Vehicle price comparison
Mercedes S Class vs Ford Explorer Control Arm prices
Saurabh Kumar
Co-Founder & CTO, Part Price Guide
Built the pricing pipeline that collects and normalizes used OEM part listings from salvage yards and online marketplaces across the US.
Ambika Sharma
Co-Founder & COO, Part Price Guide
12 years of project management and technical operations experience. Reviews price guides for sample size, fitment accuracy, and data freshness.
Price face-off
Median price comparison
Condition comparison
How does the price differ by part grade?
Market analysis
Why does the Mercedes S Class control arm cost more?
A used Mercedes S Class control arm carries a median asking price of $180, which is 44% higher than the Ford Explorer at $125. Supply also plays a role: Mercedes S Class has 6,710 priced listings versus 3,770 for Ford Explorer, and more listings generally mean more choices and more competitive pricing.
Grade A (excellent condition) parts make up 90% of Mercedes S Class listings compared to 59% for the Ford Explorer, so buyers looking for top-condition units will find more options on the Mercedes S Class side.
The Ford Explorer control arm is interchangeable across 16 model years versus just 12 for the Mercedes S Class — that wider compatibility window means more donor vehicles in salvage yards and tends to push prices lower.
At Grade A (excellent) condition, the Ford Explorer is 33% cheaper ($125 vs $186) — the gap widens compared to the overall median difference.
Buyer's checklist
What to check before buying a used control arm
- Inspect the arm for subtle bends, hairline cracks, or deep rust scale, comparing geometry carefully against your original unit.
- Examine the rubber bushings for dry rot, tearing, or separation from the metal casing, as worn bushings require pressing out before installation.
- Check integrated ball joints for boot tears and axial play; if non-replaceable, factor in the cost of a unit with a fresh ball joint.
- Verify material type (cast iron, stamped steel, or aluminum) and sway bar link mounting location, which can vary across sub-models and suspension packages.
Full price guide
Mercedes S Class Control Arm
$50 – $849 · 6,710 listings
Full price guide
Ford Explorer Control Arm
$35 – $322 · 3,770 listings
Common questions
Mercedes S Class vs Ford Explorer control arm FAQ
Is a used Mercedes S Class control arm cheaper than a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer has the lower median by $55 (44%). The Ford Explorer control arm ranges from $35 to $322 across 3,770 listings, while the Mercedes S Class ranges from $50 to $849 across 6,710 listings.
Can I use a Mercedes S Class control arm in a Ford Explorer?
This comparison describes pricing, not interchangeability. Even when two parts share similar prices, they may require different engines, trims, electronics, or mounting points. Always match the seller's part number against your VIN before purchasing.
How many listings does this comparison cover?
This comparison draws from 6,710 priced Mercedes S Class listings and 3,770 priced Ford Explorer listings — 10,480 in total.
How does condition grade affect the price?
Part condition significantly impacts price. Grade A (Excellent): Mercedes S Class $186 vs Ford Explorer $125. Grade B (Good): Mercedes S Class $303 vs Ford Explorer $162. Grade A parts are in excellent condition, B is good, and C is fair — always confirm grading criteria with the seller.
Are there different trim variants to choose from?
Yes. The Mercedes S Class control arm has 2 trim variants and the Ford Explorer has 19. Variants differ by engine size, drivetrain, or part number — matching the right variant is critical for proper fitment.
More comparisons