Cost of vanity items for classic Mercedes

[s class]

I think we are all painfully aware of the price of 'nice-to-haves' like new tail lights, new brightwork etc.

I was at the main dealer today collecting another bag of goodies for pompy, when another customer was complaining loudly about the price of things.  When he calmed down I asked what he was buying. 

Turns out he hit a huge pothole in his new W204, and he was buying two new alloy rims.  These are 16" genunine MB W204 alloys.  He paid ZAR2000 each.  That's about US$250 or 167- euros each.

Personally I thought that was very reasonable, especially when one considers that 15" bundts usually go for 500- euros for a set of 4 in a tatty condition needing refurbishment, and 16" penta sets can get 700- euros in a tatty state. 

[Big_Richard]

that price seems very cheap to me, some people are just born whingers 

you'd pay more for aftermarket wheels in australia for an average car, not an MB.

[s class]

Initially when he was complaining about "four grand!!" I thought he meant ZAR4000 EACH, until I saw the invoice - ZAR4000 for both, and then I just thought "ag shame man". 

[nathan]

i would have kicked that woman in the va-jin. that will teach him for not driving a G wagen in South Africa and dominating those pot holes
im sure everyone has their own preferences, but since ive found the classic centre, i generally dont complain. the fact i can buy 30 year old parts new at all keeps me happy enough. whilst some stuff is expensive, if you want a cheap part, by a hyundai!  i would certainly whinge if i HAD to buy at the aussie dealers, but in the current day and the ease of international transactions, cheaper alternatives are easily sourced!

[flutes]

Sand in the va-jin (Nathan is that a technical medical term I should be aware of?)

[s class]

sounds like something Borat would say. 

[nathan]

yak-shi-mash!
damn, i cant recall the sand in the va-jin reference!
its true anyhow Matt, its a medical term and i learnt it at university - just ask WGB, he'll back me up

[s class]

and in non-medical english?

[Yesmar]

thats an excellent price! i wouldn't but, if i were to buy new wheels at my Mercedes Benz dealership i would expect to pay at least $500.00 usd a piece

[nathan]

Sorry S-class,
late night and i appreciate my waffling may not make sense to some (ok anyone!)
regards
nathan

[Big_Richard]