Glad you asked. It's not a quick answer, but here we go.

Parts can come from AutoHaus, JoeTLC, German Auto Supply, etc. But sure, buying bulbs from a dealer is fine (I'm just surprised they had them in stock!!!!!!!!!) And I DID go to my dealer to get my storage bin that replaced my cupholder.

But for service on a Mercedes engine or chassis? Since we are mostly out of warranty, NOTHING is to be gained going to a Chrysler dealer (unless you can find one with one or two guys who attended "Crossfire" training). These cars are NOT a typical Mopar product. In fact, they are not a Mopar product at all.

Depending on what I need, I go to:

1) A performance shop that specializes in BMW/Mercedes/Audi/Jags/Porshes. (Found them thru Nick/Steve/other members on this forum.)

2) A local, five-man garage (all brothers and sons) where one of the guys' wife owns a Mercedes SLK320, which is what our car is developed from. (Found them by noticing a Lambo leaving the driveway and stopped in to ask if they'd do brake pads. It was then that I found out about just how familiar two of the guys were with this chassis/engine.)

3) Another performance shop that does ONLY alignments and frame mods ONLY on sports/track cars. (Found THEM on advice of the guy at NTB, who said he could not align my car unless I first had the front end modified by the other company. Which was true.)

But in general, you can just find a local business that seems to have a good reputation as one that has MERCEDES experience. You are driving a Mercedes engine and chassis with a Karmann body on it. (A Karmann body I believe was designed by Mercedes/Daimler.)

Anyone else wanna correct that last part? I've never understood how Karmann got involved in our cars, or if they did anything other than assemble them.

Anyway, glad you asked and glad I saw your post. Welcome to the group!