j-mo

Greetings,

Had an issue with my 2006 E55 (with 82K, and I think these are the original struts) this eve and was hoping to get some input. I searched already but still have found this exact issue. So I go to drive this eve - I unlock the car with the fob, open the drivers door an hear this high pitched squeal like air exiting a balloon. Not really a hiss, more if a squeal. I honestly wasn't 100% sure it was the car b/c the parking garage has pipes and pluming and its always loud. The car looked fine so I drove. 2 min later I get the warning to stop, car too low. I immediately turn and head home. I get out and the front is slammed. I push the button to raise the front and it does. I park and just got back after dinner back to check it. The right side is now low, where the balloon noise was coming from. It' probably the strut but I though I'd ask. All I did was unlock the car and open the door. I did not even start it and something blew out or failed. My father has a lift but he lives 40 mile away not sure I should drive it that far in its current condition.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

thanks

benzokirk

This is a well documented and experienced problem. Do not drive the car. Get it towed to an auto repair shop of your choice. It is very likely that your airmatic system has failed in the area that you see the car at its lowest point (I believe you said the right/front side). If you can have it towed to the repair shop, I would recommend that you do so without driving it, to assess the codes and pinpoint the problem (shock or strut).

j-mo

Ok thanks. Yes the right front. I have an Indy shop that I like so I will get it towed there.

KAMG

Most likely the strut if you can hear the air coming out. Mine blew just as I opened my door and sat down in the seat. Good thing it happened right in my parking spot; saved me a tow

Yuille36

Since your going to have to replace your air strut, you might as well replace them both. I just replaced my originals earlier this year. The reason, that I say to replace them in pairs, is simple it doesn't make sense to have a new strut and a 13-14 year old strut. It's just a matter of time before the old one will fail.

j-mo

Thanks, that is what I am thinking. Been reading several posts today and planning to go with the Bilsteins OE replacements. Trying to decide if I should just order and bank of the fact that its most likely the strut. I was going to check with my Indy but I doubt they will charge $600 per like Rock Auto! I hate to have them diag it and then order a part myself. I will try to get under the car (my city garage is very tight )and spray soapy water just to be sure. Thinking about tackling that job myself too unless I verify its the strut, order them and take to my Indy.

j-mo

I orders 2 Bilstein OE struts from Rock Auto today! Should have them by this Friday and will get them installed by my Indy next week. Cannot wait!

PieRat

install them yourself its easy!! Shouldn't cost much to have shop do it if they charge more than 2hrs not good IMO..

j-mo

I had the front struts replaced this week. I bought the Bilstein's from Rock Auto. I probably could have spent a day doing it but choose otherwise. I wish I got charge only 2 hours lol. They charged me 4. At first they didn't want to do it b/c they don't typically do job with customer supplied parts. Since business is slow they took care of it.

Not sure but these Bilstein's feel a tad stiffer to me - over the OEM struts. Maybe I am imagining...who knows. Maybe my OEMs were worn and that is why? I just feels a little more stiff when I ride over a bump.