SL/R230: Front Strut Leak
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 83
From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
Front Strut Leak
When I had my 2007 SL600 with 13,000 miles in to the dealer this week, they noticed a small amount of fluid on the right front strut. The technician wiped off the fluid and said it appeared the strut had a small leak. Since the amount of fluid was small, the service advisor suggested I watch it closely over the next few weeks months and bring my car back for repair if the leak continues. The service advisor noted strut replacement is expensive, around $2,300 each. Has anyone had experience with this problem and how did you resolve it. My car is now out of warranty and the only problem I have had since I purchased the car new is to install the upgrade kit for the trunk flaps.
Twin Cam
Twin Cam
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
2005 SL55 AMG, 1986 Porsche 930S, 1996 Porsche 993tt
for strut replacement with warranty and cheaper than a new one check www.arnottindustries.com
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
2003 SL500
Not sure if Rick meant "with warranty" or "without warranty". I need to get all 4 struts replaced because they're leaking. Dealer quoted $4275 just for front 2 installed. NAPA quoted $3370 just for parts for front 2 and then have someone put them in. I'm still looking for a deal somewhere.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 269
Likes: 4
From: New York
03 SL500(Sold), 09 C300, 11 E550
Not sure if Rick meant "with warranty" or "without warranty". I need to get all 4 struts replaced because they're leaking. Dealer quoted $4275 just for front 2 installed. NAPA quoted $3370 just for parts for front 2 and then have someone put them in. I'm still looking for a deal somewhere.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 83
From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
Thanks, guys, I appreciate the info on the rebuilt struts. I hope the fluid on my strut is not from a leaking seal that will get worse over time. I don't know if you can get a little fluid to leak from the strut due to a hard bump and then not leak any further. So far, no warning lights have come on about checking the ABC system and the car performs normally. I will continue to monitor the strut for any more oil and take it back to the dealer for inspection if I notice any change in the struts performance. TwinCam
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 730
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
2005 SL55 AMG, 1986 Porsche 930S, 1996 Porsche 993tt
do a search of the members in this forum who did install the struts from Arnott. SL is runing w/o problems. BTW for the price paid in your MB dealer for just ONE strut you can buy the 4 of them at Arnott.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 57
Likes: 1
2003 SL500
Wow, I'm checking these out now. Would save me a LOT of money!! You used these and no issues? It's 1/3 the price! Similar vehicle to 03 MB SL500? I've never seen a suspension system like this car before so I'm nervous about it.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Norway
2020 AMG C63S Coupe, Kawasaki ZX10R
Yes I did. I have a 2002 SL500, same as your 2003. The struts are OE shocks who have been rebuild by Arnott and comes with lifetime warranty. I really can't see why you shouldn't buy one or more of those struts.
http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid145.html
http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid145.html
Last edited by Tobby; Jun 13, 2011 at 05:43 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
I believe their regular price is $699 + core. They are on sale for $499 + core.
Basically they will cost you $499 in the end (after you return the core) as opposed to the regular price of $699
Yes, the Arnott struts are as good as (if not better than) the OE Mercedes ones. I suspect they may have slightly improved some of the sealing capabilities, o-rings, etc. when they put them together. Absolute worst case scenario is they are equally as good as the OE Mercedes ones which isn't bad considering the price.
Definitely pick up the Arnotts .. don't pay the dealer ripoff prices!!!!
You can put this strut in if you are reasonably handy or have a friend who is. If not, find a local independant shop that fixes MB's and show up with the strut. They'll charge you an hour or two labor and put it in for you.
You will be out the door for $700 or less... guaranteed. They may want to flush the system for additional $$$ which is probably worth it if you don't know when it was last done.
Otherwise, just get them to install and have them do a "rodeo test" (they'll know what you mean. If they don't, pick another shop as they don't know what they are doing!)
Basically they will cost you $499 in the end (after you return the core) as opposed to the regular price of $699
Yes, the Arnott struts are as good as (if not better than) the OE Mercedes ones. I suspect they may have slightly improved some of the sealing capabilities, o-rings, etc. when they put them together. Absolute worst case scenario is they are equally as good as the OE Mercedes ones which isn't bad considering the price.
Definitely pick up the Arnotts .. don't pay the dealer ripoff prices!!!!
You can put this strut in if you are reasonably handy or have a friend who is. If not, find a local independant shop that fixes MB's and show up with the strut. They'll charge you an hour or two labor and put it in for you.
You will be out the door for $700 or less... guaranteed. They may want to flush the system for additional $$$ which is probably worth it if you don't know when it was last done.
Otherwise, just get them to install and have them do a "rodeo test" (they'll know what you mean. If they don't, pick another shop as they don't know what they are doing!)
