When I did my axles , one side had a good bump stop and one did not. I was able to get the joint pressed off with out ruining the good bumper. I don't remember how I did it, but it is doable. Mercedes would not have put the stop in there if it wasn't needed, so I would suggest keeping it intact.
I think I used a plastic furniture slider and modified it to fit, to replace the missing one. Metal to metal contact on the ends without it.
I think it is important to thoroughly clean out the old grease/oil and the fine metal particles that cause the wear on the axles. That is why I don't think much of any ,so called, axle rebuild ,that stretches a boot on etc. without cleaning the joint. I think lots of brake cleaner spray works good with an air nozzle to blow the mess out of the nooks.
Maybe some of the newer split boots are better than they were, but I suspect they will never last as long as the originals.
Another thing I did is swap sides with the axles. When you get yours apart and clean, you will notice marks where the ball and the joint have seen forward pressure, If you swap sides, like I did, you get a "fresh" surface to run against. I did mine about 2004 and they have worked great since.
Rebuilding your originals is the best way to go ...the rebuilts are not likely to last 200,000 miles. My originals had 350,000 plus on them. I'm pretty sure they were original because I remember seeing a matching date to the car on the old boots.

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Diesel-guy

I have found that in areas that require very good washing out of old grease and oil gasoline is the best solvent for cleaning.

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Current Rides:

2004 BMW R1150GS Adventure
2005 MB W211 E320 Cdi