Relatively new cars are proving to forum members to be somewhat tricky when searching for replacement parts.
Cars are lasting longer than ever these days. Better technology and longer service intervals are part of that. Parts are lasting longer, too. But what happens if you have a relatively newer car, and parts are no longer available? That’s a discussion started by our forum members on a thread for hard-to-find parts.
Of note, forum member “PeterUbers“noted that the lithium ion batteries for newer S-class models simply weren’t available. Another user, SecondBreakfast, noted that the smart keyless go module wasn’t available for the W212 E-class.
Now, there’s a number of reasons why this might happen. Economic reasons are one. If the demand for a certain part is no longer economically viable, then of course Mercedes would reel back production on it. And for some items, advanced in tech might mean there’s simply no longer a reason to produce parts for an older vehicle. Bluetooth connectivity and telephony are some such examples.
Mechanical Matters
Those are just a few convenience items, but what about mechanical items? Trying to search for a new throttle body for a later M104 engine is a bit tough. Mass air flow sensors for the 80’s-90’s M119 V8 engine? Quite difficult to find those new. That renders those cars entirely obsolete for a part that is readily available for a number of other cars.
Want to go even deeper down the rabbit hole? Modules are quite difficult to find new, but thankfully there’s companies like ProgRama that offer refurbishing and rebuilding services for things like idle control modules, and more.
But of course, if there’s enough demand for something, it becomes prudent for manufacturers to supply it. Whether that’s Mercedes-Benz or an O.E. supplier. Mercedes Classic helps to find parts for much older Mercedes models, but for anything newer, there might be a wait time. Supply chain issues could also play a part, too.
Now, we ask you, what parts have you have difficulty finding? Is there a car out there that you can’t source a brake rotor? Or is it something more obscure like a cruise control module from a W140?
Photos: Mercedes EPC
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