Davo81

Hi all,

I've picked myself up a cheap E500 (yes, I know I was asking for trouble!) and sure enough after a few trouble-free months, it blown a front left air spring! So, it (or both) need to be replaced.

First off, how can I tell if the ones currently in there are original/genuine? the lower concertina boot has almost disintegrated, which leads me to think they're chinese copies!

Being in Australia, I have the following options so far:
Genuine Bilsteins for $1300/side.
Arnotts for $1270/side
Chinese ebay ones by "maxpeedingrods" for $400/side
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-Mercedes-CLS-Class-W219-E-Class-W211-Front-Right-Suspension-Air-Strut-Shock/401311351653?fits=Make%3AMercedes-Benz&epid=12020611734&hash=item5d70054365:g:gdsAAO Sw5UZY-IQt:rk:45:pf:0
or
RMT "re-manufactured" ones around $575/side (including shipping from the US)
http://www.rebuildmastertech.com/mercedes-benz-e-class-w211-2003-2009-base-rwd-airmatic-front-left-right-oem-rebuild-suspension-air-spring-bag-struts-pair-2113205513-2113205413/

Obviously, Billies would be best, but considering the whole car only cost me $2000, I'm reluctant to spend $2600!
Is the RMT brand known to you guys? are they reputable?

Are there any other options I haven't though of?

thanks in advance,
Dave.

F1Fan

Why not order the Arnotts from RockAuto.com? I priced it out and you can get front air springs replaced for under $1k usd, that is including shipping. Is there some import tax when it comes to Australia?

TSENIOR

When i replaced mine with coilovers. One was oem and the other was a newish arnott. If you want to keep airmatic, arnott is your cheap alternative. But remeber airmatic has several intrevials that will leave your car bottomed out like mine did. I did the coilovers for piece of mind. I NEVER have to worry about coming out and my car not rasing up. Body roll is completely gone and handles like a true luxury sports car should. And you said you bought e500 and made that sound like a bad thing... Other than air suspension the whole w211 m113 drivetrain is great and virtually no major issues besides recalls suspenion exhaust after awhile likes to fall apart. On my 2nd year 40k miles later and still smile everytime im in it and stomp the gas passing someone. It never gets old. Just makes you want more. Good luck. I will help in anyway i can. Make sure you diy to save thousands.

Bahnstormer

+1 on keeping the airmatic system and going with Arnott replacements.

Davo81

Davo81

Yar5abi

hey brother i need your help on the conversion kit for 2003 Mercedes E 500. I already replaced it with the sun core but how can I disable air Matic suspension I did not put any module. Do I have to get a module please help me out.