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Hi folks, new w164 Bluetec owner for a few months now. It has 175,000 KM (108,000 miles). Been hearing a suspension noise that sounds like metal on metal. It would sometimes go away. Its back now and worse. Had a look today and thought I would share pictures. The coil springs do not look the same on the front side. I have attached pics below for your reference. Can anyone tell me what is wrong and how it became that way?
I'm wondering what folks think about FCS strut assembly. Had a local indy quote me $1,000 (CAD) ($730USD) for front right and left. I've heard FCS are not the greatest quality. Arnott are another option but will have to order from Rockauto or locally. Should I bite the bullet and go with the chinese FCS? What are your experiences and do you have any brand suggestions?
My indy will only install factory MB parts due to many bad experiences with knock offs. If you too are saving money by using an indy tech, then spend the money on the real parts.
My indy will only install factory MB parts due to many bad experiences with knock offs. If you too are saving money by using an indy tech, then spend the money on the real parts.
Hi folks, its me again. Back again for some advice. Seems like my indy is having a hard time sourcing parts. He said an assembly would be better and easier. The stealership gave me 2 qoutes. Spring replacement w/ strut (almost 3 grand CAD) and a spring replacement w/o strut for half that.
Wanted to know if its best to replace the spring only and leave the struts as is. If i was to go the indy route, I have a feeling alot of the strut assemblies I can order are of dubious quality. FCS seems to be the worst which is what is mostly available on rockauto and a the local part counters. There is another local parts counter that needs about 2 weeks to get an Arnott assembly.
Hi folks, its me again. Back again for some advice. Seems like my indy is having a hard time sourcing parts. He said an assembly would be better and easier. The stealership gave me 2 qoutes. Spring replacement w/ strut (almost 3 grand CAD) and a spring replacement w/o strut for half that.
Wanted to know if its best to replace the spring only and leave the struts as is. If i was to go the indy route, I have a feeling alot of the strut assemblies I can order are of dubious quality. FCS seems to be the worst which is what is mostly available on rockauto and a the local part counters. There is another local parts counter that needs about 2 weeks to get an Arnott assembly.
Thanks in advance again!
IMHO, and with 108k miles, I would change BOTH, springs and struts on BOTH sides.
Does your car have the Airbag suspension? Does not look like it in the pics. If no airbags, get the BILSTEIN Strut Assembly. I put BILSTEIN's on mine and am happy.
So been calling around for quotes. Folks on this forum rarely mention how much they spend, so I'll give a breakdown of each quote. All are in Canadian dollars. ALL ARE FOR BOTH FRONT LEFT AND RIGHT.
#1 - local indy
- FCS strut assembly (both sides) with labor = $1000
#2- Stealership
- Springs only = $1600
- Spring with new shocks = $2900
- they asked me to come in before they order the springs to determine the color as the W164 has 3 springs to choose from.
#3 - local indy
- Springs = $130 each
- shocks (BILSTEIN) = $600 each
- labour = 5 hours
- total = $2110
#4 - local indy - well reviewed and specializes in German imports. Will be my first time working with them.
- KYB front strut assembly = $265 each
- shipping = $125
- labour = 2.5 hours = $337.50
- alignment = $100
- total = $1255
i ended up going with #4. KYB has significantly better reviews than FCS. I dont think Bilsteins are worth the extra $800 on parts and labour. #4 was also the only one to include an alignment. Have to wait 2 weeks until the appointment. Will give another update when all is done.
I ended up going with #4. KYB has significantly better reviews than FCS. I dont think Bilsteins are worth the extra $800 on parts and labour.
Sounds good for right now. You will not find out for quite some time if the Bilsteins are worth the extra money. After a few thousand miles you will know.
One comment found on the internet regarding the comparison KYB vs Bilstein: "Which is better KYB or Bilstein? The KYB's fade out too fast when traveling on Forest roads.The Billsteins will keep better ride quality for longer".
Sounds good for right now. You will not find out for quite some time if the Bilsteins are worth the extra money. After a few thousand miles you will know.
One comment found on the internet regarding the comparison KYB vs Bilstein: "Which is better KYB or Bilstein? The KYB's fade out too fast when traveling on Forest roads.The Billsteins will keep better ride quality for longer".
Luckily I dont travel on forest roads. This thing is an luxury grocery hauler really lol. I think that indy shop was overcharging for the Bilsteins. Getting those is still not worth it as who knows what the car has in store for me next. I'm a realist and assume the worst.
Luckily I dont travel on forest roads. This thing is an luxury grocery hauler really lol. I think that indy shop was overcharging for the Bilsteins. Getting those is still not worth it as who knows what the car has in store for me next. I'm a realist and assume the worst.
Thought I would give folks a quick update. Its been 2 weeks since I had the KYB strut assembly installed. I'm very impressed so far. Car rides nicely and steering become more nimble.
Thought I would give folks a quick update. Its been 2 weeks since I had the KYB strut assembly installed. I'm very impressed so far. Car rides nicely and steering become more nimble.
I recommend KYB for the W164.
KYB is a very solid brand, you should be in good shape. And a heck of a lot better shape than you were with that broken spring…wowzers! 😳
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