I found a barn deal - a 1991 300E 4matic with minimal surface rust and a like-new interior. I had to replace the steel fuel lines and all brakes to get it on the road. I have a balky ball joint and need to have the proper press to replace it. Anyone in MI willing to lend or rent a tool for a weekend?

Also, the front shocks, can they be replaced without disturbing the wheel alignment (from the top)?

Thanks for any assistance. This is my first Merc and the learning curve is steep.

You can rent a press from autozone or orylies and when you return it you get all your money back.

Do they work for the Mercedes ball joint? Reading some forum posts, people have been struggling with them. Have you had success replacing your ball joints with the rental tools?

Yes it worked when I replaced them on my 86 300E.

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

Are you sure you need a ball joint tool? I believe the 4matic setup (if it is the same as my 91 4matic wagon) does not require a special tool. It is in fact a straight -forward replacement (did it a few months ago), no pressing involved in any way. There are 3 or 4 bolts to deal with - very simple. Problem is each ball joint is over $100.
Check the photos here: http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1991-Mercedes--Benz-300e--4matic-Suspension&yearid=1991%40%401991&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES+BENZ%40%40X&modelid=6195%3AEB|613%3AED|10000014%3ASM|850%3AMBC|1506%40%40300E+4Matic&catid=241464%40%40Suspension&subcatid=241495@@Ball+Joint&mode=PD

You might be right, my 300E was not a 4matic.

The generic ball joint press from the parts store will work but takes a little ingenuinty.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BallJoint

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1991 300E - 212K and rising fast...

Can you replace the ball joint press piece on the 4matic, or is it the entire assembly only?

The whole assembly needs to be replaced... but think of it this way, you are saving (some) money because you do not have to buy or rent the tool!?!