1973 450SL had a recall for cracks in the subframe. Does the subframe have to be cracked to get the fix or will MB upgrade it without being cracked? Anyone know the wording on the recall? I'm asking for a friend who's indy mechanic told him to get it done but the local MB dealer is saying no cracks...no upgrade.

 

Yes, MB did have a recall years ago. It was to weld little tabs to the sub frame/A-frame for strength, since they were having a problem with flexing. I recall that all you had to do was drive the car to any MB dealer and they would take care of it for free.
However, if you haven't had the upgrade performed by now, I don't think MB is going to do anything about it. As I recall, they did stop doing this proceedure in the early 80's....but you can give it a try if you need it.

DM

 

The recall is still valid....just found out they welded some gussets into his subframe. He thought they weren't going to do anything...what they said was they weren't going to replace anything.