Compare prices on a used Mercedes-Benz V-Class steering box from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
Find the right part faster and get quotes direct from UK breakers - free, and no obligation.
Fitment on a used steering box varies by vehicle, so a bit of detail goes a long way. Our request form covers what breakers need to know, so every quote you get back is for the correct part:
No — the V-Class uses a rack-and-pinion steering system, not a steering box. A steering box is a recirculating-ball or worm-and-roller unit typically found on older vehicles or heavy commercial trucks; the V-Class has never been fitted with one across any of its generations. If you need a steering component, you are most likely looking for a steering rack (also called a steering rack and pinion assembly) — search for that instead and quote your registration to the breaker.
No, these are entirely different generations and the steering racks are not interchangeable. The W638 V-Class ran from 1996 to 2003, while the W447 is the current generation launched in 2014, with a facelift around 2019 — the platforms, geometry, and hydraulic or electric power-assist systems are completely different between them. Always confirm the exact part against your registration with the breaker.
Both sit within the W447 generation, but the 2019 facelift brought updates including changes to driver assistance and steering system components, so fitment across the facelift boundary is not guaranteed. You should confirm with the breaker whether the pre-facelift and post-facelift steering racks share the same part number for your specific vehicle. Always quote your full registration to the breaker to be certain.
Trim level does not affect steering rack fitment on the V-Class — Sport Line, AMG Line, and Marco Polo are primarily cosmetic and interior packages rather than changes to the running gear or steering system. What matters is the generation (W447 vs earlier W638), the engine variant, and whether your vehicle is standard or long-wheelbase, as these can affect steering geometry. Confirm the exact specification against your registration with the breaker before purchasing.
Engine size can influence the power steering system fitted — for example, whether the rack uses hydraulic or electric power assistance — so it is worth checking whether the donor vehicle matches your engine variant. The W447 V-Class is available with a range of diesel engines including the 220d and 300d, and differences in weight or power can sometimes mean different calibrations or components. Quote your registration and engine code to the breaker so they can match the correct unit.
The part you need is almost certainly a steering rack — this is the correct term for the steering gear assembly fitted to the V-Class across all generations. If the fault is in the power assistance, you may also need to look at the power steering pump or, on later W447 models, the electric power steering motor or control module. Describe your symptoms to the breaker and quote your registration so they can point you to the right component.