Bahnstormer

My regular Indie mechanic just quoted me $695 for a new front left Arnott air shock installed. Sound reasonable?

gafitanu

Yes, the shock alone is about $600 and some change. Check Arnott website.

rtbrjason

I checked their site a few times over the past couple months and they don't seem to have any front air springs available.

NCTRNL

That's a damn good price if that includes the part. The 4matic struts are very difficult to find for sure but they're out there.

Bahnstormer

$670 out the door - got a discount for paying cash. No more lowrider.

Sleeper Benz

I'm looking at a front right replacement air spring strut for my 2004 w211 E500 4-matic with code 489 Airmatic dual control/ semi active.

I didn't see a listing at Arnott for that particular AirSpring. I only see the non active control non 4-matic unit. I also see the Bilstein 44-181680 unit that is quite expensive at $886 each. Does Arnott have one for my application? If so does it work with the semi active rebound control of the internal strut?

Looks like my only other options are used (blah) or sending the existing one out to rebuilt by Rebuild Master Tech in FLA. If I have to send the strut out for rebuild I might as well send both front struts. These prices are the cheapest at $383 for one or $721 for both. they claim a two day turn-around not that it's important to me.

Any other options for the w211 4-Matic semi active system? What do you think?

NCTRNL

I replaced both fronts on mine and started off at RockAuto. I got both of them there, they showed up and the front left was damaged. I went through a lot of attempts with them to get another front left and it never worked out.

I eventually went to Pelican Parts and paid $130+ extra for a front left that I only got because I ordered a random part listed with the Mercedes part # instead of the Arnott part #.

Front Left - AS-2295
Front Right - AS-2294

Pelican Part Front Left # - 211-320-95-13-88-M770

RockAuto has a much easier core return system and it's a bit cheaper but I needed the part. I'm pretty sure those are the same part #'s as yours.

Sleeper Benz

Thanks, I saw another company that is out of stock of the rebuilt 4-Matic / semi active system front units. Maybe they are just running out of stock rebuildable cores, hence the company in FLA that rebuilds your core & sends it back.

The Arnott units you mentioned appears to show not work on my 2004 w211 E500 4-matic (code 489) Airmatic dual control/ semi active ?

Front Right - AS-2294.
2004 E500 : Fits W211 Chassis with AIRMATIC with 4MATIC excluding AMG. Wagon with ADS, with 4MATIC 4-Corner Leveling.

Pelican mentions their Arnott unit is "For cars with Semi-Active Air Suspension (Code 489)" but doesn't mention 4-Matic. I have noticed the 4-Matic units have two separate reservoir looking cans attached on the lower side of the unit as opposed to just a single reservoir as they show. Maybe someone could clarify that difference or I'll call Arnott to get the info.

NCTRNL

Yeah you'll find that everyone is out of them. Arnott will barely acknowledge that they even exist because there are so few cores for them to rebuild. As for RMT in Florida, I bought a reman pump from them and it failed and they've been kind of a nightmare to deal with. I think it's more of an issue of insane demand for such a small company than them not wanting to provide good service. I was also going to have them rebuild my struts but I'm glad I went the route I did.

Looks like RockAuto currently has the Front Right in stock:

https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/ar...294,strut,7584

PelicanParts had the other in stock and everything went smoothly with them.

Sleeper Benz

Does anyone happen to know if the rebuilt Arnott AS2294 maintains all factory functionality? (Adjustable dampening for sport settings, Etc?)

RMT claims a lifetime guarantee on their rebuilt struts, but that's as long as they're in business or you own the car. The part would have to be sent back for warranty review. That's typical.

I'll check with RMT about the adjust-ability of their rebuilt strut.

Update: RMT rebuilt struts do retain factory adjust-ability. The even test it for proper operation. Sport 1,2 & Comfort.

I see that Bilstein has a unit that fits also. I'll check with them as well about the issue.

FCPEuro

Bilstein is the OE supplier for the Struts. Their units retain all factory functionality (comfort, sport, sport2 etc)

--Kyle

Sleeper Benz

Thank you. Saves me a phone call. I purchase parts from your company for my '93 Volvo 240 Wagon.

NCTRNL

Um...I have Arnotts on my car and they definitely retain factory settings. I can definitely tell that the settings are different when I switch between Comfort, S1 and S2. Also, the only ones on these cars that you have to replace BOTH at the same time are the rears if you're switching to Arnott units.

arnottdoug

Arnott Remanufactured Struts including AS-2294 and AS-2295 retain ALL factory functionality.

Sleeper Benz

Why then when I called your company this morning and spoke to your friendly customer service representative was I informed otherwise?

She said the items in question definitely do not retain the ability to set the damping in the strut insert within the Air Spring assembly. She also went on to confirm they definitely have to be replaced as a pair for that reason. I was very specific about my inquiry.

Could you double check that please? If she was mistaken, I'll see if I can correct my previous post. I may just need to replace one and want to be sure I get a fully functioning part that interfaces correctly & seamlessly.

I recently bought two of your rear replacement springs and want to be a happy repeat customer

arnottdoug

She had to be referring to our Arnott designed new struts. These include a custom valved shock which will bypass the electronic damping functionality. These are an excellent value option for W211s that are older or have higher mileage. Some of which are going on 14 years old. They retain the comfort and luxury of air suspension, including auto leveling, but replace the older auto damping shock with a brand new shock custom valved to provide a great ride at a more affordable price.


With that said - we don't make them for the 4MATIC yet. The only fronts we have for the 4Matic are the remanufactured struts AS-2294 and AS-2295.

Sleeper Benz

Thank you very much for the clarification.

So sometime in the future you will offer a Airspring with custom strut insert at different price point. Very cool. I may be interested in that product at some point.

I feel like folks are basically giving away these one time $55K-$70K vehicles due to the high cost of replacement parts, but savvy future owners do have much lower cost parts options especially if they are willing to do the work themselves