Heater unit control levers: rubber or acrylic?

[beachbear]

My lower left heater control lever has broken. As I shop for a replacement, I notice two types for sale. Most are colored plastic/acrylic with black rubber/plastic levers.  The one I have to replace has a black lever and was so delicate it seems to be rotten (I imagine the other three are in similar condition). PelicanParts.com sells levers that appear to be 100% colored plastic/acrylic. Other than being OEM items (and more expensive), what is your opinion of their respective value? Can I expect the all acrylic lever to last any longer (approx 10 years)?

[Tyler S]

The all clear colored levers were on the 230 and 250 up to vin 2980. The later colored and black plastic levers such as you have were on the 280 and are the correct replacements. The ones sold at Pelican are the ones you need. They are made by Febi-Bilstein and were the OEM suppliers to MB. They are identical to the ones you would get at the dealer. Just not in a Mercedes box.

[66andBlue]

Before you buy ask to see the grey or amber colored one and then decide whether you like it.
They are not all the same!
See photos here: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=21878.0

[mbzse]

.../...not all the same! See photos here:../...

Some more info in this thread:
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=22347
/Hans S