Got this ~20m after raising the car twice to exit a parking lot. Right front is slammed. It airs up and goes away for a minute but then comes back. Haven't had a change to jack the car up and take a look. Likely the strut or could something else be leaking in that corner? Guess I might as well swap out the lower ball joints, and get some EBC reds in there in the process.

 

You my friend have the classic airmatic failure. I would have it towed to a shop that has STAR, so that it can be diagnosed. But don't dispair yet, have it checked out first. It could be something other than the strut. But typically the strut will need to be replaced, and it's expensive. This should help you out. http://www.arnottindustries.com/part...18_pid134.html

 

airmatic failure

 

Mine is at the dealer right now (day seven) waiting on two front struts to arrive from Germany. I had the "red screen of death" last week in my garage when starting it up that it was "too low".

Kinda hacked that parts still not here, but I'm enjoying hauling mulch and my dogs around in the loaner GLK350.

 

Why is it taking so long to get your struts, when I can special order parts, and have them in 1 day from the stealership. MB has regional warehouse that supply parts to various dealerships. This isn't making sense to me. How is the gas ,ileage on the GLK350, is it as bad as your E63?

 

if you need any help let me know. I have never done a airmatic replacement but would be willing to help a fella out.

Aaron

 

Sounds good man. Never hurts to have an extra set of hands around. I'll let you know.

 

subscribed for future use...hopefully not though.

 

I have had one of mine replaced. Very expensive. Managed to get a reconditioned part and saved a lot of money. I have since seen Bilstein make a replacement for W211. Not sure if its AMG spec. but worth making enquiry.

 

Thanks for the link! I'll be ordering it soon.

 

Your certainty welcome, my friend. Always willing to help out another AMG owner.

 

Here's the Arnott strut vs the the factory strut. She's back up and running. Took roughly an hour to swap it out. Only PITA was this Houston heat.

 

Did you have to use STAR? Any tips or tricks for those that might be faced with this in the future?

 

I didn't use STAR. I used Yachtmaster's steps.
https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...there-any.html

I didn't bring the strut out the same way. I dropped it down behind the control arm.

Tools needed:
For lower strut bolt-21mm socket, ext, and long ratchet and 21mm wrench
Upper bolts- 13mm socket, ext, and ratchet
10mm & 8mm sockets for inner fender well panel, along with a small flat head screwdriver to pull the plastic fastner out and a pair of dykes to cut a ty-rap that holds a wire to the inner fender well (and of course another ty-rap to put it back)

I can't think of anything else. It's pretty straight forward and was honestly the easiest strut I've ever replaced.

 

How is the ride?

 

I've only driven it 15 miles or so, but I can't tell any difference.

 

What would that have cost from the stealer?

 

I don't even want to think about what the stealership would charge you

 

1800.00 bucks to do one side. had it replaced this year. glad for the extended warranty . wished they would have approved doing both at the same time.