I agree there are many aftermarket products available and of varying quality. Many of these originate from China, Turkey, Malaysia and India.
However, the parts that I sell are from a known source ie Ferdinand Bilstein. This company supply MB with parts aswell as BMW VW Porsche etc etc.
More often than not, the parts themselves show evidence of the marque logo being removed. Obviously they cannot sell parts with 'bmw' or 'MB' on them. Most of the time the savings are quite generous and far out weigh the benefits of fitting something that is the same article in all but name branding.
Mercedes don't make most of the parts that they build vehicles with, so who makes them?
I have been using Febi parts since the company came to this country in the early 90's and can give my personal assurance based on experience that the parts they make are in no way below the standard of OE supplied equivalents.
Also, do you really think I would offer my assistance and indeed try to sell sub standard parts on this forum?
My offer to assist with supplying the correct part for this member is quite genuine, with a very generous discount included. The last thing I would like to do is sell the chap a poor quality part that I would not fit to my own car.
Ultimately though, everyone has their preference and it is their choice from where they buy their parts.
I am fortunate enough to be able to deal directly with Febi and merely extend this benefit to club members on a very small margin of profit.
Just for your info!