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2013 ML350 BT， replacing rear air suspensions, which strut to buy???? so confused.
Hello everyone,
No warning light or message.
The car has code 214(adaptive damping system) and 489(airmatic dual control/air suspension semi-active)
Problem: went to a shop to replace rear brake caliper, got raised on a hoist, fluid start to pour out from the strut. rough ride ever since! So I'm replacing them.
I've been searching which part strut I should get on multiple websites, rockauto, germanautoparts, autozone, etc, and it's quite confusing.
So went for a more detail diagram, mbepc.net, even more confused. In order to not cause more confusion here, I've labeled all screenshots and questions.
Question1, In picture A, left diagram is for regular coilover suspension, right diagram is for Airmatic, am I correct????
Question2, In picture B, if I'm correct in question 1, then I should get A166 320 09 30 ?
Qusstion3, In Picture C, Assuming I'm right again in Question2, rockauto gives me two option for 166 320 09 30,
Bilstein 27271001 seem exactly like the in MB diagram but more expensive.
Bilstein 27219935 has the wire harness but is has stem mount, where does the stem go??? do i take the end cap removable so i can take it off from the old one and put on the new 27219935????
Please see the pictures below. Thanks guys, I hope I've explain it well. cheers
OE part number is A 166 320 09 30 for the Rear Strut, A 166 320 03 25 for the Air Bag.
I just replaced the rear Airmatic ADS Struts in my 13 ML550 after 150k miles. I was surprised I never had any issues with them - apparently quality improved over the last generations.
I went with Bilstein B4 Struts (P/N: 27-271001) and Bilstein Air Bags (P/N: BIL-40247687) - great ride, no issues. I wouldn't hesitate to replace your factory struts with the Bilsteins.
If you're replacing the air bags, you may need Air Bag Clips (P/N 2113280058) - otherwise it should be a straight forward replacement.
Beware the Arnott struts (new) - they do not have the ADS feature. Arnott does sell ADS equipped struts, but they are re-manufactured. Wouldn't go that route unless I really had to. Wouldn't bother with Aerosus - Chinese made.
Hope it goes well for you.
Last edited by OldMerc94; 06-11-2019 at 05:34 AM.
Reason: Added P/N for Air Bag Clips
OE part number is A 166 320 09 30 for the Rear Strut, A 166 320 03 25 for the Air Bag.
I just replaced the rear Airmatic ADS Struts in my 13 ML550 after 150k miles. I was surprised I never had any issues with them - apparently quality improved over the last generations.
I went with Bilstein B4 Struts (P/N: 27-271001) and Bilstein Air Bags (P/N: BIL-40247687) - great ride, no issues. I wouldn't hesitate to replace your factory struts with the Bilsteins.
Beware the Arnott struts (new) - they do not have the ADS feature. Arnott does sell ADS equipped struts, but they are re-manufactured. Wouldn't go that route unless I really had to. Wouldn't bother with Aerosus - Chinese made.
Hope it goes well for you.
Wow, thank you! Man that's some good info.
For Struts, I'll probably go with Bilstein or a used Genuine from autowrecker, Air Bags seem Okay for now, I assume I can change them seperately right?
Did you encounter any coding/relearn after replacing them?
I remember someone here said something about the coding, and only new parts can be coded for your car to adapt, used parts can't since it has been coded once before.
Thank you again, I really really appreciate the help.
2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
Originally Posted by berlinbai
Wow, thank you! Man that's some good info.
For Struts, I'll probably go with Bilstein or a used Genuine from autowrecker, Air Bags seem Okay for now, I assume I can change them seperately right?
Did you encounter any coding/relearn after replacing them?
I remember someone here said something about the coding, and only new parts can be coded for your car to adapt, used parts can't since it has been coded once before.
Thank you again, I really really appreciate the help.
No need to code.
You may want to do an airmatic height reset but it's not necessary. Check your leveling arms for free movemtn.
Rock auto has the best deal on blistein struts. Arnott is only for the rear springs as they do not have the ads function on the new ones and otherwise you have to get their reconditioned ones.
06-09-2019, 01:15 AM
