Have you ever heard of the brand Depo? well, you should. unfortunately, I have learned it the hard way. This brand makes all kinds of cheap lights as terrible after-market light units.
For my w204 I had to buy a new light unit, which is originally produced for Mercedes Benz by Automotive Lighting. You know me guys, I’m not being paid or anything. I’m just trying to tell you as honestly as possible.
So I looked on the internet for a replacement. Well, mine just broke after somewhat 13 years. I think it’s fair if a product holds outs for 13 years, don’t you?
So I searched the internet for a replacement and found one from Van Weasel. These Van Weasel guys are just importing the not-so-far east products with very poor quality and putting their own stamp on it and with profits selling these products in Europe.
Oh boy, the name should tell a lot. I was so naive and I have learned it the expensive way. I paid about 130 euros. Right after a year, I wanted the change parking light bulb.
As I know the design of these light units, I tried to take out the light bulb as gently and tenderly as possible, alas. As I pulled it out and sure, the ring holder for the light bulb came right out with the bulb.
After just one year the plastic deteriorated by the temperature of the lightbulb itself, one year! It just became fragile and melted. What a piece of crap… One year!!!
So I have sent it back and after four months I still haven’t heard from them. After One month I asked if there was any news, “no we are very busy and this will take some time”. yeah sure, I suppose you will have it busy as every customer just returns the crap they have bought from you.
In the meantime, I have replaced the light unit with Magnetti Marelli. After a short research, I have found out that Automotive Lighting and Magneti Marelli are merged into one single company. They are now known as Marelli in short.
Yes, yes I know, I should have done this in the first place. For this is the better brand and the better quality. Paid approximately 290 euros for this one and 130 for the piece crap I have paid almost 420 euros for one light unit. Well, I suppose we are all learning from this.
But the crappy thing with this Van Weasel rubbish is, I saw this when I removed the light Unit, on the part itself was written Depo. so the product is actually Depo with the stamp of this Van Weasel corp. So pretty people, you are warned with this Van Weasel and Depo. you are warned!
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