Tailgate Struts - OE or Febi / Magneti-Marelli?

[GLK]

I want to replace the tailgate struts on my A200 2006 C169 - it takes a bit too long to reach the top open position (particularly in this cold weather), and silicone lubricant spray doesn't help much anymore.

The Mercedes original ones, which I suspect made by one of the companies mentioned in the title, are just under £60 for a pair, and quality aftermarket ones - less than half that: Magneti-Marelli is about £27 and Febi is even less.

Is there a noticeable difference? Would OE ones be somehow tweaked / fine tuned for a particular tailgate weight, etc, or are these all the same (not talking about cheap and nasty 5 quid variety here).

The part number in question is A169 740 0045

 

[JattAmg]

Go for Febi they are oem.

 

[GLK]

Thanks.

That's what I thought too, wasn't sure which of these two to go for.

Just bought a pair for £25 delivered.

 

[ray_hennig]

Go for Febi they are oem.

It is most unlikely that Febi is a supplier (Original Equipment Manufacturer - OEM) to MB. Febi is a re-boxer of automotive parts. Sometimes they re-box excellent parts (e.g. my SGF flex discs) and sometimes they re-box Chinese poo.

You takes your chance.

Maybe there is confusion about the Febi name (FE rdinand BI lstein). Febi is not related to the Bilstein (part of Thyssen Krupp) company that supplies (as an OEM) dampers to MB and many other car companies.

RayH

 

[richard]

I'm also pretty sure that Mercedes will have picked (or had the supplier make) ones that are the correct strength for the weight of the door. If they didn't then it would be either very hard to shut the door, or it would not open (or would just drop on your head, as happens when the boot ones on a SL get old)

Richard

 

[GLK]

Febi equivalent part number for A169 740 0045 - 24711 - only shows W169 as compatible model, so hopefully it's the correct strength for the 169 tailgate.

Magneti Marelli (GS0783) is the same, at least I don't see any other cars mentioned:

So, would MM be a better choice?