Mercedes-Benz SL Wheel Hub Replacement Parts

The Mercedes-Benz SL has spanned several distinct generations: the R107 (1971–1989), R129 (1989–2001), R230 (2001–2012), R231 (2012–2020), and R232 (2020–present). Generation is the single most important factor for wheel hub fitment, as the entire running gear and suspension architecture differs between each. Always quote your generation or registration to the breaker so they can match the correct hub.

These are from two completely different generations — the 2005 car is an R230 and the 2013 car is an R231 — and the wheel hubs are not interchangeable between them. The R230 ran from 2001 to 2012 and the R231 from 2012 to 2020, so there is a clear boundary here, and parts from one will not suit the other. Always confirm with the breaker against your exact registration before purchasing.

Yes, engine size can affect hub fitment on the SL because larger-engined variants such as the SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, and SL65 AMG were often fitted with uprated brakes and associated running gear compared to the six-cylinder models like the SL350. The wheel hub must match the brake specification fitted to your car, so tell the breaker your exact engine variant as well as the generation. Running gear on a performance AMG model should not be assumed to match a standard-engined SL of the same year.

Trim level names like SL350 and SL500 reflect engine size on the Mercedes SL, and because larger engines can carry bigger brake assemblies, the hub specification can differ between these variants even within the same generation such as the R230 or R231. This is not simply a cosmetic difference — the bearing carrier and mating surfaces are designed around the brake setup for that specific engine. Confirm your engine variant with the breaker against your registration to make sure the hub matches your exact specification.

For a front wheel hub this is unlikely to matter as the hubs are typically symmetrical, but for some rear setups there can be differences, so it is always worth specifying nearside (NS, passenger side) or offside (OS, driver side) when contacting a breaker. Being specific about side costs nothing and avoids a wasted return, so mention it alongside your generation and engine variant.

The R230 SL received a facelift in 2006, and while both sit within the same generation, there is a possibility that brake or suspension components were revised at that point. The generation boundary is clear — R230 ran from 2001 to 2012 with the 2006 facelift — but whether a hub from a 2004 car crosses over to a 2008 car without issue is something you should confirm with the breaker against your specific registration rather than assume.