I've heard that the lower control arm bushings on a W123 can be upgraded to the ones from a W126.

Has anyone done that?
What are the advantages?
What is the difference between the W123 and W126 lower control arms?
Are they "plug and play" or is there more that I need to know beyond swapping the parts?
Are there other W126 front end parts that are desirable to swap into the W123?

Thanks in advance for your knowledge and wisdom.

I did it, thought it was easier than the w123 bushings. Couldn't tell you if the ride felt any different.

The w126 bushings are apparently heavier duty and were available on cars with 15 in wheels.

Yes, they are plug and play. While the w123 bushings need to be deformed once installed, the w126 bushings are pressed into place.

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I recondition w123/w126/w124/w140/r107/r129/ steering boxes!


1984 300D "Elsa" odo reset 6/2011 147k
1983 300TD "Mitzi" ~268k OM603 powered
1995 E300 "Adelheid" 262k [Sold]

The stock w123 lower control arm bushings have an aluminium sleeve/tube that after it goes in needs to be flared on both ends. I have never seen a write up that used the factory tool so obviously it can be done without it.

when I did mine I used the stock ones and I found some sockets with a tapered end on them to flare he sleeve/tube.

I can't remember if I used one or 2 impact sockets similar to the one in the pic. The tapered end did the flaring.

You can use some threaded rod with washers and nuts and the 2 sockets.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel