Hello

Checked my records and front lower ball joints have play after 21k mi. They where replaced in 11/2010 with Febi/bilstein control arms both sides. Real poor quality on Febi, Uro would lasted longer.
Now I need to replace both front control arms again not sure what to go with, don't want the OE for over $500 a side. Cant find Lamfoerder lots of Febi. This is what I have found
Beck/Arnley $160
Dorman $125
TRW $140
I'm thinking going with TRW since on my 99 and 2000 w210 4matic upper control arms where TRW not sure if they where original or PO replaced them. Need some advise.

thanks

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1995 E320
1998 E320
1999 E320 4Matic
2000 E320 4Matic
2000 ML320
2007 C230 Sport
2003 Cadillac CTS

I understand your problem. My original control arms are still OK after 1/4 million miles but it must be only a matter of time. I have seen no favourable reports on anything other than MB original for these so I am resigned to the €1000 bill when the time comes.

One of the ball joints - all are original - was diagnosed with a perforated gaiter and I've bought a Lemfoerder replacement to see how that stacks up. My impression is that Lemfoerder is the only choice for original quality, other than MB.

On a positive note, 1/4 million miles for €1000 equates to €84 for the 21K miles you got out of the Febis. If you factor in the cost of labour, well, perhaps the MB originals are the way to go.

I wonder how many people think that Febi Bilstein is in any way related to the high quality Bilstein damper people? It's not but I was convinced once, but once only.

Good luck with whichever choice you make.

RayH

Thanks for the advise Ray the originals went 167k mi now I have 188k mi the tie rods center drag link are still original no play on them noticed the rubber boots are cracked considering replacing all with lamfoerder peach parts has them in stock control arms I not sure what to go with. I do the work on them myself the only time it goes to shop is for wheel alignment if I get stuck this forum is here to help thanks again

TRW is an OE manufacturer of them.

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
"as I ride with my a/c on... I have fond memories of sweaty oily saturdays and spewing R12 into the air. THANKS for all you do!

My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
1987 300TD
1994GMC 2500 6.5Turbo truck... I had to put the ladder somewhere!

Can you replace just the ball joints and bushings on these control arms?

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'89 260e (212K Mi.), '92 400e (208K Mi.), '92 400e (not a misprint) (146K Mi.), '95 C220, '81 240D--Sold

No, that's the problem with the 300-24, 320 on upwards.

R

bushings yes, ball joint no.

however - MB sell the ball joint boots separately. If your joint doesnt have movement in it but the boot looks iffy, replace it now.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)

You're absolutely right, I was focused on ball joints which, as you say, cannot be replaced.

RayH