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Genuine Mercedes Parts Are Now Made In China

Started by Squiggle Dog, 20 February 2016, 02:46 PM

Squiggle Dog

My new genuine Mercedes belts from Pelican Parts arrived today. They are made by Contitech, but are made in Germany. There's the familiar yellow lettering that I'm used to, plus the Mercedes logo printed on them. It was worth paying a few extra dollars for them (the difference between the Chinese and German version power steering belt was only $2).

I noticed that Pelican Parts shows Continental brand and Contitech brand, each with a different price. I wonder what the difference is?
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1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

Squiggle Dog

I installed a different compressor bracket on my car and needed a shorter belt. Duralast belts from AutoZone have been my go-to if I need a belt to check for fitment since they have been made in the USA by Dayco, as mentioned previously. I went to AutoZone and got a Duralast belt. Now they are apparently made in China as well!

If I'm going to run a Chinese belt, I'd rather use a Continental. Fortunately, I found the part number for a genuine Mercedes 12.5X975 belt (part number 004-997-36-92). At least they make one in this size. I couldn't find a genuine Mercedes 990 length belt to save my life, which I why settled on the Duralast belt before, back when they were still made in the USA.
Stop paying for animal cruelty and slaughter. Go vegan! [url="https://challenge22.com/"]https://challenge22.com/[/url]

1967 W110 Universal Wagon, Euro, Turbo Diesel, Tail Fins, 4 Speed Manual Column Shift, A/C
1980 W116 300SD Turbo Diesel, DB479 Walnut Brown, Sunroof, Heated Seats, 350,000+

marku

And probably a lot more. I always liked seeing "Made in Germany" on parts as I thought it was really good that they supported home suppliers unlike here where it seems everything is made in China. I have no real objection other than that as everything I have bought that is made there has been of first rate quality and the occasional problem has been quickly sorted. A big question though is what is Mercedes paying for parts? The window regulator in our daily Mercedes went and I was quoted by the dealer £390, £140 for the part and £150 for fitting. As I have just been doing the ones on the 116 I thought I would have a go at a modern Mercedes. Looked on ebay and found what I wanted quoting the part number and giving a 2 year guarantee all for £28 including postage. Thought at that price it must be cheaply made but got it any way just to have a look. Really well made, solid and well put together. Got the original one out and compared them. I could see no difference they appeared identical. Fitted the ebay one and so far its working fine. Really pleased with the saving but obviously there is a big unanswered question.
1974 450SE silver green/bamboo velour/green vinyl roof