efzauner

My rear hatch latch started misbehaving so I replaced it with one of the cheap ebay variety for $63.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/154049313003...=loc,osub=osub

This is like a fraction of the cost of dealer and even parts from normal auto parts
Works fine and is perfect fit replacement in all ways.
. Will let you know if it fails prematurely

B34chBum

Congratulations, and thanks!

I've had success with a couple of other parts from China (, not particular to the R-Class, even).
- Non-Airmatic air control valve / 3-line
- Turbo vane actuator (although it doesn't seem as responsive as the OE Hella unit)
Both have lasted over a year, anyway... Sorry, no links handy.

You know, if anyone has seen replacements for the little dash vent control handles my car has 3 out of 4 let go, please post!
Once the plastic locks which hold them on get tired they just unsnap and won't go back.
So many fiddly little things!

efzauner

best bet for those are used parts dealers

My C240 had vents breaking.. got a replacement from used parts place.
The R Class is getting old. first ones where 2006 so you should have some used parts around near you.

Onnzo

The vents are readily available on Ali express. They come as a complete unit.

I recall I had to dremel it a little for it to fit but otherwise it is perfect.

B34chBum

Thanks for the resources and ideas. I never think to look on Alibaba.

Re: Older cars - these are old like I'm old I suppose - the new models look a lot newer, heh.

But the more I look at this car, the more I see supply chain issues and birthing pains at the Tuscaloosa plant.
The quality or lack of it just jumps out for so many piddly parts which MB would have made more durably, 10-20 years earlier.
And the fetish with o-rings in uses they aren't good for, keeps coming up.

I think with the W251 we get something of a break because of 1) the popularity of the model in China 2) the commonality with the W154.