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Want to buy a pair of W108 Wings? Forget it! MB officially says no more

Screwdriver

Screwdriver

Active Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2008
Messages
420
Just received confirmation that wings for the W108 chassis will not be available any more.

While I am tempted to raise a stink about this with Mercedes classic parts, I'm afraid that one voice might get drowned out. :dk:
 
Is it reasonable to expect a manufacturer to keep parts in stock for a vehicle that ceased production 40 plus years ago?
 
Not any manufacturer. But this is Mercedes Benz. And we're talking globally.
 
Screwdriver said:
Not any manufacturer. But this is Mercedes Benz. And we're talking globally.
Click to expand...

I am not being contrary but I do not see that the vehicle being a Mercedes changes anything? Also, unsure what you mean by the "global" aspect?

If a manufacturer has been supplying parts for a vehicle 40 years post production then that is to be applauded but it is surely unrealistic to expect this to carry on without some end point?
 
I'm not really sure what your point is? There are manufacturers who support vehicles older than 40 years and there those like BMW who stop support soon after the model's production run has ceased.

Ultimately, one reason for buying a MB Classic car is to enjoy the timeless experience of owning and driving one, knowing that you can continue to do so thanks to the support of the company. The company in turn benefits from the positive goodwill that driving a 40 year old product would generate.
 
If the presses are worn, which is very possible there's no point in M-B supplying the likes of the wings you need. As for your BMW comment, they are generally excellent at supporting older models.

Now, get online & do some work and you'll more than likely find a pair of NOS or good condition used ones.
 
Screwdriver said:
I'm not really sure what your point is? There are manufacturers who support vehicles older than 40 years and there those like BMW who stop support soon after the model's production run has ceased.

Ultimately, one reason for buying a MB Classic car is to enjoy the timeless experience of owning and driving one, knowing that you can continue to do so thanks to the support of the company. The company in turn benefits from the positive goodwill that driving a 40 year old product would generate.
Click to expand...

My point is that you seem to be suggesting that MB have a duty to continue to supply parts for older vehicles when that it is simply not the case, in reality there is no reason other than financial why they should.

I imagine Mercedes like a number of other well established manufacturers like to e be able to support the older models but there has to come and end at some stage.

If they have chosen to stop supplying certain parts for this model then it is almost certainly just a commercial decision and nothing more, or, as pointed out, possibly the presses used for these parts are beyond repair.

There are many "Classic" cars of many different marques still running and being enjoyed that are over 40 years old but a lot of these are still in use not because the original manufacturer is still in business or supplying parts, (because many will not be in either position) but because of enthusiasts and specialists that can manufacture or re-manufacture parts to keep them on the road.
 
I wonder what the yearly market for 108 front wings is ?
 
We've been very lucky over the years with mb. Kept stock for cars of all ages, and pretty much most parts available.
We are finding that the stock for the older vehicles is really dwindling down now and certain parts are becoming a real pita to source!
Even 107's which are still around in there droves and have a good strong following. We look after many 107's and it's hard work trying to get certain parts. What is available has become totally overpriced, and we have to look at refurbishment options where possible.
Gotta keep all these old schoolers on though road though!!!!
 
I wonder if the aftermarket will step in?
 
Screwdriver said:
I wonder if the aftermarket will step in?
Click to expand...

It is possible, do we have any idea how many of this model are still around?

Have you looked at where MB sold the most? If, for example, it is the USA then that might be a good hunting ground for future spares either original or pattern?
 
Probably not. The car is ancient... They stopped making it 16 years before I was born and I'm nearly 30. :cool:

You said yourself that MB support their cars way longer than BMW do (whether true or not), so why the animosity towards them, rather than gratitude? :confused:
 
Screwdriver said:
I wonder if the aftermarket will step in?
Click to expand...

I'd have my doubts due to very low volume demand. And even if they did I'd expect the panels to be poor compared to the originals.

Anyway, delighted you're restoring the machine and good luck with resolving the current issue.
 
For the more popular cars such as the R107, there are many aftermarket suppliers... SLS in Germany are an excellent outfit that have pretty much got every part covered. Some items may not be up to MB standards but at least you can get parts.

The W108 is not such a mainstream car...

Normally what happens is they run out of stock... Then after a while they bring items back but at highly inflated prices and often available through classic centre only.

They wont have stopped selling wings for W108's totally... They will come back at some point... Maybe they will use another manufacturer but they will come back..

Seen it over and over with many older cars... Items are "final order" then you check again the next year and its available but 3x the price..
 
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