The left front control arm on my 84 380SL simply cracked off about 1/2 inch in front of the weld as I was backing up. (I sure was glad it didn't happen on the freeway). I was told by my mechanic that he thought the W107 had a recall or service bulletin to replace that whole suspension due to "SL crack" because that part was designed for the 114/115 not 107. Does anybody know if this is actually true?

The failures are definitely true. The modified subframe with a 107 number is true. I have even seen someone get MB's help with the problem as late as about a year ago.

We have seen this probably 15-20 times over the years and weld in the reinforcements as we see the problem occuring, or we replace the subframe and usually the control arm which gets bent in the failure. BTW I have never seen one of these fail at anything more than parking lot speed. The loading is ever so much more during low speed turns.

Hmph, we performed three of these campaigns in the last two weeks at the shop. 'Tis the season!


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Rgds,
Aaron Greenberg
MB technician
Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati
'67 250SE Cabriolet
'77 450SL
'80 300SD
'85 380SE
'86 420SEL
'89 420SEL
'93 300E 2.8
'74 Jensen Interceptor Mk.III
'81 DeLorean DMC12
'84 BMW 745i Turbo

Is this being done as a recall repair at no charge or is it expensive?

My brother has an 85 380sl, and I am wondering if he should have his checked and or replaced if necessary.

If there is a campaign, do you have any info on it, or know where I can find out the info...

Thanks,

Alon

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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Parchment
Clear Corners
94-95 Tail-Lights
Debadged
Black Grille Insert
78.5k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
Euro Headlights
Performance Chip
AMG Exhaust
http://home.earthlink.net/~asherson/my92300ce.jpg
Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

OK.. I now have the Mercedes answer to this but it wasn't what I was hoping for. It seems this was a recall from MB for models using a cast iron frame. The MB service manager stated this isn't very commoon but he sees a few each year. By the way, if I get a good used sub frame w/both control arms, that's about $250 (not from MB). Don't know labor as yet.