Need to replace front Airmatic struts but parts unavailable? Help!
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 326
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2011 E550
Need to replace front Airmatic struts but parts unavailable? Help!
As the title states, I believe I need to replace one or both of my front struts on my 2011 E550. The airmatic is now sagging overnight and almost every day the last week I've had to wait for it to lift the front end before I can drive.
I have a few questions as I've had a difficult time researching this on my own so far:
1. Are there any DIY guides for the front? I've found DIY guides for the rear but cannot seem to locate any for the front end. The parts appear different when I look them online so I'm hesitant to try and use a guide for the rear on the front.
2. Where should I get the parts? I see a lot of recommendation on this forum for Arnott but they're telling me the parts are unavailable and they do not know if they will become available again. Are there other places to buy them?
3. How bad is it to leave it as is for now? The car drives fine but if I leave it parked for 12+ hours it will be very low when I go to start up.
Thanks in advance for any help!
I have a few questions as I've had a difficult time researching this on my own so far:
1. Are there any DIY guides for the front? I've found DIY guides for the rear but cannot seem to locate any for the front end. The parts appear different when I look them online so I'm hesitant to try and use a guide for the rear on the front.
2. Where should I get the parts? I see a lot of recommendation on this forum for Arnott but they're telling me the parts are unavailable and they do not know if they will become available again. Are there other places to buy them?
3. How bad is it to leave it as is for now? The car drives fine but if I leave it parked for 12+ hours it will be very low when I go to start up.
Thanks in advance for any help!
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Joined: Oct 2005
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I know that Arnott was working to supply front struts for the W212, but it sounds like they may have had issues getting used struts to rebuild. Not sure if that's good news or bad in terms of reliability. I would suggest you get the system diagnosed by the dealer or Indy shop with the MB diagnostic equipment. It may be one strut failing, or a leak, or leveling control, etc. You need to find the source of the problem and not just throw new struts on there. If you do find a bad strut, your only choice may be to buy new from MB. I have seen DIY instructions of the front strut replacements for the W211. The W212 should be pretty similar. Look in the W211 section. Not sure about a video walk-through however.
It is difficult to tell how long your overnight drop issue will last until it fails completely. I would not wait to get it diagnosed.
It is difficult to tell how long your overnight drop issue will last until it fails completely. I would not wait to get it diagnosed.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 443
Likes: 69
From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
If you have 4Matic this website might not have your parts, but if not you should be good.
https://mercedespartscenter.com/
I bought a few things from them. Their shipping isn't that fast, but got everything in great condition.
https://mercedespartscenter.com/
I bought a few things from them. Their shipping isn't that fast, but got everything in great condition.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 225
Likes: 67
From: West Linn, Oregon
2011 E550 - 4Matic, 2008 ML550
While I was searching on another post - I noticed that all I could find were re-man front strut with a core charge (around $780 bucks + core).
Not sure about what MB does for remans, but I know most of the others - do not touch the inner rebound shock portion - they just replace the rubber components and such.
I would feel that its only 1/2 the job if they don't replace those wear parts too?
No clue how you would find out from MB though...
Good luck - Let us know what you find - I think as our cars get older with more miles - we will all need front suspension parts one day...
Cheers
JPC
Not sure about what MB does for remans, but I know most of the others - do not touch the inner rebound shock portion - they just replace the rubber components and such.
I would feel that its only 1/2 the job if they don't replace those wear parts too?
No clue how you would find out from MB though...
Good luck - Let us know what you find - I think as our cars get older with more miles - we will all need front suspension parts one day...
Cheers
JPC
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
