Pattern body panels

[classicsl]

I must admit i am not well informed on the main differences between OEM and pattern panels other than the fact that the press is basically the same, has anyone used pattern over OEM and has this been successful?

i am considering replacing both front wings on 107 SL (they are bolt on rather than weld joins??) and looking at alternatives in terms of new OEM, used OEM and pattern parts

thanks for any advice

tim

 

[nick mercedes]

I must admit i am not well informed on the main differences between OEM and pattern panels other than the fact that the press is basically the same, has anyone used pattern over OEM and has this been successful?

i am considering replacing both front wings on 107 SL (they are bolt on rather than weld joins??) and looking at alternatives in terms of new OEM, used OEM and pattern parts

thanks for any advice

tim

The pattern wings are not the best, and won't last long, the real ones are the only way to go...

 

[grober]

Specialist coach builders

There have been numerous posts about this on the forum. The consensus seems to be original is best, principally for fit but quality is a factor also. HOWEVER the chances of getting an original factory spec genuine Mercedes 107 wing must now be remote. Mercedes used to pride themselves on supplying parts for older discontinued models for many years but these must inevitably have run out long ago. Presumably they commission small production runs of replacement wings but probably contract that out to specialist companies. There was talk recently of a fall in quality of even the genuine Mercedes replacement wings but thats mainly hearsay. I would try contacting fellow 107 owners or several of the body specialists that advertise in the Mercedes Enthusiast for example to ask where they get their wings at the present time. Extra care taken in the preparation inner rustproofing and painting of the new wing should help its longevity whatever its original finish.

edit :- should add this applies to W124 models and prior models

 

[jeremy156]

Quality? If the Mercedes panels and paintwork were of good quality I wouldn't be needing to consider whether to buy an original or pattern panel in the first place!

Nasty design on the wheelarch... if you set out to design a mud-catcher, this is how you'd do it. My old Alfa 156 had seals that keps the cr*p away from the inside of the wheel arches - simple but effective.

 

[Dave K]

I think most W210 owners might question that ascertion

The pattern wings are not the best, and won't last long, the real ones are the only way to go...

 

[jaymanek]

You can get original wings from the dealer, if not then Jacksons of Bournemouth will definately supply as they specialise for the classics.

The pattern parts are nowhere near the quality. They sound tinny and are very hard to align up and will rust a lot quicker...