FWIW, many cars (e.g. 1990's GM) have ball joints of this design riveted to the control arm, and the SOP is to drill rivets and replace ball joint, re-installing using nuts and bolts, even with the OEM's spare part and service information ("step 1 drill out rivets...")

So I see no issue with doing so on an MB...

as for lifespan... if original BJ lasted 200 000 miles for example. are you really going to drive another 200 000 miles? That is a lot of driving and a lot of time especially on an old car.