I saw a post from 2008 that touched base here and I have a question that I need answered fairly quickly.. more like confirmation.

The Mercedes SLK 320 and Crossfire are basically identical from what I understand.

I need to know if the control arm for the SLK320 is interchangeable with a crossfire.

I'm looking for confirmation of this. If someone knows please pm me or reply here. Thx

 

Here are the numbers I found on my 2006 SRT-6 control arms. Currently I have NA control arms on my car. (with Kmacs) They're identical. The bushings are the same across several chassis numbers. Without further ado, the pictures.

Les

 

1996-2004 slk320 is the r170
2004-2010 is the r171

 

so that's a yes, they are interchangeable?

 

the r170 is the crossfire chassis, so in conclusion the 1996-2004 control arm from the slk320 will work?

 

Well, based on the MB star on my lower control arm, it's not a Chrysler part. I can't say 100% it's the same as the 2004 and earlier SLK but I'm sure enough that I'd take the chance. Are you getting a new one or used. The price and labor of replacing the bushings on a used part makes a new one a better choice. New in the box with bushings is around $200.00.

Les

 

The part number should be on the part somewhere, not too visible on some parts but it is there.

 

Well the reason I ask is because the Control Arm needs to be replaced to pass safety to be certified.

The Mopar Control arm is listed at $1018.00 for just the part, while the MB one is listed at $137.00 for the part. (a little over 1/8th the price)

Before I purchase either or, I'm trying to get confirmation from someone that's subbed the MB part for the Chrysler part.

The price difference is outrageous and I'm not gonna pay $1k if I don't have to. I think the part numbers are different but I feel like it's because 2 different companies produce it.. I'll try to get under it this weekend I guess and have a look.

 

If it is the same part it will have the same part number, a Mercedes number no matter what subcontractor made it. Chrysler has a number for it but that number is on paper and not stamped on the part. If you buy a Mopar part for this car where a Mercedes part is available you arpaying for someone to go to a Mercedes dealer and stick a Chrysler label over the Mercedes label.

 

Guess I'll just crawl under and see if I can see a part number on the actual part.

 

If it is original Mercedes which I'm sure it is unless it has been changed the part numbers should look something like this[ 170-330-01-07-mbz.] Pelican parts has them listed from 3 different manufacturers and they range in price from $94 up to 439.00 For genuine Mercedes replacement part and they all come with bushings installed but no ball joint included. All Crossfires are built on the r170 platform using the same suspension and steering and brake components as the SLK series.

 

Mine are in the closet. I looked and I can't find any more numbers. I'll get a flashlight and see if numbers exist inside the darn thing. Maybe I'm blind?

Les

 

Maybe they ought to come out of the closet ?

 

Right, so essentially the stupid thing should fit lol.

All the images I've found, the part is identical. Apart from the Chrysler one being grey and the MB one being black I can't really see any differences, everything about them is the same from what I can see

 

Since you're going to have it down anyway that would be a good time to put the MB camber bolts in the lower control arms so you can adjust the camber, it takes two bolts per side, if you're only going to change one lower control arm all you need is the spring compressor to take the pressure off the coil spring so you can change the bolts on the other side.

 

It it the control arm or just the lower ball joints that need to be replaced in the control arm to pass, normal for ball joints to wear out.
I just changed both my lowers not long ago.

 

Excellent question!!

 

The question is does yours have ball joints? Mine doesn't. I looked again with a flashlight and magnifying glass. I can't find any more numbers on the arms.

Les

 

unfortunately my mechanic wasn't that specific. its probably the bushings because I dont think he has the equipment to change out the bushings.

Either that or he wants to make money so he's tryin to get me to order the part

 

I just want to say thanks to everyone contributing to this to help me out, I really appreciate it, and to Les for the pictures.

I think what I'm gonna do is get dirty and see if I can find an MB logo anywhere on mine (everything on my car is stock except the tires)

If I see the MB logo on mine like the one's in the pictures shared, I'm just gonna risk it and see if it fits.