ImadM

Greetings every one. I'm new to the forum and would like some expert opinion/info on the subject of Airmatic shock absorbers specifically in regards to my 2004 E500 RWD w/Airmaitc code 489. Some sites list 2 different shocks models, mainly Bilstein and Arnott and here comes the confusion . Now I tried searching the forum and even the manufacturers tech support and and was never been able to get the correct answer, so here it goes:
Bilstein has 2 shocks listed, 19-0500027 Which cross references to MB OE 211-326-01-100, and 20-101893 that references OE 211-326-02-800 , both fit w211.70 base with airmatic code 489. Arnott has 2 different models, one is new and one is rebuilt, SK-3012 and SK-3197, both reverence the two MB OE numbers above. My question is as follows :
1- Are there different Airmatic Systems for the same year model with code 489?
2- What is the difference between the two shocks other than one is monotube and the other is dual tube.

I accidenttly bought the 19-0500027 because when I searched for my car model and year one site listed it as OEM fit but later when looking for install instruction on this forum somebody pointed to the two different part numbers but so far I cannot find the technical reason other than the chassis number to justify the big price difference between the two shocks.
P.S : Mercedes Part Center list them both for the 2004 W211.70 but one is Graz built. Anybody knows what that means?

https://www.mbpartscenter.com/search...h_str=211-326-

TIA

rtbrjason

I’m debating doing the rear shocks on my 07 e550. Not sure if they were ever done, and have 160k miles on the car. I did the rear air springs last summer and the shocks looked pretty bad, but it drives beautifully.

Do you have ads? If so, I believe the Arnott shocks don’t support this feature, but rather use a resistor or some other electronic means of fooling the car into thinking this feature is still present.

The other difference might be whether or not you have 4matic vs rwd. I’m not sure if there are different shocks for that. The only other thing that comes to mind would be rear load leveling vs full air suspension. Not sure if that is a factor or not.

I believe for my car at least, the Bilstein 20-101983 are correct for full air suspension with 4matic and ads. They’re about $272 a piece on rockauto.

Bilstein has a website where you can input your vehicle, and see the correct parts. The only Arnott parts I used (or would consider) are the rear air springs, and maybe the compressor if need be. I did use the Arnott rear air springs when I replaced mine. I believe Bilstein is the oem supplier for all the shocks/struts/springs.

ImadM

Thanks for the reply. Yes, Load leveling is not the same as Airmatic and that requires totally different part from the ones I mentioned. Both parts list the 2004 w211.70, rear drive with code 489 for airmatic as supported model and only differ in application by the manufacturing date and chassis serial number, hence the confusion. Are there different chassis for the W211.70 ? it doesn't make sense.
I already bought the 19- shock for $176 bucks and it is pain to return it and my question is what happens if I use it on my car? If it is a performance issue ( mono vs dual tube) I don't care since this is my second car and I only use it for commuting. Am I gonna have error codes? So far nobody is able to give me good answer. I called several vendors and the persons answering the phone all they can do is punch numbers and give me a non-technical answer. I even called Bilstein tech support and they were no help.

rtbrjason

When I look up your year/model on the Bilstein site, the only rear shock that comes up is the 20-101893. Same as mine. So that is the route I would go.

I can’t speak to the results of using the shocks you already purchased, but I wouldn’t use them.

konigstiger

2113262800 correct replacement is Arnott SK3012 or, as confirmed above Bilstein 20-101893: https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/

ImadM

This is from Mercedes. Click on Fitment:

https://www.mbpartscenter.com/oem-pa...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

Shock Absorber - Mercedes-Benz (211-326-01-00)

2004 Mercedes-Benz E 320 4Matic®, Base 3.2L V6 -Gas
2004 Mercedes-Benz E 500 4Matic®, Base 5.0L V8 - Gas
2004 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG® Base 5.5L V8 - Gas

ImadM

Arnott SK3012 references several OE parts inculding the -2800, -0100. If it uses a resistor to fool the system and no ADS support then what is the point? It is late now but tomorrow I will call Arnott and get more info.
P.S: the specs on the -2800 says "Adjustable" while the -0100 not. What does that mean?

F1Fan

Buy the Bilstein oem ones. While I am sure Arnott makes a good shock, why buy it to save a few dollars when you lose functionality? A few years ago I replaced the rear shocks with Bilstein and the rear air spring with Arnott. The ride was restored to like new condition.