W123 rear subframe bushing kit, which one?
 

I am researching the rear subframe bushings, I came up with four part numbers and am confused which is going to be the best option

123 350 00 75 offered by Mercedes and Febi has round rubber bushings as well as the main bushings, hardware but no metal hanger
123 350 01 75 offered by Mercedes and Meyle (which was OE supplier way back) this is the most common kit, has metal hangers
123 350 02 75 offered by Mercedes and Febi, apparently a heavy duty version like the 00 version, has round rubbers too.
123 350 03 75 wagon version? Only Mercedes offers. No pics found yet.

I am setting the car up for towing duty since we no longer own a pick up truck (euro hitch with all proper mounting bars) so I want the most support possible, 1982 240D (ok, no jokes please, we live rural speed doesn't matter for dump runs and fire wood!). I like the idea of HD version and the extra rubber discs (if even used in the sedan?), just have to wait for stock to come in. Any thoughts or personal experience with the different kits?

I will also be doing the diff mounts and trailing arm bushings, engine and trans mounts already done along with a tight front end.

I can't be 100% sure because I don't have access to EPC but I think the differences between the numbers are going to be with or without varying degrees of additional hardware.

I could be wrong but I don't remember coming across a difference in the subframe mounts between the T models and the others. But be aware this could be a learning moment for me!


As for Meyle and Febi stuff - I try my hardest to never use their stuff. I go out of my way to find other "manufacturers". In my experience Febi rubber parts have failed to live through one winter under a parked and covered car. Total crap. Never to be forgiven especially after their after sales "care".

I've heard equally bad things about Meyle. Their repackaging stuff as heavy duty is probably just a stunt.

If you want something that will last (well as long as anything will in this disposable society - blah blah blah - rant rant) buy Lemforder. Stuff from the dealership might turn out to be TRW for this part (which is a disappointment when you've just paid dealership prices). So there's another tip - the dealership thinks TRW still make good stuff.


Why not ask the Pelican to check for a difference between these numbers - I for one would be interested in their response.

I am well aware of Febi and Meyle, I have spent 10 years selling auto parts. I was surprised to find that Meyle was OEM supplier to Mercedes for these mounts (evidence is on ebay right now, really old stock). Lemforder doesn't make these parts, never that I can tell. I would just like to know what the differences are, I will likely just order OEM HD in the end to have a quality bushing (we are talking once a lifetime here!) the parts catalogue mentions heavy duty in the notes for the 02 75 number, but I don't have access to know if it fits. I am going to a dealer next week with my kid mover for service, will ask what they know.

X2 Stretch's comments about Febi & Meyle rubber being poor quality.

It's been my observation recently that for most rubber parts there's only two choices. The pricey MB rubber parts or crappy the Uro, Febi/Meyle rubber parts.....no manufacturer seems to have filled the aftermarket "middle ground" between the two.

FWIW, I have just been buying the pricey MB rubber for my cars for the same reason you noted....its hopefully just a onetime purchase.

Don't buy the bushing kit from Karlyn (Karlin?) either.

I asked, response was 00 is bushings, 01 is hardware kit, 02-03 don't apply. Sort of right, except both kits have the main bushing, 00 version has a top bushing also while 01 does not.


On the EPC there is a split at 070759 for 00, 070760 for 01, but nothing written for 03 and 02 is hard to track down anything. I am wondering if there was a top bushing present on early cars only???

I'm off to the dealership today - if I see the chief mechanic I'll ask him.

According to Mercedes Sauce, they have compared the sedan and wagon bushings and while not identical, they are very close. The wagon version is made of a harder compound. The sedan version can be used on the wagon.

Odd that TRW makes other suspension stuff for these cars but not those mounts?

Good to know - I'll see if I can find out which is which...

...I didn't see the chief mechanic today...

Those NOS kits on ehell are pretty cool....wish they weren't so pricey....