It might come as a surprise to many, but there’s a distinct touch of Mercedes-Benz in some of the Freightliner semi trucks you see on American roads. This connection stems from Daimler-Benz’s acquisition of Freightliner in 1981, which eventually led to Freightliner becoming the largest heavy-duty truck producer in North America. While parts sharing within large automotive groups is common, the extent to which Mercedes-Benz components have been integrated into Freightliner trucks is quite remarkable, especially considering the different markets these vehicles typically serve. For years, subtle hints like Mercedes-esque lighting on Freightliners have piqued the curiosity of automotive enthusiasts, prompting a closer look into this cross-brand collaboration.
One of the most immediately recognizable examples of this parts sharing is the turn signals found on 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. Further investigation reveals that these aren’t just similar in appearance – they are, in fact, interchangeable. A turn signal indicator from a 1986-1993 Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), bearing the part number MB2520104, is a compatible component for certain Freightliner FLD120 semi trucks, as confirmed by parts listings on platforms like eBay. This direct part interchangeability highlights a deeper level of integration than just design inspiration.
Orange Freightliner Columbia semi-truck transporting logs, featuring headlights also used in Mercedes-Benz ML-Class vehicles.
Beyond turn signals, another surprising shared component is the headlights. Unbeknownst to many, the headlights from the first-generation Mercedes-Benz ML-Class (W163) SUV found their way onto the 2003-2006 Freightliner Columbia semi trucks. The Freightliner Columbia was a prevalent model, especially during the early 2000s, and realizing that it sported headlights originally designed for a luxury SUV adds an unexpected layer to its identity. The part number 3401103LAS confirms the interchangeability between these seemingly disparate vehicles – the early ML-Class SUVs and the Freightliner Columbia semi trucks.
While the ML-Class headlights may not possess the same distinctive flair as Mercedes-Benz’s corrugated turn signals, their presence on Freightliner trucks is a testament to the practicalities of parts sharing within the Daimler group. The next time you encounter a Freightliner semi on the road, take a moment to examine its lights. You might just spot some unexpected Mercedes-Benz DNA subtly integrated into these workhorse vehicles, a hidden connection between luxury automobiles and heavy-duty trucking.
