hard to find domestically.
So I would advise getting yourself a spare drain plug before you go unscrewing the existing one. You might be surprised.
Also, I found the heater hose below the radiator was damaged. I think it was leaking, but the drain plug did fail, and was wet with coolant, but the damaged part of the hose was just below the drain plug, so ... shrugs.
The heater hose is simple to replace. Take out the inner fender on the driver's side and it is easy to route. Goes right up to the magic pump that runs when it wants to or when you tell it to REST.
But all seems well. Took 'er for a ride to the store to get beer and nary a drop.
I sure am sick of those spring hose clamps. Replace them with normal labor intensive stainless steel screw drive wherever you can.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,749
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From: In the Shadow of the Tetons
2013 ML350 Bluetec
https://www.fcpeuro.com/page/lifetime-guarantee
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
From: Cazenovia / Chicago / Wokowice
2010 GL450 , 2005 Sprinter 3500, 1980 SL 500
you have an05 Mercedes or dodge? their is no Dodge on their make drop down and from what i know everyone need the last 8 of a vin because their are so many permutations of a vehicle make model year these days... my understanding is that dodge parts dont work in mercedes computers and you cant use a mercedes dealer to look up dodge parts....
