SL55 Front Strut Replacement
 

I have a leaking front strut on the SL :confused: I have purchased a rebuilt unit from Arnott which just arrived today. I have a couple of questions:

1. The Removal and Replacement seems pretty straight forward, is this a DIY??

2. Is STAR really needed to put the vehicle in rodeo mode

3. Has anyone completed this repair/replacement without STAR or the MB dealer

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

Local dealer wants $260 for installation...

I'd leave it up to the dealer for that amount. They seem good sports anyway for installing a refurbished part.

you will need a star system to do the installation.

Got to love the dealer...

Watched them do the install, about and hour. They then tried to deliver the vehicle without a rodeo and told me the light "may" come on as there is air in the system!!

I told them that the reason they were installing the part is because it needed to be rodeo'd after installation!! They took it back, did the rodeo in about 30 mins for a total shop time of 1 1/2 hours. Closed out the invoice and tried charging me $520.00!!!

They claimed 3 hours of shop plus shop supplies and materials!! I asked what their hourly rate was, ($120) and questioned to why I was being charged for three???

Long story short, they honored the $260, plus shop supplies and materials for a total of $360. NICE try MB...

Time to buy the STAR diagnostic for myself....

next time take your car elsewhere... this is really unacceptable. when you receive the questionnaire from mbusa- reflect your experience accordingly.

Having these cars without a STAR eaves you at the mercy of our 'friends' at the dealer. Fortunately, we carry the OEM systems! :) And I have a few left at special pricing. PM or email for pricing and availability.

Anyone that has tried to install their front strut can you please confirm that Star is required or not. I installed many struts, gas and air but never hydraulic, people use to say STAR was needed for air as well but over time other people has found that STAR is actually not needed after all. I was hoping the R230 would be the same.

I don't think you need Star. Just bleed the line after topping off the fluid and you should be fine.

Need Front Strut Torque Settings
 

I know this is an old thead but I am in the same boat. I will be replacing the left front strut on my '05 SL55 with a rebuilt Arnott this weekend and need the upper and lower bolt torques. Arnott tech support said they don't have that info, WTF?

Were you able to replace the front strut? I am having problems trying to disconnect the "quick disconnect" fitting. The job looks super easy but I just can't get that fitting to budge even after spraying with lube.

These may help you guys out:

https://mbworld.org/forums/5349604-post4.html

http://www.justanswer.com/mercedes/3...-2003-s55.html