I need help guys.
Ordering all my parts today so quick replies are helpful.

So far list...
1. Ordering KYB shocks (all around) -partsgeek
2. Ordering Lemforder Tie Rod assembly -partsgeek
3. Ordering Lemforder ball joints (front) -partsgeek
4. Ordering bosch fuel filter -needswings
5. Ordering steering stabilizer -dont know where yet

Need help list...
1. The guy says my control arm bushings ar shot in the front...I read that they are supposed to be cracked? Do I replace? Who sells them? cant find them
2. Guy says I need an idler arm...is that not apart of the tie rod assembly? If not, who sells that? Cant find it either...
3. Anything else I need for suspension maintenance?
3. CEL light on saying fuel too lean.....I cleaned my MAF and TB about 2 months ago...any clue?
4. Changing tranny fluid for the first time ever...what shell fluid number is it?

im so tired of the all things coming to a head mode my car is in...I just want to be done....I have 1200 to do damage with....help a brother out lol

 

SO KYB's are a good start. Do you plan to lower at all?
You want to just replace the control arms, much easier than doing bushings and not too expensive either.
I didn't do ball joints yet and I am at 145K but they are on the bottom of my list.
stabilis stabilizer for SLK 320 is usually a few bucks cheaper on ebay.
Idler Arm is a seperate part I think.... Why do you need one? ask exactly why....
Eurocharged tune will get real ponies/ and sprint booster will magnify your throttle input as well.

 

What does eurocharge mean exactly?

I dont plan on lowering. What is the benefit?

where can I find good arms for low? The ones on partsgeek throw me for some reason....

the guy just said the idler arm needed to be replaced. He has taken good care of me so far so I dont think he was "steering me wrong" but the only thing is that I keep getting confused ordering online because places keep grouping idler arms and tie rod assembly parts together....

 

I'm at 82,000 miles and recently had my car looked over by a mechanic. Supposedly all good except for (same as you) tie rod assembly and ball joints.
Not sure how urgent that is. He quoted me $1000 for all of that. Seems high to me. Any insight on that would be appreciated!

Btw, can only agree that Eurocharged Tune and Spring Booster are the two mods I have done on my car so far that have the most "fun" value. Car drives like a complete different beast! Very well worth the money!

 

Buy your tie rod and ball joints on parts geek.
04 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Tie Rod Assembly - Steering - Lemfoerder - PartsGeek

04 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Ball Joint - Suspension - Febi, Lemfoerder, Moog, PartsMaster, Front Lower - PartsGeek

I just spent 950 on all my parts together about 400 for my guy to install here in tx. I got alot more though....fuel filter, shocks all around, bushings kits, etc. Cant wait...car is running like crap right now and its getting too cold to be stranded in a ditch

would someone explain the eurocharge tune and spring booster things to me?

 

The "Sprint Booster" is a device that connects between the throttle pedal and the car's electronics.
These cars are "drive by wire", IE there is no throttle linkage, it's done electronically. The SB changes how fast the throttle opens for a given pedal input.
https://www.sprintboosterusa.com/
The EuroCharged tune is done remotely via some software on your laptop and a USB cable to the OBDCII connector.
It remaps a bunch of stuff in the ECM to make the car more responsive, increase torque and HP, and some claim it also increases MPG.
Eurocharged Performance and Tuning- Exotic and European Tuning Specialists

NOTE: Neither one of these options are cheap

 

Got it. Well....after spending 1100 on parts and im sure another 500 on labor I can get those done in lets say uhhhhhhhhh 7 to 10 years lol

man...im broke now

I found my idler arm....just got off the phone with chrysler....special order for $150 give or take.....online its pretty much non existent. The sites had them for 150 too and they looked like criminal sites...at least I know I should be getting a trust worthy new oem

 

$140.00 on E-Bay. Forget it just checked shipping is $28.00.

 

Your car is really a 2004 Mercedes SLK 320.

Look for parts for that car and you will notice availability goes up and price goes down.

I got tie rod ends from Autozone. I asked for the ends that go on a SLK 320 and they work like a charm. ($34.99 each)

Also, steering stabilizer is a must. Again, SLK 320 parts are the same but cheaper. ($30-$50)

I tried the Eibiach Pro Lowering Kit ($249)and dropped the car about an 1nch and 1/2. This, in my opinion, helps to take the "chickness" out of this roadster. I didn't have tire wear issues but I did get a camber kit for the front and rear within about 6 months. They're are other kits, HR and BG but these have been reported to be stiffer ( more for the SRT type ride).

Ground control has a solid Camber adjustment for the rear of the car and Needswings has bolts for the front. ($249)

KYB shocks are a cushier ride than stock and promote alot less bodyroll than the stock set up. They are better on both ends of the spectrum, better ride and sportier handling. Amazing! ($300 for a set) Make sure that these are crossfire specific! The wheels on the slk are a different size


Sprint booster....... I'll sell you mine, I don't really like it too much. When I barely step on the pedal, the sprint booster tell my throttle it's floored. Maybe this seems beneficial in the automatic, but in the stick, it's really really hard to drive comfortably.

Eurocharged tune.... These guys are great. I wish they could make the 3.2NA faster than they do, but there is only so much you can do without a turbo or supercharger. It's the smartest, easiest, most cost effective way to get about 20 more whp out of the little German made import. They send a kit that allows you to check and clear codes should you have an issue. Once you get this tune, they can remotely upgrade it should you decide next year to add an intake, exhaust, or a throttle body upgrade. ( all very common mods for this car).

Remember to drive your car and enjoy it. Tuning and tinkering can become quite addicting.

 

Bookmarking, I'm going to hit 100k a couple weeks after she gets out of winter storage!

 

A lot of good info here!

 

Great thread. I decided to keep my 04 Crossfire and im at 110k miles. Going to review this article for all the items i need to keep my car running well. Def need to replace the tie rod ends so that i can do a proper alignment.

Any other suggestions on how to get a full breakdown of what my car needs? Like a full inspection. Hate dealing with dealers...always feels like im being cheated into something. Thank god i can read and research on my own

A little desire to understand more about your investment is key.

 

Our steering system is a reciprocating ball style... replacing just the tie rod ends would be frivolous. If you have play you'll need a whole Drag Link assembly... Otherwise you wasting your time and money as if the tie rod ends fail there's only a short time after that until the rest of the joints in the system fail thus, causing you to replace the whole drag link anyway and redoing the alignment.

STEERING LINKAGE. Fits: Mercedes | Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta

Steering Systems and Suspension Systems - How to Maintain & Repair Them

 

Well, for those wondering... I'm at 116,000 miles. Original shocks. So I bought the KYBs (all four) and had them put on today. Not a SHOCKING difference, the old ones were still doing some of their job. But in speedy curves I can feel the car is more stiff, stable and sure. I do feel bumps in the road more, not a LOT more. Verdict: $225 for the set (if you get them from KYB outlet) and $204 labor (included changing the steering stabilizer) - well worth it, as I ready myself to head to CAA6.

 

Other things to check for....


Valve cover gaskets, and breather covers will leak no matter what you do! If they are leaking, get them re-done.

Stereo Upgrade.... Kenwood has the best match

LED lighting can be done inside and out.....

Cold air intake! Needs Wings, nothing else will do the trick

Exhaust.