I have an 86 190E 2.3 8V W201.024, needing ball joints and lower control arm bushings. I have a question concerning the bushing install. 1) The manual says that the "shore hardness" should be matched by replacing bushings with the same ones removed. Is this the "nubs", 2 or 3, on the bushing itself? 2) Do the bushings come in various hardnesses? (other than OEM vs. Sportline) 3) The manual shows 3 different types of bushings, how can I tell which ones I have without removing the control arms, putting the car out of action, to get the right ones? 4) Are the bushings with the sleeves needing any special install proceedures? 5) Are the control arms the same? ie. can I replace the sleeve type with the simpler 2-single halves? Any input would help....Scott

The manual shows a Special tool for installing the 2 part with metal sleeve bushing set, but doesn't say if the bushing SLEEVE is crimped by the install tool. The cutaway picture shows the tool in its compressed position, but says nothing about crimping. From the looks of the pic, it appears to be doing just that. Or should I refrain from beer and shop manual research??? Any input helps! Thanks again! Scott

Can't answer the question in regards to "hardness" of the bushings, never seen an option listed for different ones. My comment is that if you need both the ball joint AND the bushings, check out the price of a new arm as this should contain the joint and bushings already installed. Don't forget a bolt kit for each one though.
Gilly

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Follow this link:

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and click on the "Sportline Bushings (NEW)" link on the left hand side of the page.

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'94 W124.036 249/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'93 W124.036 199/040 leder; 8.25x17 EvoIIs, up in flames...LITERALLY!
'93 W124.036 481/040 leder; euro delivery; 8.25x17 EvoIIs
'88 R107.048 441/409 leder; Euro lights
'87 W201.034 199/040 leder; Euro lights; EvoII brakes; 8x16 EvoIs - soon: 500E rear brakes
'70 R113.044 050/526; factory alloys; Euro lights

For anyone wondering about the bushing installation, of the 3 types, the 2 piece with aluminum sleeve IS crimped by the M-B installation tool. I am not sure WHY the sleev is crimped, but hey, someone must have been thinking this through! The manual also stated that an apparently uncrimped steel sleeve was later retrofitted. I am currentley going to measure the one I am removing to find out the proper "crimped" dimensions.These numbers are not showm in the manual. Also trying to find a reasonable way to make the90 degree crimp without the impossable to find and probably way too expensive M-B tool! For future reference, I will buy the entire control arm, with the balljoint/Control Arm Bushings installed, but this time I purchused them separately before I knew about the pre-assembled unit, so I may as well try to install them!