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I've uploaded a pic of the clip. I used a string to compress the flares (I'm making up this term, they are sticking out away from the body) and bring them closer to the body. IIRC I wrapped the string a couple of times around the flares and pulled gently. It doesn't take any force. You would also want to push the bag up to when you do this to make space above the the mounting ring on the car where these flares reside. Once you do that, the clip will come out. Then you can pry it carefully from the bag and reuse. I used plastic tools to pry, didn't want to risk breaking the clips
Pic of the clip. I think the actual clip may have less flares than the one pictured, but the pic is for reference.
P.S. Now that I think about it, the clip may have been like a guide for the bag. I don’t think anything holds it in place with force in the bag. If you remove the bag from the car, it should slide out and expose the bottom part of the clip. See if that works, but dont apply force. Just rotate the bag a bit to test this. That contradicts my memory why I removed the clip, though. 3 years is a long time in my brain's car maintenance section. As a backup, see if your local MB parts guys have these clips. They should be common on more than the 164s.
In my first write up I had this completely wrong, I think. I did not completely delete is just in case I'm wrong in my second write up. I should have just added the steps when I wrote about the replacement. As I said, 3 years is a long time in my brain's maintenance section.
OK. Here goes round two. The clip has flares. I'm making this term up. These are the parts sticking away from the body. To compress them, I used a string. IIRC I wrapped it a couple of times, then pulled on the ends to compress the flares toward the body. It will come out with no effort when you do that.
The part where I was confused was that the clip was actually clipped on the ring on the car, but I am rather certain it was actually on the bag. When you remove the bag, the clip will be on top of the bag. Move around the hardware which is hiding the clip's bottom where the flares are to gain some space and access to those flares. Once you compress the flares, use needle nose pliers or fingers to just slide the clip out. Don't use force. Some rotating may be required to help the clip out, but when the flares are fully compressed to the body it should come out easily.
As a safety net, check with your MB dealer's parts guys. I'm guessing they might have some on hand. I imagine these clips are pretty common across models with air suspension in the MB lineup.
Amazing! Thanks for this, I know it’s been a long time; I appreciate you searching the archives lol. I was thinking of stopping by my MB parts desk on Monday to see if they have on hand. I’m hoping they will, but want to be prepared in case.
You’d figure RockAuto would mention that this clip is not included…oh well.
Amazing! Thanks for this, I know it’s been a long time; I appreciate you searching the archives lol. I was thinking of stopping by my MB parts desk on Monday to see if they have on hand. I’m hoping they will, but want to be prepared in case.
You’d figure RockAuto would mention that this clip is not included…oh well.
Bilstein is the OE supplier so I am not surprised that they don't go "above and beyond" to add the 5 cent clips to their bags. I can't fault Rock Auto, maybe they're not even aware that the clip is not added. I didn't reach out to let them know when I found out, maybe I should have to save the next customers some frustration.
These are sacrificial, and all they do is locate the bag on installation. If you line it up correctly while inflating it, you don’t need these clips.
You make a good point. I didn't think I'd get it quite right (not my first time screwing up something and then having to double/triple the time and energy spent, plus new parts to add to the insult; not on the GL, though... yet). So I reused the clip. Easy 2 minutes, add 5 more minutes to find some string that was not too thick, once I knew what it looked like and how it held.
You make a good point. I didn't think I'd get it quite right (not my first time screwing up something and then having to double/triple the time and energy spent, plus new parts to add to the insult; not on the GL, though... yet). So I reused the clip. Easy 2 minutes, add 5 more minutes to find some string that was not too thick, once I knew what it looked like and how it held.
sure, sure, reuse the old one if you can, but I wouldn’t go to great lengths in obtaining new ones.
I've got Miessler Automotive front air shocks on my 07.
I have a Miessler Automotive rear shock as I had to replace a leaking shock.
I bought my care with about 215k kms. It has had a bit of a mixed bag of suspension components (I think it had one Arnott up front). I've had the Arnott on the front for about 20k kms. I've done a bit of off roading and haven't had a problem yet. The front does lift much quicker than it used to (maybe due to a bag leaking with the old suspension).
I also have ADS. The ADS seems to make a difference on the settings. It feels slightly different between comfort and sport, but not much.
I haven't had the please of driving with a new Bilstein setup, so can't really compare. I like to think they would be better, given they cost about 3x in Australia.
I have a couple of Miessler new bags in my garage (waiting for enough time to do a swap). I'll see whether there is a pressure rating on them.
I've got Miessler Automotive front air shocks on my 07.
I have a Miessler Automotive rear shock as I had to replace a leaking shock.
I bought my care with about 215k kms. It has had a bit of a mixed bag of suspension components (I think it had one Arnott up front). I've had the Arnott on the front for about 20k kms. I've done a bit of off roading and haven't had a problem yet. The front does lift much quicker than it used to (maybe due to a bag leaking with the old suspension).
I also have ADS. The ADS seems to make a difference on the settings. It feels slightly different between comfort and sport, but not much.
I haven't had the please of driving with a new Bilstein setup, so can't really compare. I like to think they would be better, given they cost about 3x in Australia.
I have a couple of Miessler new bags in my garage (waiting for enough time to do a swap). I'll see whether there is a pressure rating on them.
I considered the Miessler shocks and struts as replacement but they were pricier than Bilstein in Canada. Otherwise I thought they were a good option. In terms of ride, I think there would be little discernable difference between new Miessler, Bilstein or Arnott. Or OE MB setup. The Miesslers seem to be more popular with the 166 crowd and the price point for the 166 is lower.
Thanks Max Blast. I ended up getting the clips for $3 from my local MB dealer (12 minutes from me) so not too much effort. One last question @expl0rer , when doing the swap for the Bilsteins did you undo the connection point and put it on the air hose as described in the instructions, or did you just push the airline into the connection leaving it on the airbag as described in the Arnott installation instructions?
Thanks Max Blast. I ended up getting the clips for $3 from my local MB dealer (12 minutes from me) so not too much effort. One last question @expl0rer , when doing the swap for the Bilsteins did you undo the connection point and put it on the air hose as described in the instructions, or did you just push the airline into the connection leaving it on the airbag as described in the Arnott installation instructions?
I have done valve replacement (left the new valve on the bag and pushed the hose in, then pulled the hose slightly out) in an Arnott bag I have installed and also reused the valve that was already on the hose from the MB bag when installing the Bilstein bag. I did not replace the valve on the hose by removing/installing the sealing ring and new valve. I didn't see the point of doing that when I had a fine looking valve already on the airhose. When reusing the valve, you must be careful not to overtighten it when installing on the bew bag. Hand tighten first, then gently with a wrench. Use some soapy water to check for leaks at the valve either way when the bags are inflated.
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