SL/R230: Front Strut 09 SL550

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Oct 12, 2022 | 09:18 AM

Schmark

Thread Starter

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Joined: Feb 2021

Posts: 29

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2009 R230 SL550

Front Strut 09 SL550

Had my 09 SL550 (35K miles) in for B service at local independent shop I tend to trust. They said the front right strut is starting to leak. $1,560 to R&R. Seam reasonable? I asked if this was urgent and immediate? They said since you drive it so sparingly, they can just keep an eye on it for now. Especially since lube is not dripping on floor of garage. Also, back in the days of shocks, they typically were replaced in pairs. Is a single strut OK? Any effect on ride height? What say you all?

Last edited by Schmark; Oct 12, 2022 at 10:01 AM.

Oct 13, 2022 | 08:46 AM

MikeJ65

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Joined: Aug 2020

Posts: 1,329

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From: Gretna, NE

'03 SL55 Black, '03 SL500's Aegean, Mars Red, Tazanite, Alabaster, '11 S550 Flint Gray

I depends a bit on which rebuilt strut they are installing. The Mercedes part lists for $1000, so $1560 seems reasonable. On the other hand, an RMT is $400, so that would make the labor bill pretty high. Front struts are very easy to change when everything goes right. You can also spend a lot of time trying to get the coupler loosened up or the ball joint popped out. I wouldn't worry about it until it gets to the point of actually leaking instead of just seeping. It is not something that would typically leave you stranded. Once you see a few drips on the garage floor, it would be time to get it done. No issues with just doing one. All of the damping is electronic, so it is not like running with one new shock and one that has lost damping.

Oct 13, 2022 | 10:09 AM

Schmark

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Joined: Feb 2021

Posts: 29

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2009 R230 SL550

Mike - when I picked up the car yesterday, the service mgr. confirmed everything you said. They quoted OEM strut & 3-3.5 hours, wait till it's dripping, and a single strut is OK for the reason you state. Thanks for the confirmation!

Oct 13, 2022 | 03:17 PM

O_Dawg

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Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 70

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From: Indianapolis

2009 SL550 2009 SL63

I ran into this exact scenario except with the back strut. Starting to leak, suggested replacement. I got them both done for around $2100 I believe.

Oct 13, 2022 | 05:29 PM

elMacko

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2021

Posts: 493

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From: Benton, Louisiana, USA

SL 500 2004, Ford F-150-2014

Guys, I never knew how the car rides with original ABC. When I acquired mine the ABC wasn't working and at least one strut was bad. After reading about the reliability of the system and the cost involved to repair, I just ripped everything out and installed Coil overs and sway bar. Not even the shadow of a worry about that! I am happy with the way it rides!

Dec 2, 2022 | 11:19 AM

Carpedmman

Junior Member

Joined: Jul 2016

Posts: 38

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'07 SL550, '09 GL320

I replaced mine with Arnott replacements and did both at the same time. The Arnott have a lifetime warranty and were in the $500-600 price range per. Good luck!