Used W109 Parts

[68_280SE]

I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my 1970 300SEL and I have discovered that both the upper and lower control arms on the drivers side are bent beyond repair. Both of these parts are available new from the Classic Center however the cost of new parts is crazy expensive (well over $1500).

Does anybody have any suggestions on where I can find good used parts here in the US?

Thanks,
John

[autowood]

John,
I think I can help you and I'm not far. Give me a call. 828-321-3523

[Palolo]

Have you examined the subframe as well? You can lower it (easier said than done, admittedly), and drop in long rods to the subframe mounts to see if they are parallel or if the subframe is twisted or bent. Eyeballing it won't reveal a longitudinal twist.

Any idea of what caused the upper and lower arms to be bent on the one side?

108s get parted out here and there, but unfortunately they often tend to be an ocean away, from me at least.

[68_280SE]

I am willing to be that the car was in an accident sometime in the past and nobody took the time to check and fix the suspension. Seeing that the car is now 43 years old it is no telling else what it has been through in those years.

But when looking at both arms it is very obvious they are bent and out of shape on the righthand side on both arms.

John

[Tomguy]

Make sure that you get 109 arms, as they are NOT the same as 108s! The trouble is trying to find the 109 arms in good used condition, especially if they have the same issue as 108s. My 108 had cracked both lowers (about a year apart). I got lucky with replacements but I would consider myself VERY lucky to get in the same situation again if it were to arise, especially on a 109. Check eBay, if someone is parting a 109 they may have them but not list them - so ask.

[68_280SE]

I was able to source a good used W109 lower and upper control arm from Drew in NC. Thanks Drew!

John Heller

[vandor]

Tom,

>My 108 had cracked both lowers

Where do they crack? So I can check mine.
Thanks,

Csaba

[Tomguy]

On mine, the rearmost part cracked first, where it connects to the subframe.