J. Huber
I like the idea of the stainless screws. They work and look very good. I have replaced many of the screws on my car with stainless screws that I was able to source locally. I have been able to find most everything I need at the local nuts and bolts store or at the local Lowes Store.
One caveat. Do not use stainless fasteners for high stress items like the front suspension. Most stainless will stretch and/or break under severe loading. You also need to use a thread locker to keep on stainless nuts and bolts to keep them from galling when tightening or loosening.
If however you are a stickler for originality, you may want to stick with your local MB dealer. I have decided that with a few exceptions they are better sources for parts than many of the aftermarket vendors.
As an example, i am rebuilding my hardtop and needed the 8 clips that hold the rear window molding in place. Since I have had very good dealings on the many parts I have bought from Ray Paul, I gave him a call. He informed that Buds Benz (his employer) had 13 in stock and that they were $0.60 each. I ordered 8 clips and in a few days a small envelope arrived with the clips inside. The bill was $4.80 for the parts and $10.00 for freight. I do not know much about shipping but I thought $10.00 for a package that weighed maybe 4 oz. was high. Whether it is too much or not, I am sure this experienced will weigh heavily on where I buy my next parts. If any way possible, I will buy from a place where I can walk in and look the salesperson in the eye, and pay for the merchandise at the time of purchase.
On another prior incident I stopped at a vendor and asked about some parts. I was told "I do not have them in stock but I can get them and ship them to you. They will be $2.00 or $3.00 dollars each. Just leave your credit card number and I will ship them to you." So I said OK. Bad move on my part, when the parts arrived they were over $22.00 each. To beat it all, when I called to ask if there was a mistake in pricing, the salesman would not even talk to me.
Anyway, these instances will have a great influence on where I buy parts from now on.
Happy shopping
Iverson