Next step after replacing front struts?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2016
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S430
Next step after replacing front struts?
Greetings, pardon my ignorance. It was suggested to me that after I replace the front struts myself I might need to have the system reprogrammed by someone (such as the dealer) with the proper software/hardware.
What is that process called? Can a good independent do it? What is a reasonable price?
Thanks very much.
What is that process called? Can a good independent do it? What is a reasonable price?
Thanks very much.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
That isn't necessary.
I do strongly suggest that you do some research on this and other Mercedes sites (such as http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...tart-here.html ) as well as on YouTube before you start on the project. There is a huge amount of info available that will save you time and money, and lower frustration levels greatly.
If you are buying the lifetime-warranted struts from Arnott, you might want to join BenzWorld first, then ask Arnott for your discount when you order the struts.
I do strongly suggest that you do some research on this and other Mercedes sites (such as http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...tart-here.html ) as well as on YouTube before you start on the project. There is a huge amount of info available that will save you time and money, and lower frustration levels greatly.
If you are buying the lifetime-warranted struts from Arnott, you might want to join BenzWorld first, then ask Arnott for your discount when you order the struts.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
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S430
Thanks Wally, my noobness is severe. Decoding the VIN I find the car has Automatic Body Control, which the links you shared informs me is hydraulic fluid as opposed to air in the Airmatic.
If I go to Arnott am I looking at a conversion to a standard spring type strut or a replacement? Does anyone delete the Airmatic or ABC and go to a standard spring shock? Is that possible or desirable from a maintenance perspective?
Thanks very much.
If I go to Arnott am I looking at a conversion to a standard spring type strut or a replacement? Does anyone delete the Airmatic or ABC and go to a standard spring shock? Is that possible or desirable from a maintenance perspective?
Thanks very much.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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S430
Now I'm really confused; looked again at the note from the dealership:
"The front air struts on the S430 have blown out and do not hold air. You will need to have them replaced in order to continue to drive the car. We also found the battery is weak, idler pulley noisy, and flex discs are cracking.
-Front struts replacement cost $2700 ( parts $1892 / labor $825)
-battery $350
-idler pulley $275"
The VIN is WDBNG70J13A350897. Have I misread the decode? They're referencing "air struts"?
"The front air struts on the S430 have blown out and do not hold air. You will need to have them replaced in order to continue to drive the car. We also found the battery is weak, idler pulley noisy, and flex discs are cracking.
-Front struts replacement cost $2700 ( parts $1892 / labor $825)
-battery $350
-idler pulley $275"
The VIN is WDBNG70J13A350897. Have I misread the decode? They're referencing "air struts"?
No reason to be confused. You have an airmatic therefore you front struts have air inside them. They are definitely overcharging you though on parts and labor but that's another story. If I was you I would start reading here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tart-here.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...tart-here.html
Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 90
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2000 S430L, BMW 530i
I would recommend doing the coil spring conversion, and finding someone else (ie cheaper) to install them.
Airmatic is like an Alfa Romeo. One day it's going to let you down, that's almost a given..
Airmatic is like an Alfa Romeo. One day it's going to let you down, that's almost a given..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,474
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
Some folks (a small minority) have installed the coil springs. Most of us (especially those who want to do their own work as much as possible) prefer to do the necessary repairs on the Airmatic system.
Yes, the air struts have a finite lifespan. But once you replace them as they fail with the Arnott struts, that expense is over. Changing the struts is a relatively simple job.
As you should be seeing, the W220 is one of the best-supported luxury vehicles around in both parts and information. If you actually enjoy doing the work, owning one is gratifying in many ways. Do your homework, and ask questions when you need to. Welcome to the group!
Yes, the air struts have a finite lifespan. But once you replace them as they fail with the Arnott struts, that expense is over. Changing the struts is a relatively simple job.
As you should be seeing, the W220 is one of the best-supported luxury vehicles around in both parts and information. If you actually enjoy doing the work, owning one is gratifying in many ways. Do your homework, and ask questions when you need to. Welcome to the group!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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Mercedes
All s430 are airmatic
none have abc hydraulic
Arnott are rebuilt air struts . They have a lifetime warranty but have a pretty high defect rate, so unless your labor is free by doing it yourself I would just have the dealer do it . Those prices are reasonable for mb dealer
none have abc hydraulic
Arnott are rebuilt air struts . They have a lifetime warranty but have a pretty high defect rate, so unless your labor is free by doing it yourself I would just have the dealer do it . Those prices are reasonable for mb dealer
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