Do I need a forward control arms? Suspicious indy shop. VIDEO included.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 10
w212
Do I need a forward control arms? Suspicious indy shop. VIDEO included.
Took my 204 w212 with 80k to an indy shop in Chicago for an oil change and to install a battery (no tools at the moment). They did a multi point inspection and recommended I replace spark plugs (I swapped them out 20k miles ago and I did not agree or approve that they remove my spark plugs) and a break fluid flush (had a full flush performed, at the same shop, 5k miles ago, they claim it was really dirty and the new fluid mixed with the older fluid and that is why they are recommending it again). Which led me to be suspicious about wether I really need this suspension work. I have attached a video showing me some play in the suspension. The car drives great, had a stabilizer bar link replaced about a year ago and thats the extent of work i've done to the suspension. They recommend i replace the lower control arm bushings as well as the forward lower control arms as well as an alignment.
Quoted me $638 for the control arms nd bushings and $150 for the alignment.
Based on the video, do I need the recommended parts?
If so, how dangerous is it to drive like this?
If I did need the work done, I would probably go to the benz dealer, I'm a little suspicious of these guys as of today.
Any input is welcome.
Quoted me $638 for the control arms nd bushings and $150 for the alignment.
Based on the video, do I need the recommended parts?
If so, how dangerous is it to drive like this?
If I did need the work done, I would probably go to the benz dealer, I'm a little suspicious of these guys as of today.
Any input is welcome.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 933
From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
go to another shop and get second opinion
Ask them to rotate tires or something simple and check over the car.
See what they come back with.
Video not the best IMHO and things move due to having rubber in bushings.
You can live with like it is just watch tire wear and how she handles and takes bumps/holes.
Ask them to rotate tires or something simple and check over the car.
See what they come back with.
Video not the best IMHO and things move due to having rubber in bushings.
You can live with like it is just watch tire wear and how she handles and takes bumps/holes.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 70
Likes: 10
w212
Thanks for the feedback. I thought the video was clear. The mechanic is wiggling a suspension part with a crowbar to show me there is play and that the control arms need to be replaced. I'll be taking it to anther shop.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 3,243
Likes: 933
From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
I could see video but it was too short and fast to see how much movement.
Look bushings are rubber to begin with so they will squish and allow some movement.
does it feel notchy?
Does it move too much?
Do you hear metal on metal?
Second opinion is always good
Look bushings are rubber to begin with so they will squish and allow some movement.
does it feel notchy?
Does it move too much?
Do you hear metal on metal?
Second opinion is always good
