GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Arnott vs Bilstein strut/warrenty

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Old Jun 1, 2024 | 06:56 PM
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GLS450
Arnott vs Bilstein strut/warrenty

Arnott seemed to be the best game in town while their struts had a limited life time warranty which was until July of 2023, if I remember correctly. Now they have a two year warranty.
I was seriously considering buying Bilstein struts, even though they cost about $100 more than Arnotts, because they still have a limited life time warranty until I read the fine print which states that normal wear and tear is not covered.
So what’s the point? I’m sticking with Arnotts!
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Old Jun 1, 2024 | 07:15 PM
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Yes, your hackles should always go up when you read the limited part of lifetime warranty. When it says that, I pretty much disregard any decisions based on a warranty.
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Old Jun 2, 2024 | 04:33 PM
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I would still go with Bilstein. The company has been making shock absorbers for ages. Their rear springs, when last checked a few years ago, were rated to significantly higher pressure than the Arnott springs. This especially matters if you tow.
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Old Jun 8, 2024 | 12:00 PM
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There are so many Arnott users that write to the forum that they've used the warranty. They seem happy, ignoring the expense and effort of actually replacing the (prematurely) failed component. You get what you pay for and probably if you pay less you eventually pay more.
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Old Jun 8, 2024 | 04:32 PM
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Arnott went from lifetime warranty to two years which probably means they last three years. Mine leaked out of the box. How long are the bilsteins lasting likely longer and they are new
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Old Jun 8, 2024 | 06:05 PM
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The factory units did not last as long as the Arnott's on my GL's so it was worth it for me but neither the factory nor the Arnott struts/airbags failed in 2 years or less. I would just go with OE and get them somewhere with a lifetime warranty or another brand with a lifetime warranty if you plan on driving and owning the GL for a long time.
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Old Jun 14, 2024 | 03:01 PM
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Changed my originals at 75K miles and 11 years. Very likely Bilstein will be same.
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Old Jun 14, 2024 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
Changed my originals at 75K miles and 11 years. Very likely Bilstein will be same.
Right around what I got out of mine too - mileage but not time. Much, much, quicker on the timeline.
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