this was all I could see

Mercedes C220 C230 C280 SLK320 SLK32 AMG CLK55 AMG Steering Idler Arm Repair Kit | eBay

Searched several foreign sites for related items but nothing definite, probably as easy to take it off and go to local merc spares place

 

This eBay UK vendor lists ball joints for the Crossfire,he may have idler arms too.
CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE 2003-2007 2 FRONT LOWER SUSPENSION ARM BALL JOINTS | eBay

 

Why replace the arm. Replace the bushings. The shop should have a press to install them in the arm.

 

I may be missing the point here, but if your mechanic says the joints on the idler arm (steering arm same one bottom of steering column) will pass MOT then there cant be much play in it, I would not change it. If you replace with a used one it will be no different, and the difference between this and a new one will be too small to notice. Sounds like a waste of time and money to me, though I must say these parts (SLK320 W170) are surprisingly cheap but if you do change it you may as well do them both buy new. Good luck

 

These are well cheap but be wary on quality as some of these are made in India and very poorly made. Partco in UK is best supplier on the shelf stock.

 

Well cheap and look easy to fit with car up on lift

 

With the cost of the postage you may as well look at genuine parts, or try partco or euro car parts

 

Think I'm going to get an idler arm repair kit & try that, spoke to another merc dealer today who said that he doesn't know of his shop ever replacing the idler arm but plenty of the bushes etc beng replaced & quoted £32 for a new iler arm repair kit....can't hurt to try & I'm sure it will help.
Take it I only require one as the other end bolts onto main frame of link I think?

 

The other arm is connected to the steering box.

 

Phoned Merc dealer up and got there part number for a steering idler repair kit: 202 460 03 19 then found them for £21 delivered at the following link: (labelled as steering lever repair kit)

Parts for Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes SLK 1997-2004 Steering Lever Repair Kit

Mechanic going to fit (£10) and we'll see what happens from there...not a lot probably lol

 

What did I say try 'Parts for Mercedes-Benz' website. You did and you had a result.
Pays to listen to an Old Man sometimes.
You just need to know what the part is to start with.
On that subject got a switch in my interior light god knows what it is gonna have a post a pic and ask methinks.
Glad the part was so cheap let us know how you get on.
Merc dealers/specialists are probably the way forward in this country as so few XF's sold here

 

Took a while to get there as the MB dealer was saying he never heard of steering idlers etc...but got there in the end, and cheap to boot
Thanks for the help

 

Can you believe it. I too am searching the WWW to replace my idler arm. Chrysler want £460 and Merc want £270 without guarantee of refund in the evnt its a different part. Not sure why the whole link has to be replaced when only one side has play but no doubt a cash bonus for Chrysler. Im still looking & will share the info with forum but in the meantime if you have any luck would you let me know. Thanks