Mission accomplished - changed motor mounts

Since 3 months ago I have had a feeling that my 300SDL engine mounts must be dead because a striking sound could be heard when driving on the road in low rpm. One time I tried to loose the mounts so to see how bad they were, and found one of allen bolts was stripped, I knew it might be hard to take it out.

This weekend is a long one, so I thought it might be a good time to do it - in case I need parts, if general parts stores don't carry them, at least I can go get them from dealer on Monday. On Friday, I called around trying to find the OE mounts made by Lemforder, but no avail except dealer quoted me $138 for two, and it's a special order, taking 2 days to get here. I was thinking oh well I can't do it this weekend anyway...

Yesterday morning I searched online and found a German parts importer in Delaware who carries the brand. I called them to see if I can buy from them, luckily they were open on Saturday but the rep told me they are whole sellers and only sell parts to stores or shops not individual. But he said I could order through Carquest.

Carquest is the last store I'll ever go to among all national parts stores whenever I need parts, but this time looks like I had no other options. I called them and they said yes they could order it for me, $48 for two and they could get them in store at 2 pm. I ordered right away and went to pick them up later on the day.

On my way back I went to Sears to buy a bolt extractor (note: Sears carries Craftsman, one of the best quality tools in US. I always buy tools with this brand, even though it's more expensive than Autozone or alike's, but I can be sure that I won't get my hands hurt when work on cars).

This morning, starting at 9, it was a smooth process - jacked up car, loosed large bolts, jacked up engine, took retaining bolts out (thanks for the extractor, no effort), and lada lada... all done before 12:00.

I just had a road spin, it was a smooth ride; it backed to where it should be. Mission accomplished!!

Phew...


(Engine mounts require special rubber to make. According to many other members at benzworld.org where I am a member too, all after market mounts won't last long. The only reason not to use OE is if you really enjoy changing motor mounts...)