It might come as a surprise to many, but there’s a fascinating link between the luxury vehicles of Mercedes-Benz and the robust semi trucks of Freightliner. Daimler-Benz, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, acquired Freightliner back in 1981. Under Daimler’s guidance, Freightliner rose to become the largest heavy-duty truck producer in North America by 1992. This corporate connection led to an interesting phenomenon: parts sharing between Mercedes-Benz automobiles and Freightliner trucks. While parts sharing within company groups is common, the extent to which Mercedes-Benz components found their way into Freightliner semi trucks is quite notable, especially when you consider the distinct markets these vehicles serve. For years, subtle hints of Mercedes-Benz design, particularly in the lighting, have been visible on Freightliner trucks, prompting a closer look into this transatlantic automotive collaboration.
One of the most immediately recognizable instances of this parts sharing is evident in the turn signals of older Freightliner FLD120 semi trucks. These iconic, corrugated turn indicators bear a striking resemblance to those used on numerous Mercedes-Benz models throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In fact, research reveals that these aren’t just similar in appearance – they are interchangeable parts. The turn indicators from the 1986-1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124) are a direct fit for some Freightliner FLD120 semi trucks. The Mercedes-Benz part number MB2520104 is reportedly compatible with these Freightliner models, a testament to the deep integration of parts across these seemingly disparate vehicle lines.
Freightliner Columbia semi truck in orange, hauling logs, showcases headlight design shared with Mercedes-Benz ML-Class.
Beyond turn signals, another shared component, perhaps less immediately obvious, is the headlights. The first-generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W163) SUV, introduced in the late 1990s, also lent its headlights to Freightliner trucks. Specifically, the headlights from the early W163 ML-Class can be found on the 2003-2006 Freightliner Columbia semi trucks. For those familiar with North American roads, the Freightliner Columbia is a common sight, and knowing this Mercedes-Benz connection adds an intriguing layer to their design. The part number 3401103LAS confirms the interchangeability of these headlights between the luxury SUV and the heavy-duty semi truck.
While these headlights may not possess the same distinctive design as Mercedes-Benz’s corrugated turn signals, the fact remains that critical lighting components were shared. This parts sharing highlights the behind-the-scenes synergies within Daimler during that era. Next time you encounter a Freightliner semi truck on the road, take a closer look at its lighting. You might just spot some unexpected Mercedes-Benz DNA shining through, a subtle reminder of this unique automotive partnership.
