W210 rotted subframe

[M.A.94]

So my front subframe has seen better days to say the least (see attached image), I have been advised get some welding done around the places where the rot is pretty bad however I was wondering how hard it is to replace the whole front sub frame.

I have seen the following subframe on eBay. And wasn't sure if the e55 subframe will be the same as the e320 cdi?

(1996-2002) Mercedes-Benz W210 E320 E420 E430 E55 SUB FRAME CROSS MEMBER FRONT | eBay

 

[Scott_F]

From what I can see in the photo there doesn't seem to be anything to weld onto and a replacement looks like the only feasible option if economically viable.

 

[wu56Shoozz]

Nope! Look for a quality second hand one. I had this on my Alhambra Years ago, front subframe was like yours, totally rotten... got one off ebay, cleaned it up, took it to the local powder coaters for £25 notes, got all new bushes, had the anti roll bar and mounts done and was as good as new. Always looked good on the underneath.. mechanics like working on it because it was clean and easy.. All in I paid £75 notes and was back on the road in no time..

 

[wu56Shoozz]

That's a lot of dosh on carriage, but looks the part. Pity you can't find a frame the same over here...

 

[grober]

W210 Front Subframe Change

The section that rusts is due to moisture being trapped under an engine cover. There is a specific patch part for that section of the subframe but your subframe might be past that stage. There is a specific subframe swap technique with the right gear as detailed in the thread above. You need to assess how good the rest of the car is [ body+mechanics] V cost of a good repair.

 

[Justintyme]

So my front subframe has seen better days to say the least (see attached image), I have been advised get some welding done around the places where the rot is pretty bad however I was wondering how hard it is to replace the whole front sub frame.

I have seen the following subframe on eBay. And wasn't sure if the e55 subframe will be the same as the e320 cdi?

(1996-2002) Mercedes-Benz W210 E320 E420 E430 E55 SUB FRAME CROSS MEMBER FRONT | eBay
It is weldable in those 2 places, for anyone with a good MIG welder. But only as a temporary measure, until it can be replaced. And even at that, I would not be putting it on the long finger. You would have some peace of mind once it has been welded though.

 

[M.A.94]

So correct me if I'm wrong i could possibly buy the following part and get that welded on.

Reading the thread which Grober mentioned has defiantly made me feel better now that I know you can support the engine without taking it out of the car and replace the sub frame this way, worse case scenario I'll have to source a new sub frame and go down this route of replacing it.

 

[grober]

I suspect from the photo there may not be enough good metal to weld that repair plate to. To effect a decent repair and clean up / rust proof the existing subframe it might require the removal of the subframe anyway - a good welder will advise you if its posssible in situ --- which takes you back to subframe replacement [ new or used]

 

[M.A.94]

Thanks for the advice, I'm planning on keeping the car long term so longevity of the repair is more important than price to me right now.

Do you know if Mercedes part department still sell subframes for such an old car?

 

[grober]

Part no may be A 210 620 18 87 but check against the chassis no of your car at your local MB dealer for price and availability- be sure to be sitting down when you do. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings but mercedes of that era had bad rust problems due to the quality of steel used at the time. Be sure that the rest of the car warrants what might be an expensive repair taking labour into account also. Depending on what your welder says it might be repaired in situ with that repair panel [ doubtful] or perhaps a middle way where the subframe is dropped to afford better welding access before committing to an entirely new subframe. Perhaps any W210 owners would like to comment?

 

[wu56Shoozz]

And the Cure for rust bar cutting out is DINITROL and Epoxy 121. Expensive but worth it..

 

[Joderest]

replacement with good second hand or new only way forward

 

[M.A.94]

Went to see a welder earlier today who said it's probably better to buy a new sub frame.

Popped into the dealers, Brand new sub frame brought (it was f***ing expensive!!!) should be here Friday.

 

[wu56Shoozz]

Ooooooooooooooooohhhhh Do Tell, Are you still able to walk??? Remember: off to the Powdercoaters and it will never rust again.. plenty of Dinitrol around it and it'll probably out last us all lols!

Was it dearer than the one from America??

 

[bob6600]

Went to see a welder earlier today who said it's probably better to buy a new sub frame.

Popped into the dealers, Brand new sub frame brought (it was f***ing expensive!!!) should be here Friday.

Go on, spill the beans

 

[M.A.94]

Go on, spill the beans

£572.64

 

[bob6600]

£572.64

I don't know if you are still standing but I just fell down lol. Having said that. it is roughly what I thought. Funnily enough, mine has had the front undertray missing since I bought it about 7 or 8 years ago. This might have kept the water from sitting on it.

 

[M.A.94]

Ooooooooooooooooohhhhh Do Tell, Are you still able to walk??? Remember: off to the Powdercoaters and it will never rust again.. plenty of Dinitrol around it and it'll probably out last us all lols!

Was it dearer than the one from America??

It worked out more expensive than the one from America but atleast I know this one is brand new. I know a guy who power coats so only thing left is to source some dinitrol.

 

[M.A.94]

I don't know if you are still standing but I just fell down lol. Having said that. it is roughly what I thought. Funnily enough, mine has had the front undertray missing since I bought it about 7 or 8 years ago. This might have kept the water from sitting on it.

Lol remember i asked if you had an undtrey knocking about few months back. Well forget about that I rather have a bit of wind noise than a rusted sub frame

 

[Benzowner]

Couldn't you have got a copy fabricated from your old rusty piece cheaper?