Cardone shocks for the 4MATIC
#4
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Join Date: Oct 2021
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2008 CL550, 2022 EQB300, 2022 EQS580
If I were doing the work myself, I would give it a try. Probably has a year or two warranty, during which time they will prove their durability (or not). It is a well known outfit. If you were paying your mechanic though, you might end up having to pay for the labor all over again if it were to fail. There is a place in Germany that rebuilds airmatic and abc parts. They are probably the gold standard...probably rebuild them better than factory.
#5
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04 E55 AMG (totaled), 07 S550 4Matic, 14 E63S
Well, I haven't tried them so this is my opinion.
But, the simple answer is, I wouldn't choose Arnott either, and I trust Cardone less than Arnott.
It isn't just a durability/longevity concern. I am also concerned that they won't even work like they are supposed to from day 1. The thing with aftermarket anything is, if the aftermarket part performs better than whatever broken/malfunctioning OEM part just replaced, people tend to be happy because for less than OEM pricing, they improved the operation of the vehicle. This is an understandable compromise to make on a car worth 10-15% of its original value, but is probably not one I'd make unless it were proven they were just as good as original equipment.
Then again, I'm picky about my shocks.
But, the simple answer is, I wouldn't choose Arnott either, and I trust Cardone less than Arnott.
It isn't just a durability/longevity concern. I am also concerned that they won't even work like they are supposed to from day 1. The thing with aftermarket anything is, if the aftermarket part performs better than whatever broken/malfunctioning OEM part just replaced, people tend to be happy because for less than OEM pricing, they improved the operation of the vehicle. This is an understandable compromise to make on a car worth 10-15% of its original value, but is probably not one I'd make unless it were proven they were just as good as original equipment.
Then again, I'm picky about my shocks.
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doni01 (11-17-2023)
#6
I made the mistake of replacing my OEM shocks with Arnotts at 140,000 miles. 1st problem was that one was defective and had to be replaced - 25% defect rate plus the extra labor cost. IMO Arnotts are junk! The main problem is that the ride is not as good as the OEM's. Most people who ride with me don't notice the difference but I do and I regret not going with OEM replacements.