Hi all,

The rear has gotten very noisy, I suspect the bushings have aged out so I've been shopping around for control arms. I'll take a look under the car, but I'm preparing to just change everything.

Strange thing is, the AMG-specific part numbers for control arms cost ~3x of the normal W211 set, there are 8 in total to change.

For anyone who's seen both kinds, do you know if there is an actual difference in dimensions between the two types, or is it something else like bushing stiffness or other less-consequential design change?

 

Chinese brand aftermarket arms are very cheap if you don't care much. i'd just recommend keeping your factory arms around just in case those bushings are made available for purchase.

 

I know from experience how expensive AMG specific rear control arms are. I did a complete suspension replacement last year.
I thought that I was getting a bargain buying rear suspension parts from Rock Auto. But they didn't fit, although they were labeled for an E63.
But when you compared apples to apples, they weren't the same. So, I had to buy all of the rear control arms from Mercedes.

 

Appreciate the feedback, this seems to confirm they have different sizes for the lower AMG ride height.

 

Do yourself a favor and order your suspension parts from a reputable source, like FCP Euro, Pelican Parts, AutohausAZ.
But if they don't have the parts you need, then get them from Mercedes. Not only did I replaced every control arm, ball joint, bushing and wheel bearing.
I also replaced all my air suspension components as well. I wasn't cheap

 

I can get 8 control arms from benzpartshq.com, a FL dealership, for ~1500. Fcpeuro charges 1800 for the same set.

Not bad when amortized over the 20y age of the car! All my airmatic has been arnott for a while, with the fronts warranty-swapped a few times each.

 

The benefit that you get from FCP Euro is that your components are warrantied for life. So, say your ball joints fail in the future, FCP Euro has you covered.
But I get where you're coming from, since these components should last for another 10-12 years.

 

E55/E63 use larger bolts than the non AMG cars where the arms connect to the spindles. Just FYI why the parts are different.

 

Based on the noises, I speculated that the only bad parts were swaybar links, and it turns out I was right. Got away cheap and quick.

Its just amazing how many bushings are back there, plus all the bushings of the rear subframe.

 

yeah...i've spent roughly 6k in parts and labor in replacing of bushings/arms with new OEM as well as going with K-Mac parts. also all creative steel products.

not fun, but these cars are up in age at this point and need it done.