Urgent help needed: 350SE clutch and SLS struts

[fig]

Hi all

I have a 74 350SE manual. The clutch has failed and the clutch plate is not rebuildable. No manual 350s were ever sold in South Africa and my mechanic says his only option is to order a new one from Germany. At ZAR3,600 that's a bit rich for me. Does anyone have a cheaper source for a 350SE clutch plate?

My car also needs new rear struts (self levelling). My mechanic has sourced a pair of W126 SLS struts. Are these interchangeable with W116? These items are also quite pricey at ZAR4,600 each; does anyone have a cheaper source?

This is quite urgent; please assist!

Thanks!

[TJ 450]

I don't know about the clutch, but surely you could source a pair of good used SLS struts and replace the boots.

The 126 SLS struts are indeed the same.

Tim

[fig]

Thanks Tim

Now that I know they're interchangeable with W126 I may be able to find a good used set. SLS was never offfered on any SA-built Mercedes W116, and I suspect it was first offered on the late model W126 500SEs, which were built here until 1993.

Still looking for anyone who knows a cheaper source of new struts and the clutch plate.

[oscar]

Re the clutch, I was doubting the non rebuildable remark thinking you might have got told the wrong info but whilst they are repairable the kit is no longer available according to that russian EPC and the Classic Center.  But just in case you go searching through vendors that may have something on the back shelves -
Repair kit A1075860025  
and rivets A0002521675

How does ZAR stack up against Euros?
For a new clutch via  the Classic Center.  Cheaper one is an exchange unit.
Designation      Part number        Price excl. VAT   Price incl. 19% VAT
CLUTCH PLATE  A0102503103      275.74 Euro      328.13 Euro  
CLUTCH PLATE  A010250310380   215.91 Euro       256.93 Euro  

Can't help on struts sorry.

[koan]

I agree with oscar about the rebuilding. My local brake place (which has now moved 30km away) rebuilt clutch plates, either with rivets or by bonding on new linings. Ask around a bit.

koan

[fig]

Thanks for the replies and info.

ZAR is around 9 or 10 to the EUR, so the price I was quoted for a new clutch plate seems about right.

The cushioning springs in my clutch plate have broken from fatigue, which usually means the plate is scrap in my experience.

Oh well, it looks like my only option is to kak en betaal, as we say in South Africa!

[SELfor50]

Thanks for the replies and info.

ZAR is around 9 or 10 to the EUR, so the price I was quoted for a new clutch plate seems about right.

The cushioning springs in my clutch plate have broken from fatigue, which usually means the plate is scrap in my experience.

Oh well, it looks like my only option is to kak en betaal, as we say in South Africa!

Contact MB Spares (www.mbspares.com.au)  They have a few different suppliers in Germany and may be able to get a new clutch for you mutch cheaper...  Worth asking.

Cam.

PS.  Nice score on the Manual 350!

[EDZ649]

I think W123 SLS struts also fit.