Help! MB dealers gave up trying to order the MB OEM Avantgarde grill, B6 688 0127

[bobcat]

I have the Mercedes original accessory Avantgarde grill for W202,
part# B6 688 0127. It was purchased a few years ago from my
local MB dealer.(who special-ordered it) I believe I paid almost
$270 for it.(plus tax)

It looks pretty ugly right now, thanks to several snowy winters
and lots of highway driving.

Anyway, I've tried ordering it again from two different MB dealers.
Each one took almost 2 weeks before finally giving up trying
and simply refunded my money. They both said the item still
shows up in the MB parts computer, but MB Germany coudn't
supply them with one.

Does anybody have any idea on where I might find another one
of these? I do not put any non-MB parts/accessories on my
car. (not counting the gas, fluids, tires, etc...) Since my German
is limited to "bier, bitte"(beer, please), perhaps there are
members in Germany(or Europe) who can look up the part for me.

Thanks very much for your help! :)

photo showing said grill when new:
http://img109.exs.cx/img109/230/mboemavantgril.jpg

[mr. gatsbury]

Bobcat, this is your best bet then... http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=5192

[!!!!!NJ Drive]

or try...www.overnightautoparts.com (http://oem.overnightautoparts.com/parts/overnightautoparts/wizard.jsp?year=2000&make=MB&model=C-43-001&category=All&part=Grille+Assembly) from HERE (http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=87643&page=2&pp=10)

[Ashkan's C280]

if it is oem how come the part numbers do not match, and where else can you order oem clear corners

[twice]

Try this link http://matrixcar.de/. It is in Europe, but surely delivers to the US as well.

[bobcat]

My local MB dealer finally came through and got the grill for me.

It was shipped overnight from MB's parts distribution center
in Bremen, Germany. (judging from the label) It must have cost
them quite a bit(about $100 in FedEx charges) to ship just one
$200 Avantgarde grill that weighs less than a pound.

I guess MB really does take care of its customers' needs.
Last year when I ordered a $3 trunk net D-ring, MBUSA was
completely out of stock and they sent a single D-ring from
Germany, also via FedEx, to the dealer.... :)

[manny]

bobcat

If you don't mind please let me know the original part #.
Should be near the bottom left corner, looking at the grille from behind ( the engine side ). ;)

[bobcat]

Originally posted by manny
bobcat

If you don't mind please let me know the original part #.
Should be near the bottom left corner, looking at the grille from behind ( the engine side ). ;)

It's was obviously a W210 E-class grill cut by MB to fit the W202
grill frame. The part # shows 210 888 0123. Strangely, my
dealer lists a different number for the W210 grill that supersedes
the old 212 888 0123 number.

I was planning to simply get that uncut W210 grill and cut it
myself and decided against it. The one cut by MB was meticulous
to say the least.(like it was cut by a surgeon)

Of course, if you have the tools and skills to cut it perfectly,
go ahead and get W210 grill and cut it. (and save some $$$)
:) :) :)

[manny]

bobcat

Thanks. The reason I asked is I just received the very same grill from: http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_results.asp?model=W202&class=c-class_w202&category=Grills
Same part number.
It is made by Schaetz Tuning in Germany.
I believe M-B farms this work out to Schaetz.
The have a VERY good reputation in Germany for producing quality OEM products. ;)

[bobcat]

Originally posted by manny
bobcat

Thanks. The reason I asked is I just received the very same grill from: http://www.formymercedes.com/mb_results.asp?model=W202&class=c-class_w202&category=Grills
Same part number.
. ;)


Thanks for that info! As soon I read your message, I phoned the
parts manager at the MB dealer. He said I can return it
for full refund. "no problems!" he assured me. (guess that's
the advantage of having purchased nearly $10000 in MB parts
from him over the last couple of years)

Looks like I'll be ordering it from ForMyMercedes.com today. :)

You just save me over $100. Thanks!

[Brabus]

You can get that grill from Bekkers... or just get a w210 one and cut it like you mentioned...