CL500 C215 2004 Rear control arms & Subframe bushes advice

[Meatfeast]

My beloved CL500 has developed a bad squeak from the rear end of the car, which upon inspection has turned out to be one of the bushes in the rear front off side control arm. Given the position of the arm the only way to replace it is to drop the rear subframe and change the arm out, as the mounting bolts are against the body of the car which means that arm can't be changed in situ.

I'm ok with this but I have decided as the subframe is coming off, I will change out all 4 upper arms (front and rear), along with the subframe bushes.

This is where the fun begins!

I called Mercedes to enquire about OEM replacements - and received a bit of a shock!

Firstly they aren't able to supply the subframe bushes as they are no longer manufactured, secondly they can only supply one control arm for £154.00 plus VAT.

So basically if they could supply everything, I'd be looking at a cost of around £1200.00!!!

So I then turn to non OEM, but this has proven to be even more confusing as I have no idea who makes decent non oem parts, so I could use some advice please?

Looking at the interweb, Meyle and Lemforder seem to come recommended on other non Mercedes forums, BMW especially, but I have also found Febi Bilstein and KGF!

So can anybody provide any advice or information of where I should be going?

Many thanks.

 

[Naraic]

Lemforder get good reviews.

 

[DSK]

Always used lemforder myself and they are excellent and were OEM on my 20yr plus Volvos which even today laugh at the quality of modern stuff. The durability, machining has always been the best.

Meyle are ok, just ok, a few guys on the performance volvo club used their heavy duty range items with positive results but, the standard stuff is just OK. I’ve fitted a few standard items and the machining could be better but, once in, they seem perfectly reasonable for durability/price.

I have had poor experiences with febi, with parts just prematurely wearing due to poor quality/cheaply built and the febi name used to market stuff that’s not very good in reality. I’d avoid as a result.

I believe TRW has improved over the years and could be considered. Perhaps someone can confirm if they merged with another brand?


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[JBell]

Lemforder are probably the OEM supplier

 

[bembo449]

anything would be better than the squeak . . . . right ?