Realistic expectations

[DSM10000]

I think not. They MAKE little but rebox lots. Sometimes you can get lucky with Febi but I've never tried Meyle. Maybe you mean Mahle?

R

So you have never tried parts from Meyle but feel qualified to comment on the poor quality of them?

 

[tonysmb]

The W169s did not use Renault engines, they're all MB units.

Yes, access can be more difficult than some cars due to the way the engines were mounted, but that was done to deflect the engine under the floor in the event of a collision. In any event, many newer cars have poor access now due to all the bits and pieces mounted in the engine bay; MB were just ahead of the game .

 

[Tezz]

Many thanks for clearing that up, but then there lies the issue access! its probably why so many A classes in good condition end up in scrappers, the labour charges will out way value of car, im sure its same for many newer cars.

but if you look at common fails they all about 100,000 so in effect an MB has a life expectancy of 100,000 not the 250,000 I member from days past.

The engine block ect all seam bullet proof, its all the parts bolted to it that seam to have a time limited service life, which is cool if you know when that is.

On plus side its common to see complete engine and G.boxes for £150-200

if you had a lump sitting in garage and swapped out difficult to get at parts I have no doubt it would run for another 100,000

Now at 100,000 the cost of labour to change just injectors, starter or glow plugs could quite easily reach value of car

is it just a fact of life now that we are a consumable society and too easily accept when it done bin it.

the cost of parts for my car are very cheap, salvage parts are there in abundance, I may have will, but doubt very much if I have knowledge needed to work blind on back of an engine

 

[Tezz]

Its not just MB, my mate booked in his mini for a service at 98,000 the cost was half value of car, before they even inspected it

 

[E55BOF]

Febi just repackage. Sometime you get lucky and find an OEM part in the box, sometimes it’s a naff unknown. I think they must be confused with Bilstein.

Meyle are usually rubbish other than the HD suspension arms.

"Since 2012, the product brand Febi has been part of the Bilstein group that also anchors other renowned brands under its strong umbrella". Any adverse opinion on Bilstein?

I think not. They MAKE little but rebox lots. Sometimes you can get lucky with Febi but I've never tried Meyle. Maybe you mean Mahle?

R

Care to tell us how you have come to this conclusion? When it come to parts, Mercedes too MAKE little but rebox lots....

 

[horatio]

"Since 2012, the product brand Febi has been part of the Bilstein group that also anchors other renowned brands under its strong umbrella". Any adverse opinion on Bilstein?

Bilstein (as in OEM dampers/shocks) is a ThyssenKrupp brand.

Febi-Bilstein/Bilstein group is aftermarket - Swag, Blueprint etc are also theirs.

 

[E55BOF]

So Thyssen-Krupp owns Bilstein, and therefore Febi/Bilstein? So what?

 

[horatio]

No, despite using the Bilstein name they are totally different companies altogether.

 

[ray_hennig]

So you have never tried parts from Meyle but feel qualified to comment on the poor quality of them?

No, not qualified but relaying the experiences of many who report on the internet. I probably spend too much time on the internet.

Google this yourself and arrive at your own opinion.

R

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

No, despite using the Bilstein name they are totally different companies altogether.

My understanding too.

 

[DSM10000]

No, not qualified but relaying the experiences of many who report on the internet. I probably spend too much time on the internet.

Google this yourself and arrive at your own opinion.

R

I do not rely on unsubstantiated Internet opinions to arrive at an opinion.

 

[ray_hennig]

I do not rely on unsubstantiated Internet opinions to arrive at an opinion.

Neither do I.

Informed opinion from MB enthusiasts - and others - who maintain their own vehicles is another thing.

R

 

[DSM10000]

Neither do I.

Informed opinion from MB enthusiasts - and others - who maintain their own vehicles is another thing.

R

But as we both know, people will often post negative experiences more readily than positive ones.

 

[ray_hennig]

people will often post negative experiences more readily than positive ones.

True. So one needs to judge for oneself, based on the feedback that one feels is both informed and impartial. Not easy, I know.

My policy is to pay the premium prices for original parts whenever I cannot perform the replacement myself or when it is a critical, safety-related component. So far, so good. Although I do feel that prices are becoming increasingly hard to bare.

R

 

[andy27168]

I follow several forums both for mercedes and Audi, and I have read "some" negative comments on Febi and Lemforder, but I have never seen a single one with regard to Meyle, my understanding they are a manufacture of choice in the states for European cars especially where Audi are concerned.
I would never have any issue with using any of the manufacturers I have named in this post if i didn't go OEM.

 

[DSM10000]

True. So one needs to judge for oneself, based on the feedback that one feels is both informed and impartial. Not easy, I know.

My policy is to pay the premium prices for original parts whenever I cannot perform the replacement myself or when it is a critical, safety-related component. So far, so good. Although I do feel that prices are becoming increasingly hard to bare.

R

I totally agree that I would rather pay extra for a higher quality item in any walk of life.

I do think however that it is prudent to do a little background reading and research to find out just who is the actual manufacturer rather than the well known supplier /retailer and this is especially so for Automotive parts.

My MB Specialist is loath to use any part that doesn't come in a box with Mercedes written on it.

I can understand this to a degree but most independents recognise that OEM Parts are of equal quality to OE in many cases.

We are in the fortunate position to be able to afford to pay the premium prices for OE parts if required but I find if I can find that part of equal quality is available under another brand name at an advantagious price then I will use it.