GENUINE OEM OUTER TIE ROD???

[IBEX95]

Hi everyone,
I purchased an Outer Tie Rod for my MB G320. It was described as Mercedes Genuine OEM Part. When I received it, there are TRW stamps on it. Please let me know if TRW could be considered as Mercedes Genuine OEM Part??? Is TRW Tie Rods are good quality or not? I am concerned, because I was expecting Mercedes Part, and while it is not too late, I can return the part back to its seller. I will greatly appreciate your advice... Thank you...

 

[DUTCH]

TRW does make some tie rods for MB. Does it have a MB part number (A.xxx.xxx.xx.xx) on it? If not, it's after market.

 

[IBEX95]

Got it. Thank you. It has a laser inscribed MB part number on it.

 

[DUTCH]

Got it. Thank you. It has a laser inscribed MB part number on it.

It's a genuine MB part.

 

[IBEX95]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

 

[DUTCH]

Same P/N as for my 2000 G500, purchased from an authorized MBUSA dealer. If you will enlarge the head of the ball joint, you will see "TRW" stamped in the metal.

 

[IBEX95]

Yes, that is exactly what I have. Also on the inner ring (around the TRW), on the head of the ball joint, there is a number 1501 stamped on it. So I am very happy that I have got an original part as it was promised by the seller. Thank you so much dear DUTCH for your help. I, by myself, going to replace the Outer Tie Rod and both Drag Link Ends on my 99 G320.

 

[mk216v]

Just an FYI; the German auto manufacturers have contracts with parts suppliers such as TRW, Febi/Bilstein, Lemforder, etc...so while the OEM may be a TRW part right now, if/when MB's contract with TRW expires, MB may turn to Febi/Bilstein to work with on the next run.