The automotive world is full of interesting collaborations and shared histories, but one of the most intriguing examples for truck enthusiasts and Mercedes-Benz aficionados is the connection between Freightliner semi trucks and Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles. Many might not realize that Freightliner, a dominant force in the North American heavy-duty truck market, has been under the Daimler umbrella (now Mercedes-Benz Group) since 1981. This ownership has led to some surprising instances of parts sharing between these seemingly disparate vehicle types, most notably in older Freightliner models. For those in Benz Semi Truck repair or simply fascinated by automotive details, this parts crossover is a fascinating area to explore.
One of the most immediately recognizable examples of this parts sharing can be seen in the turn signals of older Freightliner FLD120 semi trucks. These iconic corrugated turn indicators bear a striking resemblance to those found on numerous Mercedes-Benz models from the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, research reveals that these aren’t just similar in appearance – they are often interchangeable! The turn indicators used on the 1986-1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), with part number MB2520104, are indeed compatible with certain Freightliner FLD120 semi trucks, a fact often noted in parts listings and online forums. This direct part compatibility highlights the depth of integration within Daimler’s manufacturing processes.
Freightliner Columbia semi truck, showcasing shared parts with Mercedes-Benz, hauls logs
Beyond turn signals, the parts sharing extends to other crucial components like headlights. Surprisingly, the headlights from the first generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W163) SUV found their way onto the 2003-2006 Freightliner Columbia semi trucks. For anyone familiar with the roads during that era, the Freightliner Columbia was a common sight, and now knowing this connection, it adds a new layer of interest to these workhorses. The headlight assembly, part number 3401103LAS, serves as another concrete example of the component commonality between the early ML-Class SUVs and the Freightliner Columbia benz semi truck.
While the ML-Class headlights may not possess the same distinctive flair as the corrugated turn signals, their presence on Freightliner trucks is a testament to Daimler’s strategic parts management. The next time you encounter a Freightliner semi truck, especially an older model, take a closer look at its lights. You might just spot some Mercedes-Benz DNA hiding in plain sight, a subtle nod to the integrated engineering within the Daimler family and a point of interest for anyone involved in benz semi truck maintenance or repair.
