jpw_amg55

Group -

After some great help from this group, it is apparent that I need front shocks and might as well replace the control arms as well.

Any recommendations on aftermarket parts or estimates on what these should cost? We are talking about a 2004 SL55 with 80K miles

I have a good independent shop, but like Ronald Reagan, I believe in "Trust, but Verify".

JPW

cal1

When you say shocks, are you referring to ABC struts? if so, Arnott is what most people are buying. Are your struts leaking?

kbob999

Shockwarehouse, or Parts Geek, sell the Arnott shocks at decent prices. Expect $375-550/each after core credit. Both came with a return label in the box. Not always in stock due to high demand.

Control arms can have the inner bushings replaced. You can buy a bushing press hand tool (~$160), and press your own bushings for less than the cost of the arm. Both methods will need a ball joint separator to pop the lower control arm off. Pretty sure there are a lot DIY guides for these here, or in the W211 forum. Use Lemforder bushings, most others are not so good.

FYI - my bushing press works on the SL55, C32 and many other MB models. Very handy tool for short life bushings.

latemodel21

Kbob ... I've done mine on a shop press, but if you have a more specialized tool (for bushings) that you have been happy with, I'd be interested in a picture or link (I love buying tools : )

Thanks,
Chris

kbob999

Chris: I have one of these, which is listed in the details to work on the 230 model. Price has come down to under $140.

I was even able to change the bushings on my C32 without removing the arm from the car, by sitting on the floor and running my impact hammer on the press. Would be easier with a lift, but I no longer have one.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-W21...163241&vxp=mtr