Looking to purchase both left & right rear struts and fluid for my 2003 SL500. Stealers are looking for anywhere around $1200 to $1400 for each one. There has to be a less expensive alternative.

 

I've never ordered from them, but a lot of people like www.parts.com...

They have your rear struts for $900 each.

One of the main reasons I purchased an extended warranty... I figured over the next 5 yrs if only two struts failed, it would essentially pay for the cost of the warranty.

 

A member here has bought them of fleabay for about $400.
Buy the fluid from Napa which was much cheaper than dealer.

 

Thanks for the suggestions, but that is the source of my problem, my service contract denied my claim as the MB service rep called them in as "shock absorbers" and therefore not covered !

 

Man, that sucks. Not sure how, but I would fight them on that... these are not shocks, I believe they are designed to last the life of the car. I wonder if anyone else has had similar problems?

 

We wish!!
I have one front and one rear with slow leaks.
I got an excellent deal on Craigslist for 18 cans of Pentosin.
I have to top up about 6oz every 2 months.

Will keep doing this until it starts leaking real bad.

 

If you don't mind, what specific Pentosin fluid is a replacement for the ABC system? I'd like to pick up a few quarts for a similar purpose. Is it Pentosin 11S?

 

Yes

 

FYI... I double checked my extended warranty (through Chrysler Factory Plans) and and was pleased to find that their Maximum Care coverage plan does include "shocks"... Whew!! I thought I remembered seeing it covered, as that is one of the main reasons I got the extended warranty.

MAXIMUM CARE’S COVERAGE GOES FAR BEYOND CHRYSLER’S ADDED CARE PLUS
PLAN BY INCLUDING ITEMS SUCH AS:

• All Electrical Systems
• All Engine Computers
• Shocks
• Torsion Bars
• Engine Mounts
• All Seat, Hood, Deck Lid, Liftgate, Door & Window Mechanisms ... & Much, Much More!

 

Your warranty plan sound excellent.could you please supply me with a direct link to whom you are using..thx.

 

http://www.chryslerfactoryplans.com/

ask for Michael....

 

SJC- do you still have to be under factory MB warranty to go the route you did? I'm CPO until March of 2010 any idea if this counts..

OP- I talked to a buddy of mine who is a tech, and def. try to find other parts than MB dealer.

 

I got my real leaks fixed and replaced strut under my extended warranty also. If you have a decent policy, it should be covered under shocks/suspension components.

My warranty company is Millennium Auto Protection.. (Platinum Coverage)..

 

I had all four of mine replaced last month at the dealer under the Chrysler extended service contract. Cost me 100.00 for the deductible. The struts from the dealer are 800.00 each but that is not retail.