Suggest replacing your balljoints at the same time. Once you have gone through all the trouble of removing the control arms, this is cheap insurance against having to do much of the work again any time soon.

Consider the condition of your struts as well, since you will be doing most of the labor towards their replacement.

If you replace the struts and balljoints at the same time, you should be able to forget about the front suspension for 100k+ miles, which is comforting.

You certainly would need an alignment when the control arms are removed, though you may try to mark the current position so that they will be close enough to get to the alignment shop safely. I just used a burst of spray-paint, since my MB is far from being a showcar.
I also had to cut one of the control arm bolts on each side to get them off. They were corroded in place for good. Like you, I live in a 'roadsalt' zone. A Sawsall worked well for this.

Good luck.

Are you talking about Control Arm struts?

__________________
1993 400SEL (W140) 281K
1999 S500 (W140) 163K (Sold)
2002 S500 (W220) 72K
1999 S500 (W140) 88K
You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Took the hoopty to the dealer this morning after hearing a kloncking noise from the front right side of the car. I had a feeling it was suspension stuff.

He said I need Lower Control Arms Bushings, Sway Bar Links and two Motor Mounts.

I have some questions please.

1. Is the part number L2040-55978 for Control Arm Bushing Kit on FastLane is what I need?
2. Sway Bar Link, I will need both front ones, right?
3. How many motor mounts does the car have and are they all the same? Only one shows on FastLane.
4. What else should I consider looking at or getting for this Job, hardware that might brake? bolts? Nuts?


And I would think the Car would need a good 4-wheel alignment once done.

I appreciate all the help, Thanks

__________________
1993 400SEL (W140) 281K
1999 S500 (W140) 163K (Sold)
2002 S500 (W220) 72K
1999 S500 (W140) 88K
You cannot simultaneously prevent and prepare for war.
Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955)

Sorry pilot. "Strut" is certainly the wrong term for a 400SEL with its double control arm setup, and the term has many alternate uses on this model (Camber Strut, Control Arm Strut on the rear, etc).

I meant the shock absorber.

Still think those balljoints (on the lower control arm) in particular are cheap insurance at about $40 each, considering the labor involved.
Good luck.