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Here at I-CAR we receive a lot of question about the use of aftermarket and recycled parts, when repairing a vehicle after a collision. We are not in the position to tell you what parts you can and cannot use. However, some OEMs publish position statements to give guidance as to what they do and do not permit when selecting which parts to use to restore the vehicle to its pre-collision state. Mercedes-Benz (MBUSA) has released an updated position statement to help answer these question. Let’s see what MBUSA has to say in their revised position statement.
The MBUSA Genuine Replacement Parts position statement addresses four key areas to be aware of:
- Aftermarket Parts – the use of aftermarket parts is not approved by MBUSA. Overall safety could be compromised due to the testing and certification process by MBUSA on their genuine replacement parts.
- Salvaged/Recycled Components – the use of these types of components are also not approved by MBUSA. As stated, this is primarily due to MBUSA not being able to guarantee the “safety, quality, capability, or durability of recycled parts.” Also, as salvaged components are not traceable, any future recalls would not be viable.
- Fasteners – all fasteners pertaining to the collision repair should be replaced with genuine MBUSA replacement parts. Per MBUSA, “Fasteners that have been worn, broken, or deformed during a collision must be replaced with Genuine Mercedes-Benz replacement parts.” MBUSA will not guarantee the integrity of the repair if any non-genuine MBUSA is used.
- Adhesives – use of adhesives in the repair process are vehicle and vehicle location specific, only adhesives specified in the official repair document are to be used. Per MBUSA, “The use of any other adhesive products that have not been designed for the repair may compromise the safety and durability of the entire vehicle.”
For additional links to Mercedes-Benz information, check out the Mercedes-Benz OEM page.
Article validated in 2023