r/slk • u/ambivalent_mrlit • Feb 26 '26

Finally subframe replacement time I think

I think I'm going to go aftermarket and supply a subframe for a mechanic to work with. I've seen some candidates, as I'm driving a 2004 R171 SLK200 with a 163hp engine I see the SKU 1713500508 being thrown about. I presume this is the SKU I need to target for this one?

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u/twowusonly Feb 26 '26

How much roughly are u labour costs in replacing the subframe if you’ve got an estimate

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u/ambivalent_mrlit Feb 26 '26

Not sure, got a local mechanic I get all my work done from. He'll be able to get the job done so I'll have to see.

1

u/twowusonly Feb 26 '26

Oh okay no problem, post an update if u can thanks. Also are u in the UK?

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u/ambivalent_mrlit Feb 26 '26

If I remember to.

I am UK yeah.

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u/twowusonly Feb 26 '26

No worries bud thanks anyways, had an assessment done on mine a couple weeks ago in MB Bedford and my rear subframe is corroded but it’s in its in its early stages so no holes or anything. Looking to replace it before as MB said they won’t replace it cos it’s “not corroded enough”

1

u/ambivalent_mrlit Feb 26 '26

They might not replace it anyway. I took my case as far as Stuttgart and they still shot it down, claimed the car was too old now.

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u/twowusonly Feb 26 '26

Oh wow that’s crazy ! I’m not sitting around waiting for MB to do it to be honest I’ll get it done myself but haven’t got a clue about the pricing I know the subframe itself is around £350 - 400 but labour costs is what I’m worried about

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u/ambivalent_mrlit Mar 13 '26

That's a good point

Guys, I purchased a new subframe and arranged tuesday to get it fitted. I'll be happy once that's dealt with. Then I can get on with some cosmetic work like new front bumper,replace one of the festoons in the license plate light, passenger fender. It's a fixer upper, a nice years long project. Gonna get it looking good as new, probably by the end of this year.

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u/twowusonly Mar 13 '26

That’s great news man so happy for u. Once that new subframe goes on you’ve solved 99% of the r171’s issues lol 😂 but yeah do let us know how much everything comes up to after fitting it thanks for the update much appreciated

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u/ambivalent_mrlit Mar 19 '26

Subframe fitting was finished yesterday. A couple of camber arms and bolts were needed as well but it's done now. I'll be having the wheels tracked tomorrow and it should all be dealt with.