rosenhauer

Just bought a used 2012 GL350 in December and the ride seems rather harsh. Brought it to the dealership for a multi-point inspection and they say both rear shocks are leaking and need to be replaced along with other things like filters/wipers... Does leaking make for a stiffer ride or a softer ride? I've read through all of the threads I could on leaking shocks but most are actually on the airbags. But several mention the stiff/rough ride as being shocks then most go on to say it could be tires (run flats). Just wanted to confirm as several threads said that some leaking in "normal". Not sure about that.

Below are the pictures that the dealer took.








Anyone gone with the Arnot shocks (~$300 a pair 30 day warranty), Bilsteins (~$550 a pair/Lifetime Warr) as opposed to the MB ones (~$550 a pair/2 year warr)?

Any ride differences issues with any of them? I'm leaning towards the Bilsteins for the warranty.

I'll be installing them myself so it's just up to where I order them from.

gl450x164

arnotts have lifetime warranty doubtful on the bilstiens and mb have 1 year i believe. you can buy any brand you like from fcpeuro and have lifetime warranty

rosenhauer

Thanks for the info on Arnott shocks. I checked the manufacturers website and they do offer Limited Lifetime Warranty as does Bilstein confirmed on their site also. The site selling them had the Arnott's listed as 30 day with optional warranties available, so maybe they aren't an authorized dealer.

fcpeuro doesn't list rear shocks at all except for the Genuine Mercedes.

So if warranty is the same, the pressing question has anyone compared the ride between the different brands? Is there any reason to not go with Arnott as they are the best priced?

gl450x164

just as an fyi i have arnott airbags on all four corners and replaced the shocks with bilsteins

a2j

I have Bilstein rears. Already used warranty once. Leaking makes it a dangerous ride.

DennisG01

I've never known any shocks where leaking is considered "normal". Unless someone is saying it is normal for an MB shock to leak... but that sounds strange, you know?

Anytime I've had a failing shock, it typically results in a "bouncier" ride, but I would definitely not classify it as "harsh" or "stiff".

rosenhauer

Went ahead and ordered the Arnotts today. Couldn't justify the extra price for Bilsteins. Got the pair for $295 and free shipping.

a2j

I got a pair of Bilsteins for $450. I had to use warranty for both, Arnott and Bilstens. Arnott is sure taking their time to refund my deposit.

a2j

How did you get them for under $300? Arnott has them listed for $189 each.

gl450x164

lol you can get the pair for like 270 from buyautoparts.com bilsteins would be 415 for the pair shipped

rosenhauer

Found them here:
http://www.buyautoparts.com/buynow/2...-85154_2K.html

a2j

Just make sure that warranty will be honored.

FCPEuro

I made an adjustment to correct our application guide. I am selling the Bilstein's for $177 each with our lifetime warranty at this link.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...l350-24-158657

Sorry for the confusion gents

--Kyle

rosenhauer

I spoke with BuyAutoParts and they confirmed that they have lifetime warranty by the manufacturer and it's handled through them. So I won't have to deal with Arnott directly and to do claims through them.

BlownV8

You want to deal directly with Arnott. They cover shipping to you for your new one and return shipping on the old one.

rosenhauer

With any luck I won't have to use it or at least not for a long time but they stated that they cover shipping also just like Arnott directly does.

But thanks for the advise/warnings.

fkong777

for what its worth... any new shock would be a day and night different in term of ride quality.

Blown shock was absolutely horrible.

TX07GL450

Great,
I had bought my two front air struts from Buyautoparts and was worried about replacement past first year. I never called as I had already installed them. This gives me some relief

91stealthes

When will you be offering the shock at $177 again?

DennisG01

Not sure if you noticed, but this thread is 2-1/2 years old.

FCPEuro

MAP pricing prevents me from doing so, however it doesn't prevent me from refunding you after the fact

--Kyle