Tapered ball joints on 95 E320

[porson11]

My 1995 E320 coupe just failed its MOT, too much play in the front ball joints. These are tapered ball joints, I've been quoted £260 EACH for these plus 1.5 hours fitting EACH. That's going to total over £1000+VAT.

This is an indie garage I've trusted for many years with my 3 cars, always got good service and I'm on first name terms with the owners. Is this a rip-off?

Any suggestions where I can source alternative parts would me most welcome. The part numbers are 1243303407 and 1243303507.

[Egbert Nobacon]

Looking on the Mercedes official EPC (electronic parts catalogue) the part numbers you quote relate to the complete Tranverse Control Arm on each side of the vehicle.

A ball joint is fitted into this part and using the VIN from my 124 Estate I have established that the ball joint is removable and replaceable (part number 1243330327 in my case)

Now it maybe that your particular model does not have a removable balljoint (your control arms have a different part number to the ones on my car) but I find that somewhat suprising, and the lack of a VIN number makes checking difficult.

Can I suggest that you check yourself with Merc (using your VIN) and get a second opinion from another Merc specialist regarding the work required.

Edited by Egbert Nobacon on Thursday 23 April 10:15

[bolide]

320 Sports Chassis cars have non-removeable balljoints and the wishbones are £250-odd each from Mercedes. You'll also need replacement bolts & bushes. Pattern wishbones are available at around £150. Some secondhand suppliers will say they have the correct wishbone but in my experience the chances of getting the correct part secondhand are nil. If you don't have a Sports Chassis cars the balljoints are £13 each

The old bushes often need to be burnt out - removing the front wishbones can be a swine of a job on these cars. That and the rear wheel bearings are the only particularly tough jobs

Bear in mind that the front balljoints are "mission critical" (ie they stop the front wheels falling off) and they've been on the car 15 years

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

[Bri957]

These look like the ones you need.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2X-QUERLENKER-MERCEDES-190-W...

[porson11]

Many thanks for all the helpful information. Nick is right, it's necessary to replace the entire wishbone, ball joints are not available as separate items. I have ordered parts from www.atp-autoteile.de

[Parrot of Doom]

While you're down there its as well to replace as many bushes as you can, and then get the car laser aligned. Trust me, you won't be able to comprehend the difference it will be that large.

[porson11]

All sorted a couple of weeks ago and driving well: new wishbones fitted, new bushes and alignment done. Recommend www.atp-autoteile.de for parts, fast delivery and good English spoken.