When to replace Air Springs and with what type
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
When to replace Air Springs and with what type
With 92k miles on my 2013 GL 450 I've noticed the rear is frequently not sitting level after being parked overnight. The passenger side rear seems to be most frequently down to within 2 inches of the top of the tire. I brought her in for an LOF yesterday and mentioned the problem to my mechanic. He said the height rods on my suspension are totally corroded and sticking. Plus I probably have a leak in the rear air springs and its best to get it done sooner rather than later to prevent the air pump from wearing out prematurely. He quoted me $650 for the height rods and $2,200 for both rear air springs. I told him to do the height rods and I've been pondering what to do about the air springs.
I've always read good things about Arnott on the forums. They no longer sell direct to consumers and you need to go through an autoparts store to purchase them. AutoZone has them (A-2596) for $199.99 each, so 399.98 for both rear air springs. The Arnott instruction video makes the swap look super easy, almost too easy!
FCP Euro has 2 options for air springs: Corteco 49430450KT for $528.58 for a pair of air springs, which I believe are remanufactured OEM units. And Billstein which are $439 each or $878 for a pair. FCPEuro also offers a lifetime replacement guaranttee in case parts wear out.
Usually you get what you pay for but with the Arnott being the cheapest and knowing their reputation I'm a bit confused.
Has anyone used any of these manufacturers for their air spring replacements? Any thoughts on the price vs quality and ease of installation.
Thanks for any options/advice in advance!
I've always read good things about Arnott on the forums. They no longer sell direct to consumers and you need to go through an autoparts store to purchase them. AutoZone has them (A-2596) for $199.99 each, so 399.98 for both rear air springs. The Arnott instruction video makes the swap look super easy, almost too easy!
FCP Euro has 2 options for air springs: Corteco 49430450KT for $528.58 for a pair of air springs, which I believe are remanufactured OEM units. And Billstein which are $439 each or $878 for a pair. FCPEuro also offers a lifetime replacement guaranttee in case parts wear out.
Usually you get what you pay for but with the Arnott being the cheapest and knowing their reputation I'm a bit confused.
Has anyone used any of these manufacturers for their air spring replacements? Any thoughts on the price vs quality and ease of installation.
Thanks for any options/advice in advance!
Last edited by SnowCub; Nov 3, 2020 at 11:07 AM. Reason: typo
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 306
Likes: 78
gl450
I used Arnott rear bags. It's been over a year and they are fine. You can get them on Amazon, they are very easy to replace - there's an instructional video on Arnott's website.
Take a look at this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7625924
Take a look at this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post7625924
Last edited by mtm; Nov 3, 2020 at 11:29 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 283
Likes: 102
From: Maryland
S 550, S65 Coupe
Definitely Arnott. I have had them on 2 different GLs. A X164 for 125K and no issues and an X166 for 50K and no issues. They are a quality product and have lifetime warranty I do believe. You can definitely find the cheaper than Autozone, amazon, Rock Auto, etc all are going to be more competitely priced. Rock Auto is $138.00.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 214
Likes: 30
From: Chicago/Serbia
2017 GLS 450,Bmw Z4 35i
I bought 2 new oems on ebay for 200$ and 200$ more to install them,compressor was quiet but after 2 days its noisy again i guess i overworked it we will see but no more sagging and less vibration at 75mph
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 193
Likes: 11
From: Bedford, MA
2013 S350, 2021 GLS450, 2003 SLK32
Well to follow up on my post, I went with Arnott. Took me less than 2 hours including torquing the wheel bolts but I have a lift (4 post and its debateable whether that helped or hindered).
My biggest worry going in was I didn't understand how the Arnott Air Springs only required you to push in the air line and didn't need a threaded collar like the OEMs. What I found was after 1-2 turns on the OEM collar I was able to loosen it with my fingers. It wasn't in tight at all.
My biggest worry during the install was getting the wheels back on because they're really heavy to me (certified couch potato that I am) and I didn't get the threading pin from the tool kit.
In any case they seem to have worked. I'll watch it over the next few days to make sure the car is sitting level again and not looking slammed any more.
My biggest worry going in was I didn't understand how the Arnott Air Springs only required you to push in the air line and didn't need a threaded collar like the OEMs. What I found was after 1-2 turns on the OEM collar I was able to loosen it with my fingers. It wasn't in tight at all.
My biggest worry during the install was getting the wheels back on because they're really heavy to me (certified couch potato that I am) and I didn't get the threading pin from the tool kit.
In any case they seem to have worked. I'll watch it over the next few days to make sure the car is sitting level again and not looking slammed any more.
