Lower control arm advice w204 s204 c250cdi

[Tonygw]

Hi All can anybody suggest an OEM quality or better lower control arm front driver's side for my 2012 C250 cdi estate? Had a cheap nasty one fitted for the MOT last year in a hurry and want to replace it now with a decent quality one. I've noticed a tiny bit of play in the ball joint on the cheap one I had fitted.
Called my local main dealer and they are on back order with no estimate delivery time.
Want to get this done while I have a bit of time so if I can get an OEM or equiv soon then Ill get it swapped out.

So any suggestions, and suppliers would be great thanks

 

[markjay]

I generally fit either genuine MB suspension components, or Lemforder. There are other good makes, though. Can you post the MB part number?

 

[Trickythemerc]

I always use Lemforder for suspension bits, must make the effort to fit the engine and gearbox mounts that I have sitting on the shelf. Car is on 116 K so they must be getting close to EOL

 

[Tonygw]

Thanks guys, If I cant get an original part I will go for the Lemforder parts then sorry not sure of the original MB part code I would need to have a look see if I can find it anywhere.

Any suggestions on where to by the Lemforder parts from? Euro car parts seem to do every one but the part I need from Lemforder.

 

[DSM10000]

Thanks guys, If I cant get an original part I will go for the Lemforder parts then sorry not sure of the original MB part code I would need to have a look see if I can find it anywhere.

Any suggestions on where to by the Lemforder parts from? Euro car parts seem to do every one but the part I need from Lemforder.

Try GSF.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Carparts4less

 

[W1ghty]

Lemforder (I’ve also used Meyle HD a couple of times ) , try Autodoc if you aren’t in a hurry

 

[Tonygw]

Cheers guys, I ended up with a Febi Bilstein arm. I heard good things about them but still an unknown. Hopefully you guys can confirm they are ok? it seems near on impossible to get a genuine part in any reasonable time and had a hell of a job trying to find the makes you mentioned above, they seem to do every arm but the one I needed.

Anyway I swapped out the arm, I can confirm the garage had fitted the nastiest cheapest one they could find, in less than 8 months there was a lot of movement in the ball joint up and down (i thought I could hear a knock and this confirmed it) How can cheap parts like this be allowed into the market, scary really.

cheers all.

 

[mioba]

mercs just dont like cheap parts.
its always buy once buy right buy genuine.

Cheap parts may cut the mustard with lesser brands but its all relative.

 

[DSM10000]

mercs just dont like cheap parts.
its always buy once buy right buy genuine.

Cheap parts may cut the mustard with lesser brands but its all relative.

If by cheap you mean poorly made then a part is unsuitable irrespective of the brand of vehicle to which it is fitted.

 

[Tonygw]

I guess these independent garages are price competitive and like to maximize profits. Hence a cheap part works out of the box, just doesn't last. But as far as they are concerned they fixed the customers issue and they are happy. (in most cases), In future I will ensure I specify or supply the parts as most indys are fine with that.

live and learn I guess..

 

[markjay]

I guess these independent garages are price competitive and like to maximize profits. Hence a cheap part works out of the box, just doesn't last. But as far as they are concerned they fixed the customers issue and they are happy. (in most cases), In future I will ensure I specify or supply the parts as most indys are fine with that.

live and learn I guess..

It varies. Terry at Wayne Gates has always fitted either genuine MB suspension parts, or Lemforder. Olly at PCS fitted genuine dampers to my car. Some specialists trade on their reputation.

 

[Tonygw]

Yeah sorry I meant the indys that are general for all cars and makes. Not the specialist merc indy's. My local specialist merc indy will only fit genuine parts but since they are so good they are booked up for weeks.

I find most garages pretty trustworthy and honest these days.