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I have 2013 ML63 AMG with AMG Ride Control suspension. The right front air strut just went bad. I noticed that the left front has already been replaced. However, when I look up that part number AS-3061, I noticed it was replaced with the part for the regular ML & GL airmatic suspension. NOT the part for the AMG. They obviously have it working. I’ve ordered the matching part no AS-3060 for the right side and plan to replace. So both sides will have matching air struts.
My question is/what I’m wondering is, what am I losing by not having the correct AMG parts? They’re not much more, but the catch is I would have to buy two and do two replacements.
The local shops around here are all charging way more for the parts ($1,350) than they are worth and won’t use a part I purchase so I will do this repair myself and/or work with a mechanic I know.
2025 AMG G 63 SUV /// 2025 AMG GT 63 S E Performance 4 Door Coupé
Basically you’re missing out on the AMG adaptive sport suspension system. The link below is to the 2013 M Class operators manual. Scroll to page 212 and you can read about the details of what having the correct AMG parts provide.
Great, thanks G63GT63SE for the reply. Looks like basically, the part I'm using isn't designed to be able to be put in Sport+ mode (or technically any of the modes for that matter, as they could have slight pressure differences etc.). I'm curious about what happens when I do anyway, I presume it works with some kind of air pressure sensor or something. I guess there could be a number of small differences in the parts. Changing to sport mode on the non-AMG model may be similar to Comfort on the AMG, but I obviously don't know if that is true at all 1, and even if it were true IDK how the parts respond when in the AMG vehicle, as the AMG system could still be upping the air pressure even on the regular part. I'm not too concerned about it because I'll be leaving it in comfort mode all the time anyway.
I'm getting the sense that while there surely is a difference, it's probably not noticeable behind the wheel, especially without a side by side comparison. I'm guessing a stopwatch and a race track may be the only way to differentiate. Also possible that the regular part may not last as long in the AMG because it is being subjected to higher air pressures than it was designed for.
I'm sure there's some engineer in Germany (or, Alabama) who could tell me exactly how the two systems operate and differ. I'll probably never know...
Regardless, I couldn't tell there was an issue when the two parts mis-matched, until the original broke obviously. So, I'll just run it.
When mine went out, I looked and looked for an AMG shock but no one had any so I got a cheap one off Ebay. Couldn't tell the difference between that and the OE front assembly from a ride or handling quality standpoint. I did keep my old struts and will eventually have them rebuilt. It may be time to have them rebuilt as I replaced the front struts many years and tens of thousands of miles ago.
Great, thanks G63GT63SE for the reply. Looks like basically, the part I'm using isn't designed to be able to be put in Sport+ mode (or technically any of the modes for that matter, as they could have slight pressure differences etc.). I'm curious about what happens when I do anyway, I presume it works with some kind of air pressure sensor or something. I guess there could be a number of small differences in the parts. Changing to sport mode on the non-AMG model may be similar to Comfort on the AMG, but I obviously don't know if that is true at all 1, and even if it were true IDK how the parts respond when in the AMG vehicle, as the AMG system could still be upping the air pressure even on the regular part. I'm not too concerned about it because I'll be leaving it in comfort mode all the time anyway.
I'm getting the sense that while there surely is a difference, it's probably not noticeable behind the wheel, especially without a side by side comparison. I'm guessing a stopwatch and a race track may be the only way to differentiate. Also possible that the regular part may not last as long in the AMG because it is being subjected to higher air pressures than it was designed for.
I'm sure there's some engineer in Germany (or, Alabama) who could tell me exactly how the two systems operate and differ. I'll probably never know...
Regardless, I couldn't tell there was an issue when the two parts mis-matched, until the original broke obviously. So, I'll just run it.
i don't know about this and i most definitely notice the difference between comfort, sport and sport+. and... i drive it up to the vehicle's governed speed limit.
2014 ML63, 2018 GLC43, 1929 DB victory six sports roadster
The actual strut controls the firmness of the ride electronically not so much the air bag itself. The standard strut has 2 settings and the AMG has 3 settings, so you would most likely still get comfort and sports just not sports + with the non AMG strut.
The air bag pressure actually lowers slightly to drop the height of the vehicle.
I just picked up a 2015 ML63 and the front left air strut has a slow leak. The compressor is able to keep up while the car is running, but it quickly droops when I turn the car off.
Like others mentioned above, most of the aftermarket replacement are marketed towards non-AMG ML and GL models and do not support the active dampening feature that the ML63 has. In doing research on aftermarket options (the dealer wanted $1,400 each for MB-remanufactured units), I stumbled on Arnott's line of replacements. They have three options, only two of which are listed on their site for the ML63. I called Arnott to get clarification and spoke to a very knowledgeable and helpful individual:
1) an aftermarket unit made with an Eibach strut. This is marketed for AMG models, but converts the active dampening system to a passive dampening system, losing the ability to switch to Sport+. Parts are AS-3153 (right) and AS-3154 (left).
2) an aftermarket unit for standard X166 and W166 models with ADS, but excluding AMG models. Parts are AS-3408 (right) and AS-3409 (left)
3) a remanufactured option using completely rebuilt OE MB cores. This option (supposedly) retains ALL functionality (including Sport+ mode). Parts are AS-3060 and AS-3061.
There is no significant price difference between all 3 options. I found the best price on the AS-3060/AS-3061 on RockAuto. Ordered them yesterday and should be delivered next week.
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