SL R230 2003 - Suspension Issue
Discussion
Hi Forum,
I bought my SL R230 (SL55) a year ago and took it for an MOT today at Kwick Fit. I was told it failed due to front suspension wishbone ball joint damage - apparently the rubber has perished and there is play, which I gather is ordinary wear and tear. I have no ABC damage to the best of my knowledge.
Anyway, they said that they would be able to do the work for me (they ordered in and showed me the part which looks like a control arm with a rubber ball joint on the end) - about £130 for 2 of them and £170 labour cost so around £300 for the job.
I know how complicated the suspension is, so if it was your car would you have the work done at Kwick Fit or take it to Mercedes or a specialist? My only concern is if they damage the ABC strut somehow - does that need to come off to get to this control arm? Kwick Fit said they could do it but I reckon they do not know much about this suspension system. I am not really concerned at their general competence, but more concerned that they do not understand the system and damage something really expensive to put right!
Does anyone have any of this experience of this?
I bought my SL R230 (SL55) a year ago and took it for an MOT today at Kwick Fit. I was told it failed due to front suspension wishbone ball joint damage - apparently the rubber has perished and there is play, which I gather is ordinary wear and tear. I have no ABC damage to the best of my knowledge.
Anyway, they said that they would be able to do the work for me (they ordered in and showed me the part which looks like a control arm with a rubber ball joint on the end) - about £130 for 2 of them and £170 labour cost so around £300 for the job.
I know how complicated the suspension is, so if it was your car would you have the work done at Kwick Fit or take it to Mercedes or a specialist? My only concern is if they damage the ABC strut somehow - does that need to come off to get to this control arm? Kwick Fit said they could do it but I reckon they do not know much about this suspension system. I am not really concerned at their general competence, but more concerned that they do not understand the system and damage something really expensive to put right!
Does anyone have any of this experience of this?
First of all what part are you talking about
A2113304311/4411 - Strut
or
A2303301507/1607 - Spring Control Arm
If none of them then what is it off this diagram
Both of the parts above are around £130 each from MB.
Personally I would fix it myself but if that isn't something you can do then go to a specialist for this work (either way only use genuine MB parts for this). The ABC strut is completely separate to these parts so should not need to be touched during the change over. Also note from the parts diagram that bushes and balljoints are available separately and may work out much cheaper (does not apply to A2113304311/4411 where only the bush is available separately).
A2113304311/4411 - Strut
or
A2303301507/1607 - Spring Control Arm
If none of them then what is it off this diagram
Both of the parts above are around £130 each from MB.
Personally I would fix it myself but if that isn't something you can do then go to a specialist for this work (either way only use genuine MB parts for this). The ABC strut is completely separate to these parts so should not need to be touched during the change over. Also note from the parts diagram that bushes and balljoints are available separately and may work out much cheaper (does not apply to A2113304311/4411 where only the bush is available separately).
Edited by DapperDanMan on Sunday 8th January 09:38
bonnim said:
Hi Forum,
I bought my SL R230 (SL55) a year ago and took it for an MOT today at Kwick Fit. I was told it failed due to front suspension wishbone ball joint damage - apparently the rubber has perished and there is play, which I gather is ordinary wear and tear. I have no ABC damage to the best of my knowledge.
Anyway, they said that they would be able to do the work for me (they ordered in and showed me the part which looks like a control arm with a rubber ball joint on the end) - about £130 for 2 of them and £170 labour cost so around £300 for the job.
I know how complicated the suspension is, so if it was your car would you have the work done at Kwick Fit or take it to Mercedes or a specialist? My only concern is if they damage the ABC strut somehow - does that need to come off to get to this control arm? Kwick Fit said they could do it but I reckon they do not know much about this suspension system. I am not really concerned at their general competence, but more concerned that they do not understand the system and damage something really expensive to put right!
Does anyone have any of this experience of this?
While I am sure Kwik Fit are far more competent than most give them credit for I would not let them touch an R230 with ABC. These cars require specialist knowledge and while changing out the front control arms isn't especially difficult you don't want a subsequent ABC error thrown (however unlikely that mights be) as Kwik Fit will be completely stuck then. I bought my SL R230 (SL55) a year ago and took it for an MOT today at Kwick Fit. I was told it failed due to front suspension wishbone ball joint damage - apparently the rubber has perished and there is play, which I gather is ordinary wear and tear. I have no ABC damage to the best of my knowledge.
Anyway, they said that they would be able to do the work for me (they ordered in and showed me the part which looks like a control arm with a rubber ball joint on the end) - about £130 for 2 of them and £170 labour cost so around £300 for the job.
I know how complicated the suspension is, so if it was your car would you have the work done at Kwick Fit or take it to Mercedes or a specialist? My only concern is if they damage the ABC strut somehow - does that need to come off to get to this control arm? Kwick Fit said they could do it but I reckon they do not know much about this suspension system. I am not really concerned at their general competence, but more concerned that they do not understand the system and damage something really expensive to put right!
Does anyone have any of this experience of this?
Take it to a local specialist who will know the cars inside out. Whereabouts are you as I can probably recommend one? Had mine done last year and cost me £420 with genuine Merc parts.
Good morning forum. Thanks for both of your replies guys.
I can confirm that the part which needs changing is A2113304311/4411, which you've correctly identified.
In order to remove this part, is there any component of the pneumatic suspension which needs removing to get to it? If the abc strut needs removing I am a little weary as the system is pressurised!
I live in Bromley in Kent.
Thanks.
I can confirm that the part which needs changing is A2113304311/4411, which you've correctly identified.
In order to remove this part, is there any component of the pneumatic suspension which needs removing to get to it? If the abc strut needs removing I am a little weary as the system is pressurised!
I live in Bromley in Kent.
Thanks.
Steve Garlick is your man for that area.
Stevenson’s Independent Mercedes Garage
Unit 16 The Alders Industrial Estate
Seven Mile Lane
Mereworth
Kent
ME15 8JG
01622 815227
07710 106120
stevensonsmercedes@gmail.com
Give him a call and have a chat with him.
PS The strut doesn't need removing, but you still need to be careful to get all geometry back in the right place.
Stevenson’s Independent Mercedes Garage
Unit 16 The Alders Industrial Estate
Seven Mile Lane
Mereworth
Kent
ME15 8JG
01622 815227
07710 106120
stevensonsmercedes@gmail.com
Give him a call and have a chat with him.
PS The strut doesn't need removing, but you still need to be careful to get all geometry back in the right place.
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