mis3

I had to replace one of the front lower control arms because of the fluttering noise coming from the front when turning. All OK after the replacement.

The MB technician also said that "the front end still has play" and I will have to replace the following:
1. Lower control arm (the other side)
2. Bushing, Torque strut (left)
3. Bushing, Torque strut (right)
4. Outer tie rod
5. Alignment

All these will cost $2200 (CAN).

The service adviser (my friend) said I should do this work when I start to hear noises. My question: Is this a good idea to wait? By not replacing these parts, would I damage other components?

Supafly

dont wait to long. Prolong driving with worn bushings (especially front) will cause other bushings to fail aswell. If you're in canada, those parts are cheap if you do not go to the stealership...

I know for a fact the OE bushings cost aprox 40 bucks each, and the outer OE tie rod costs about 80 bucks....an alignment should run about 150 bucks.

theres no way it should cost you 2200....if the SA is your friend, he wouldnt recommend you to pay 2200.

dynomite05

+1

From parts.com outer tie rods are about $36 ea. Lower control arms are $150 or $146 depending on what side you need. If you create an account and send them a message providing your VIN and parts you need they will get back to you with part numbers and prices.

mis3

The SA is indeed my friend. The prices came from the computer in itemized fashion. These are 2 of the 5 items:

Replace Tie-Rod, Outer
000000-003281 Nut (Qty 1)
203-330-39-03 Tie Rod End (Qty 1)
Est: Labour 25.50 Parts: 75.58 Tax 13.15

Replace Strut, Torque
000-330-00-18 Bolt- Kit (Qty 2)
203-333-10-14 Bushing (Qty 2)
204-330-43-11 Torque Strut (Qty 1)
204-330-44-11 Torque Strut (Qty 1)
Notes: Factory Opcode: 331422
Est: Labour 255.00 Parts 616.60 Tax: 113.31

My friends will probably give me discount of 15% or more of the total invoice.

Is Parts.com a US or Canadian company? If US, I will have to pay for custom and the custom charge is unpredictable. Also, do they sell OE parts?

Supafly: Do you know where I can get these OE parts in Canada cheaper?

dynomite05

Parts.com is OEM shipped from US

mis3

dynomite05: As per your advice, I checked prices in Parts.com and they are a lot cheaper.

EG: For the lower control arm (203-330-33-11), I was quoted $296.50 CAN in the dealership. In Parts.com, this part costs $150 US. With the other parts and with US money is now on-par with Canadian money, I will have saving of 55% !!! Of course, I will have to pay custom fee.

Unfortunately, they do not have the 2 Torque Struts (204-330-43-11, 204-330-44-11).

I never deal with Parts.com before. Is this a reputable company? How was your experience with this company?

dynomite05

Just this week I ordered some motor mounts, frame and grilles for AMG bumper and a new lock for the trunk. They ship straight from a dealer in Indiana I believe. Haven't had a bad experience yet. Send them a message about the torque struts and see if they could help.

mis3

Although prices in Parts.com are great. I am concerned about the custom charges.

I did find a Canadian online store www.autopartsonlinecanada.com. Sent them an email last night but the message was not delivered due to some errors.

mis3

Received quotes from Parts.com. The prices are great but unfortunately, they don't ship to Canada.

dynomite05

Damn! Good luck with your search

mis3

I did find a Canadian online store. The total cost of all the parts is $777 (all prices in Canadian funds) versus $1120 from the dealership. With my usual discount (at least 15%) from the dealership, I can save $174.

I discussed this with my service adviser and he asked if these are genuine Mercedes parts. He said that there are differences between genuine Mercedes parts and "OE replacement" parts. His exact words were "Only Mercedes parts in Mercedes packaging that you will get the best quality."