Last weekend, I helped a friend diagnose a no-start condition on a Mercedes E320. The vehicle is super clean and well maintained, but is is a 1999 model. After 25 years, the starter failed and I confirmed that it had good power and ground at the starter when cranked.
After installing and returning THREE reman units which did not work, he goes on eBay and buys an OEM used part for $45. He first bench-tested the used OEM part and it worked fine. Installed it in the vehicle and cranks right over.
To me, this is sad. We are a couple of years away from receiving either a box of parts that are completely unassembled, or a junk part with a new sticker on it. The consumer should demand more.
I advised my friend to elevate his complaint to the retailer's corporate office. Keep in mind that this starter is in the $500 price range. For that, it should be a quality unit.
I would suggest sending a bill for your time to the retailer when you get what is supposed to be a reman part.
