Arnott Airmatic update

Subscribe
Jan 18, 2022 | 03:22 PM
  #1  
I replaced all four airmatic struts/airbags with Arnott brand not quite nine years and about 250,000 miles ago - it is in these forums way back there somewhere. A week ago I noticed the right front had gone down overnight. Closer observation showed that the left front was leaking (slowly) as well.

I had saved all the documentation in case I ever needed their lifetime warranty. It turns out they consider eight years or so to be lifetime. I bought another pair, of course.

The old car now has 370,000 miles on it and is worthless to anyone but me. Even so I am in the process of getting a lot of work done, fluid changes and stuff that has simply worn out. All in all I will be lucky to get out of the shop for less than $2500 this time. But what else is there to do? It drives, handles, and runs just as it always has. We averaged 26 mpg on our last 1500 mile trip. The interior still looks good, the body is rust free. And a new one like it would be - oh wait, they do not have a new one like it.
Reply 0
Jan 18, 2022 | 08:03 PM
  #2  
Whoa. Even at 9 yrs and 250k that greatly exceeds the factory component lifespan.

impressive that you have 370k on it - you might be the high x164 miler?

i have 215k and am going for the 310k miles radiator badge from mbusa, but you’re already there.

Original 7G tranny? Curious.
Reply 0
Jan 18, 2022 | 09:21 PM
  #3  
Quote: Whoa. Even at 9 yrs and 250k that greatly exceeds the factory component lifespan.

impressive that you have 370k on it - you might be the high x164 miler?

i have 215k and am going for the 310k miles radiator badge from mbusa, but you’re already there.

Original 7G tranny? Curious.
The factory Bilsteins went at 110,000 miles, and the rear air bags were leaking at that time as well. So far the replacement rear bags are fine and the front struts went more than twice the miles of the originals.

Still on the original transmission - that is one of the fluid and filter changes I am doing now, along with differentials and transfer case.

I suspect the life of my transmission is due to very limited city driving. My commute is nearly 30 miles and three stop lights. It is common for us to drive hundreds of miles without a stop - and without a gear change. Likewise, I am not terribly far into my second set of brakes. I also find it interesting that I am finally replacing the last original wheel bearing.

It has all been expensive, of course. But if you assume a "normal" owner would trade before 100,000 miles I would be about due to buy my fifth by now - a far, far greater expense.
Reply 0
Jan 21, 2022 | 11:29 AM
  #4  
Respect to you. If I had to ditch my GL, I would buy something older, not newer. Vehicles have simply become insufferable now, essentially disposable. 2007 is bad enough, thank you very much.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE