ATXS55

Seems my right side shocks are both shot, look factory original with 110K miles and it looks like the rear air springs have been replaced using the Arnott which bypasses the extra reservoir because it is designed to work without. I've read that both fronts must be replaced together, and since the right rear needs it as well I'll go ahead and do a full set of 4. Of course there's the Arnott option, but I did find some Bilstein's and I'm sure there's others, but does anyone have an experience that delivers a clear operational/performance/durability choice over the factory ($$$$) or the Arnott ($$), and yes price is a moderate factor. I'll spend what it takes, but not really interested in paying huge money for the rare ultra performance stuff. The car is killer from the factory, just wondered if there was a reasonably priced upgrade to consider. Thx

lost27

See why I went Bilstein fronts, Bilstein rear shocks, and Arrnott bags in the rear of my CLS here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c219/7351...ml#post7856779

ATXS55

Wow, sounds like an exact situation, thanks for the direction. Like you did I will go ahead and replace that pressure block thing as well. I look forward to the result. Thanks for your input. Are you in Austin? "ATX Euro....." I enjoyed 20 of the 22 years I was there for, just moved back to my hometown a year ago. Thanks again.

Michael

lost27

Sure am, glad to have helped. You may check RockAuto for the parts as I've had good luck getting much better pricing there. That being said, if you plan on keeping the car a long time, FCP Euro and their warranty might be the way to go for when you have to replace it all again.

hachiroku

Arnott, RMT, or Bilstien...be sure to keep your ADS with if you care about it of which I do. I've driven a spring and shock conversion and wasn't too thrilled with its handling.

bobgodd

This is the path I've taken as well, after two failed Arnott front struts. (Driver's side, and it's replacement both died within weeks of driving, first lost its dust bellows... Got sucked up into the casing somehow, and second ended up throwing a code for internal short.) However my passenger front has been a trouble free Arnott strut for 6 years or so now.

The Bilsteins have been great. Rear shocks replaced with Bilstein after the Arnott replacements leaked within days. I do still have Arnott rear springs, but I'd jump at the chance to change them to Bilstein if they show any signs of failure.

ATXS55

Thanks much, and I do as well so will keep it. Question: When my wrench's parts supplier uses my VIN to secure the proper parts he shows that I can use Bilstein for the front shock/airspring combo but says Bilstein doesn't off anything for my rear shocks, remember, still using Arnott air springs in the rear. Any input will help. Thx

ATXS55

Seems we have a very similar experience and demands, and i'd like to achieve the results you got, but with my car being a wagon, I don't know if the same suspension parts are as available from Bilstein for that as they are for the CLS. When my wrench's parts supplier uses my VIN to secure the proper parts he shows that I can use Bilstein for the front shock/airspring combo but says Bilstein doesn't off anything for my rear shocks, remember, like you, still using Arnott air springs in the rear, which don't need the small res. Is he just using a supplier that can't get it done? I know you can't know what he's not seeing, but any input will help. Thx

lost27

I don't know if the wagon part numbers are he same as the CLS/E sedans but here are the part numbers I used to order from Rock Auto:

*Part numbers are
Arnott Rear Air Spring: A2725 (A-2725)
Bilstein Rear Shock Absorber: 20070915 (20-070915)
Bilstein Front Air Strut Left: 44143657 (44-143657)
Bilstein Front Air Strut Right: 44143664 (44-143664)

You'll want to verify the part numbers with your car. The wagon seems different, looking online it looks like this is the only rear strut that works for the E63 wagon but it says it is for a car w/o active suspension:
https://www.mboempartsdirect.com/oem...YtM2wtdjgtZ2Fz

ATXS55

Thx much, so far, my research shows that while Bilstein makes the front airsprings/shocks for the front end for the E63 Estate, they don't make the matching rears for that car. Only made 553 worldwide, only 62 came stateside, guess that market doesn't warrant it the R&D. I'm actually here posting to see if someone knows of either a work around with rears designed for another model, or a non Bilstein good match. Thanks again.

ATXS55

Ya, confirmed. Looks like I'll go Bilstein in front and new factory in the rear. Please do comment if you've got a better suggestion or better yet, experience. Thanks.