Abstract: A connecting element for mechanically connecting at least two components of a motor vehicle has a bearing collar for bearing against a first component and a transverse latch which contains a clamping wedge for clamping the second component against the first component in a twisted final mounted position. The connecting element further having a shaft section which bears the transverse latch and is intended to be twistably guided through corresponding openings in the first component and in the second component. According the clamping wedge has a planar slide configured to be in linear bearing contact with the edge of the opening in the second component at least over part of the twisting movement into the final mounted position.