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450 SEL 6.9 Tie Rod Part Number Woes

Started by Neil4speed, 25 May 2022, 03:05 PM

Neil4speed

Hey everyone! Finally started the mechanical refresh of the 6.9 and things have progressed well. My mechanic has identified a handful of things for me to do as due diligence and he suggested the front tie rod ends.

After getting the wrong part from Rock Auto for the oil filter - I am being doubly diligent to ensure I get the right one for the Tie Rods.

The part numbers (even from my chassis catalog) seem a bit all over the place. I know that the 6.9 has different steering setup to the other W116's.

Rock Auto suggests (left and right) DELPHI TL2048 and DELPHI TL2049 which reference the following parts numbers respectively;

1163300203, 1263300303, 1263300503

and

1073300203, 160306314, 43933036500

-

Whereas, I have seen postings on here, as well as some ebay links that suggest that it is 123 330 18 03. I am seeing the same from FCPEuro as well.

I am thoroughly confused and don't want to fall into the parts hunting mission too far again - any thoughts or experiences anyone can lend me?


UTn_boy

The tie rods on a 6.9 are not unique to the 6.9.  The original part number has changed 4-5 times over the last 40+ years.  The current recognized part number is the number you have already found...... 123-330-18-03, and is correct.  This particular tie rod fits many models, which is why you see so many other references. 

The tie rods are still readily available from Mercedes.  There is no need to buy an inferior part from Rock Auto.  Naturally, the ones from Mercedes are a little more expensive, but they'll out last us.  The ones from Rock Auto you'll be replacing within a year or two with normal to little usage.  So pick your poison, I guess, but I can't recommend installing an inferior part on such an important and critical part/area of a car. 
1966 250se coupe`,black/dark green leather
1970 600 midnight blue/parchment leather
1971 300sel 6.3,papyrus white/dark red leather
1975 450se, pine green metallic/green leather
1973 300sel 4.5,silver blue metallic/blue leather
1979 450sel 516 red/bamboo

daantjie

Quote from: UTn_boy on 25 May 2022, 08:02 PMThe tie rods on a 6.9 are not unique to the 6.9.  The original part number has changed 4-5 times over the last 40+ years.  The current recognized part number is the number you have already found...... 123-330-18-03, and is correct.  This particular tie rod fits many models, which is why you see so many other references. 

The tie rods are still readily available from Mercedes.  There is no need to buy an inferior part from Rock Auto.  Naturally, the ones from Mercedes are a little more expensive, but they'll out last us.  The ones from Rock Auto you'll be replacing within a year or two with normal to little usage.  So pick your poison, I guess, but I can't recommend installing an inferior part on such an important and critical part/area of a car. 

Indeed Aaron is spot on here as usual.  I got new ones from the Classic Centre for not too much money.  Rockauto really sells bargain basement stuff and I would avoid them if possible.
Daniel
1977 450 SEL 6.9 - Astralsilber

raueda1

This is great info.  I'll be getting an alignment shortly (uneven tire wear).  This would be the time to replace tie rods but my ignorance of the front end/steering/alignment/etc is total.  I don't have any obvious issues that I'm aware of - or maybe I do but I'm not aware?  Given vehicle age, unknown mileage etc should I just replace on principal?  Thaks and cheers,
-Dave
Now:  1976 6.9 Euro, 2015 GL550
Before that:  1966 230S, 1964 220SE coupe, 1977 Carrera 3.0

Neil4speed

Thanks everyone for the fantastic info. I am relived that the tie rod is not a 6.9 specific part. Will replace, that will be another hurdle jumped.

Jan S - Great resource

UTn_boy,daantjie - Noted on Rock Auto!