1966 230SL Sub-frame Mount

[Harry]

Hello.  I tried to piggy back onto a relevant post from 2005 regarding the substitution of the 108 sub-frame mount for the 113, but for some reason I didn't find a "Reply" option.  No matter.  It's 2017 and I took the 2005 information to my local Mercedes dealership (with whom I have a good rapport in the Parts Department).

Apparently, the 108 is now only available as a kit but even so is still priced significantly below the 113 kit.  Before buying the 108 kit, I wanted to touch base to be sure more recent experience has shown this substitution to still be viable, i.e. we have actual experience with the 108 bushing (not the plate) used on a 113 while using the original 113 plate.  Or if there is any more recent commentary on this?

It also sounds as though this is a major undertaking with the engine in the car.  Any further elaboration on that would also be appreciated.

Thanks!
Harry

[Tyler S]

Harry, I installed a 108 kit in my 113 about 8 months ago. Reusing the bump plates and 4 bolts for them (longer). No issues at all. If you are planning to do your motor mounts, now is the time as it makes it so much easier to do both with the availability to drop the sub-frame down further with the engine disconnected from it.

[Harry]

Thanks Tyler.  My engine is installed.  I've wondered whether I can lower the sub-frame enough with the engine installed.  I can certainly release the engine at the motor mounts and support it separately to get additional travel in the sub-frame.

Was your engine installed or had you removed it?

Thanks again,
Harrry

[Harry]

Oops - I misread your post.  I replaced my motor mounts about a year or two ago.  Still - was your engine installed when you did the sub-frame mounts?  (Do you have any pictures or advice?)

Harry

[Tyler S]

My engine was installed. You will need to release the leaf springs at the body in front. Make sure to mark the location of the nuts as these are also used for caster adjustment. Support the body of the car on each side with jack stands. Use a rolling floor jack and a block of wood under the subframe. You may still want to remove the motor mount bolts and lift/support the engine. There is barely enough room to get to the bolts on the subframe mount plate under the intake manifold on the pass side. Getting the old subframe mounts out of their cavities is also very tight. The hardest part is getting all the holes lined up when reinstalling the mounts. Have a few pointed awl's on hand.

[ja17]

I like to run a tap in the threads of the new mount to clean the paint off the treads. I also use some correct metric threaded studs for temporary alignment Until the first two bolts are started.

[Harry]

Thanks very much!