Anyone try the New Chinese Airstruts
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 577
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Anyone try the New Chinese Airstruts
Saw on FleaBay US that you can get new E500 4-Matic front air-struts for less than the price of the "Florida" rebuilt units. I popped another front left unit on the way to the shore. Pop Phissssst weeeee......just in case you ever hear that sound and the vehicle too low red screen of death shows shortly thereafter.
I have a used core OEM 4Matic airstrut to send for rebuilding but was wondering if anybody has tried the new ones on Ebay? I assume they are Chinese because they ship out of LA County.? New they are $329 free shipping (no core needed) I would almost suspect that these are Chinese rebuilds being called "new" I have not had very good luck with any Chinese rubber automotive products in the recent past.
To have one rebuilt is $375 + shipping to and from Florida, so probably another $40 on top of that. I understand they can rebuild the rubber bladders but are they still using the old worn out strut within? Hmm, phone call warranted.
Thanks.
I have a used core OEM 4Matic airstrut to send for rebuilding but was wondering if anybody has tried the new ones on Ebay? I assume they are Chinese because they ship out of LA County.? New they are $329 free shipping (no core needed) I would almost suspect that these are Chinese rebuilds being called "new" I have not had very good luck with any Chinese rubber automotive products in the recent past.
To have one rebuilt is $375 + shipping to and from Florida, so probably another $40 on top of that. I understand they can rebuild the rubber bladders but are they still using the old worn out strut within? Hmm, phone call warranted.
Thanks.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
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C63 AMG COUPE
Bought a couple
I bought a pair of fronts from Suncore — I am assuming they are rebuilds or a knock-off. They were much cheaper than new OEM product. I will swap out the two fronts this weekend and would be happy to report back on initial impressions.
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Joined: Sep 2019
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Mercedes-Benz S430, S500, S600, and E320 CDI
I know of one other guy who did so. They were fine for the first few months, and then they started failing. He ended up going with Arnotts. I would do either that, or new Bilsteins and be done with it. Remember that good struts will last about 15 years or so.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2011
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C63 AMG COUPE
So far so good...
I finished installing my suncore fronts today. It was a direct replacement. They do a good job of packaging up their stuff along with the accessories. The issue I kept coming across were seized ball joints at the upper control arm that added a bunch of extra time to release. Other than that, the fit was spot on and the strut is quite beefy. I don’t have the longevity on the suncore strut to give any feedback on long term durability, but as it stands today, I would have no issues recommending them.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 577
Likes: 195
From: PA
W223 S500 LWB 4-Matic, W222 S450 LWB 4-Matic, A238 E400 Cabriolet 4-Matic
Looks like there are a few options thankfully. These front units have two auxiliary reservoirs on the bottom of them. More dollar$$$. Looks like Arnott sells the rebuilt units for the E500-4Matics with dynamic adjustable ride control #AS-2294. Little more salty at $540 plus $200 core.
I have gotten these off without having to remove the brake disc. Just have to be very careful not to stretch the half shaft too much.
Thanks for the replies.
I have gotten these off without having to remove the brake disc. Just have to be very careful not to stretch the half shaft too much.
Thanks for the replies.
Last edited by Sleeper Benz; Sep 7, 2019 at 11:30 AM.
