...might recommend, and because of that you aren't in a position to do that on sl113...
It is unlikely I would
recommend anyone I haven't done business with myself on a personal level with my own car, or to perhaps recommend someone that I knew did a good job for someone else. What I would do is mention firms I know that
probably give discounts to SL113 members because they give discounts to other MB-centric car clubs that you may have heard of, or are members of yourself in some cases. But there is a peculiarity here...you see, for example, Alex Djuric can mention a certain wood-finisher in California by name; he sent his wood there upon my recommendation. I've seen the results of this finishing in person many times, and have recommended them repeatedly because of the fine job they do, and have a reputation of doing on older Mercedes-Benz cars. However, because they are an advertiser in a certain publication, and I administer and manage that advertising, there is the thought that I somehow personally profit from the recommendation. I can tell you that the profit is limited to a "thank you" I get now and then from the owner. It is a very sincere thank you, and often times he'll go out of his way to call me and thank me--so it is truly honest thanks. That's my profit, and how I benefit for what its worth.
If you want a list of these advertisers that perhaps will offer a parts discount to club members, just send me a PM and we'll keep it off the forum. None of this is rocket science--the list is short and it's not full of secrets I maintain or anything.