The invention relates to a connecting element for the mechanical connection of at least two components, in particular two components of a motor vehicle door, with a bearing collar for bearing against a first component, with a crossbar that has bearing flanks for bearing against a second component and for clamping the latter against the first component in a rotated final assembly position, and with a shaft section, which bears the crossbar, for rotatably passing through corresponding openings in the components. In this case, a means is provided for fastening to the first component in a defined preassembly position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding connecting arrangement comprising at least two components each having an aperture, and a connecting element of this type, with the connecting element being held on the first component in a preassembly position.