I just replaced one of the tie rods on my 220D today. The reason being that the rubber boot on an end I put on it ten months ago (December 2013) encountered total failure.

The tie rod end that I used was a Lemforder unit. I had two of them, and put one of them on. Here is a picture of the other (unused) one, next to the one that spent ten months on my car:



The metal is badly pitted and the rubber boot has completely rotted. It is absolutely the worst part that I have ever put on a vehicle.

[EDIT by CTD on 19 OCT 2014] Some members have credibly suggested that this could be a counterfeit part. With that in mind, I advise you to examine with extra care any parts you purchase from seemingly reputable companies. If there's no embossing/logo on the rubber, and no logo cast or stamped into the steel assembly, send it back!

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