[Stashman94]

I bought a 1985 380SL a couple months back and one of the control arm mounting tabs are almost completely broking off of the front subframe on the driver's side. I was hoping someone would know a place or website to purchase a subframe so I can hopefully replace this before it turns catastrophic. Thank you guys very much.

 

[abiby]

You might look on eBay or a local u-pick salvage yard.
Remember that you want a subframe from a 86-89 560SL.

 

[Stashman94]

Why would I want one from a 86-89 560SL?

 

[rowdie]

Fill in your profile with vehicle and location.
Do not drive it anywhere. A salvage yard is the best place to search for one. Buy a 1986-1989 560SL subframe. Pre '86 models will have the same problem unless they are reinforced.

MB might cover it. Check with local dealer(s). It is a long shot but can't hurt. Check the subframe recall thread in the EGv107 at the top of the main forum page.

 

[Stashman94]

Fill in your profile with vehicle and location.
Do not drive it anywhere. A salvage yard is the best place to search for one. Buy a 1986-1989 560SL subframe. Pre '86 models will have the same problem unless they are reinforced.

MB might cover it. Check with local dealer(s). It is a long shot but can't hurt. Check the subframe recall thread in the EGv107 at the top of the main forum page.

I already called to see if they would cover it and they said that they wouldn't. Have any of you replaced a subframe yourself before?

 

[petesmga]

Then 560's came with the upgraded subframe. The 450sl's are the only one on the recall but all 107's are susceptibile as you found out. My 79 280sl has a welded subframe repair but the 450sl parrts car I just bought has the modified gusset kit installed, so I'll swap those units soon. Read all about it the the sticky EGv-107.

 

[Stashman94]

I have no idea where the "EGv107" sticky is. I'm new to the site so I'm still working things out. Is there any way you could post a link on this thread?

 

[rowdie]

The 560SL subframe is updated and does not have the pre '86 problem. I have removed a couple of subframes. The Egv107 I referenced has posts about all of this including some that have had it covered by MB even though the 380 is not covered.

 

[rowdie]

I have no idea where the "EGv107" sticky is. I'm new to the site so I'm still working things out. Is there any way you could post a link on this thread?

I told you where it is. The stickys are at the top of the main forum page.

 

[nobby]

I bought a 1985 380SL a couple months back and one of the control arm mounting tabs are almost completely broking off of the front subframe on the driver's side. I was hoping someone would know a place or website to purchase a subframe so I can hopefully replace this before it turns catastrophic. Thank you guys very much.

One hand holding session for each new member.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r-c...lopaedia-germanica-volume-107-aka-egv107.html

Scrap yard or new at MB. If you order one new at MB you will automatically get the updated version as even THEY KNOW the older subframe versions were inferior.

Good luck.

 

[Stashman94]

Haha, sorry, but thank you for the hand holding. I saw some new subframes from MB but they were like $720 minimum. I think I'm going to look at the 86-89 560SLs and try to find a cheaper alternative. Thanks guys.

 

[nobby]

. I think I'm going to look at the 86-89 560SLs and try to find a cheaper alternative. Thanks guys.

Well, the cheapest alternative IS a used 560SL subframe.

But, get ready for other expenses. This is the time you should consider new subframe bushings, new control arm bushings and new engine mounts.

The engine can be supported from the top while the subframe is dropped out the bottom.

DIY? I would do it on jack stands but it wouldn't be the preferred method.

Take some pics of the damage and stick around and keep us posted. Broken subframes happen but thankfully they aren't common.
Sorry for your shitty luck....but others can learn from it.

 

[rowdie]

What Nobby said.
You can tell by the responses so far that we are all interested in helping with this.
How do you rate your mechanical ability? Do you have the tools and space to do it yourself? It is really not difficult. Just nuts and bolts.
We also can provide information on where to buy the parts at the best price.

If you are on a PC you can look up parts here. https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/coverage.jsp

 

[Stashman94]

I wouldn't say I'm extremely mechanically experienced but I've already replaced a few of the more minor things on this car and would mind giving this a whirl.

As for lifting the engine out, I saw one instance where a guy used a bottle jack to support the engine by the oil pan while he replaced the subframe. I was thinking about doing mine in the same manner but was wondering how someone might advise an idea like that. I will definitely document whatever I end up doing pretty well though.

As for parts, I've been using autohausaz.com and they haven't really let me down yet.

 

[nobby]

The bottle jack method might be iffy. It would certainly get in the way. You could either buy or rent the proper support....

 

[Stashman94]

I'll definitely look into it. What is that support structure called?

 

[nobby]

"Engine Support"

Nifty name ,eh?


0.5 Ton Engine Support, China, 0.5 Ton Engine Support Manufacturer, BM06-05, Garage Tool, Engine Support

 

[Stashman94]

Haha, very original I'd say. I'll take some pictures of the damage as it sits tomorrow morning and get them up on here then start looking around for all my parts.

 

[alabbasi]

I have a couple of rust free sub frames laying around should you need one. Not from a 560SL though, but from southern cars.

 

[Aaron Todd]

I recently replaced a cracked front subframe on my 380sl. I found one from a wrecking yard here in so cal for 300. This particular yard specializes in MB.
Definitely buy a complete subframe bushing kit. Also consider looking at your gear box while you are working on the front subframe. I replaced mine. Its.a pain to access again later.