w124 front wings

[willyb]

Hi there.
can anyone help with some advice on the rusty edges of the front wings on my otherwise very tidy 1990 230e.
my questions are
1.can I fit new edges similar to the chrome edges some people fit?I don't want to fit chrome.
2.how much would new wings cost from MB?
3.if I decide to fit non MB wings does anyone have any experience of the quality of other replacements available.( I don't want to fit the cheapest)


Thanks

 

[mikemoss]

I'd go for proper MB wings every time. Had both front wings replaced on a 1987 230TE (thanks to wife and daughter respectively) by an 'approved insurance repairer' rather than a main dealer, and they were both showing rust within three to four years. Lesson learned....

 

[NormanB]

I would go for genuine MB parts.

The biggest element of this sort of job is the fitting, spraying etc ie the labour.

So as a % of the total job the difference between genuine and pattern while still significant is not worth taking the risk so to speak.

Did mine with MB parts earlier this year and prevaricated for a
l o n g time before reaching that decision.

The bodyshop that did the work (I supplied the parts), in discussion with them, said it was the right decision as the fit and quality are so much better. There was no need (or anything in it for them) to say that.

 

[stwat]

I remember many moons ago my old man had a non genuine wing fitted on his W123 and the diferance in quality was shocking. If you tapped the genuine wing you got a nice solid thud. But when you tapped the non genuine wing it made an awfull tinny sound and it was rusting within a year. Go for genuine every time IMHO.


Stu.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I too would go for OEM parts. In a previous excistance was responsible for the bodywork of a fleet of Mb's. In a cost cutting excersize the powers to be decided to use non originals. An awefull lot of fettling was required to make them fit. In terms of time against cost, it was proved that OEM parts were easier to fit and thus more cost effective. As an added bonus, as stated earlier there is a definate difference in "sound" when you tap them. Bit of advice here, Fit wing first (make sure it fits right), then remove, then paint and then refit. I have to change mine before Christmas, will photo the proceedure if anyone is interested.

 

[Kinky]

I'd go for MB parts, and get MB to do the work.

Because it's over 8 years old, you'll get 40% labour discount and 15% discount on the part - which would be more than comparable with an OEM part and indie fitting.

K

 

[stwat]

I'd go for MB parts, and get MB to do the work.

Because it's over 8 years old, you'll get 40% labour discount and 15% discount on the part - which would be more than comparable with an OEM part and indie fitting.

K

would that count for them changing my tranny and diff fluids(with filters)??

Or is it just a bodywork thing?

Stu

 

[willyb]

Thanks for the info which confrimed my own thoughts. Any info on costs though would be helpful