w4sim

Im having to replace my front 2 struts on my 2004 S55 as the rubbers on the strut tops have perished quite badly.

Now i know these are ABC struts which are specific to the AMG line up, both the W220 S-class and the W215 CL-class.

Over here in the UK its pretty much a dealer only part. Been chasing Arnott Europe up for the last 3 weeks and their main UK agents are next to useless.

But what is relatively easy to get a hold of here is the ABC struts from either a CL600 or an S600.

My question is, will the front struts from a 2003-2005 S600/CL600 fit and work? Or whats the difference?

Iv been told by my Indy that the car "wont feel quite right" with non-AMG struts. Im not too sure what thats supposed to mean but i would have guessed an S600 has the same shape, weight and power so there cant be much, if any, difference in the struts?

Anybody have any experience?

My part numbers by the way are A2203201538 and A2203201638.

Thanks

arnottdoug

It appears the hose may be different between the AMG and Non-AMG struts which would be the biggest issue with the W220 ABC struts. If the hose were the same they might work but there is a lot of technology packed into these which may include specialized turning for the the sport suspension. We should have both in stock in the EU (or we could send them from the US). Please ring up Arnott Europe (ArnottEurope.com) directly at: +44 (0)203 3186124. Their customer and technical support is excellent and they may have some additional information for you.

w4sim

I wish their Customer Support was excellent Doug, then i wouldnt be here asking this question as id have purchased the right ones from Arnott Europe to start with. But they just keep sending me to their 2 main UK agents (Euro Car Parts and GSF) and both of them dont know anything about Arnott

Just going round in circles for the last 3 weeks, hence why im looking for an alternative rather than having to deal with these lot. Im actually on the verge of deleting the ABC from my car altogether with the amount of hassle Arnott Europe has created for me.

w4sim

Although Arnott Europe have confirmed they have the AMG struts in stock for my S55 they just dont want me to be able to get them.

However, i would be willing to pay if you could send them over (directly to me) from the US?

ItalianJoe1

I doubt you would notice any functional difference, but if the lines are different you are stuck using the AMG specific ones.

All the tuning is done via the ABC controller and the valve blocks, but the actual strut and spring rates may be more aggressive on the AMG units, if I had to throw a guess at it.

OCKlasse

My guess is the built-in shocks are valved slightly different, but I doubt there is little difference beyond that.