Rear shock absorber "damp" - replacement required ?

[Gareth Bradbury]

Hi All, new to the forum.
I have just had a service on my car - E350 estate with air suspension ... the visual check has notified me that the rear suspension shock absorbers are "damp" - pictures attached and they are stating I will require 2 new replacement parts at a price of £1100 ... can anyone advise on this ?
I will be taking car to another Mercedes (independent) garage for a second opinion, but reading threads here and elsewhere it seems from what the pictures show that it is just a low level of oil on the surface and not a leak as such ?

 

[LostKiwi]

My local MOT garage takes the view that unless it drips or has obvious oil trails down the strut its ok.
We've had an ABC strut on our 230 since its been in our possession and it was the same for years beforehand.
For reference yours is dry compared to what ours looks like - the only difference being our struts are hydraulic not air so unless they get a lot worse won't run out of oil.

As yours is air you can replace just a single strut. That also looks like a dealer price - you can do it far cheaper outside the MB dealer network.

 

[Gareth Bradbury]

Thanks LostKiwi, Yes it was main dealer review / service .... I guess their policy is that anything wrong - replace .... it doesn't look bad to me, but will get it checked elsewhere ....

 

[LostKiwi]

Thanks LostKiwi, Yes it was main dealer review / service .... I guess their policy is that anything wrong - replace .... it doesn't look bad to me, but will get it checked elsewhere ....

What area are you in? We have a number of trusted MB specialists that are well thought of on here - maybe point you in one of their direction?

 

[John Laidlaw]

I would have thought most MOT stations would have seen that as a weep only and as LK says wouldn’t produce a fail maybe an advisory at most. It’s airmatic!
Anyway yes let us know where you are there will be a good alternative.
Was the £1100 for both struts inclusive vat and fitting ?

 

[Gareth Bradbury]

Hi Both - live not far from Weston Super Mare- we have a local recommended garage - ex Mercedes chaps - Milton Auto Svs http://www.miltonautoservicesltd.co.uk/ - However, I am pursuing the dealer I bought the car from just 2 weeks ago - they have a 3k mile / 3 month guarantee ...
But yes - doesn't seem that bad to me, but if I can get 2 new shocks out of it - yes price was fully for 2 new struts.

I have had tons of cars in my 40 years of driving, just unsure of airmatic suspension etc ... some dampness on struts wouldn't concern me greatly usually .... Oil leaking everywhere ... yes ...

 

[John Laidlaw]

You have one of the best Mercedes specialists 10 minutes away in Clevedon - Avantgarde automotive. Steve is a regular not just contributor but advisor on here.
Anyway that said I would do as you suggest and pursue it where you bought it in your case if it’s possible.
That price from a main dealer for both struts inclusive of labour etc etc isn’t terrible by the way. Be thankful it’s not ABC!
Surprised the dealer you bought from didn’t provide the car with a fresh mot since you only bought 2 weeks ago to be honest....especially with the guarantee now it may cost them 2 x struts!!

 

[Gareth Bradbury]

sorry for being ignorant ... ABC ???
mot done 7 May this year, car not driven until

 

[Gareth Bradbury]

SORRY, FINGER SLIPPAGE ..
until I bought it 4 weeks later ... only done 500 miles since MOT ... seems they should have spotted it if its that bad ?

Thanks for steer re chap in Clevedon ... I could well be popping up one Jct on M5.

 

[LostKiwi]

sorry for being ignorant ... ABC ???
mot done 7 May this year, car not driven until

Active Body Control. An oleopneumatic system closely related to the old Citroen system but with far more control and refinement. It was fitted to a few high end MBs in the early to mid 00s. Each front and rear strut is £1200 from MB and the high pressure pump nearer £1500.
Replaced by airmatic on most models.

 

[EmilysDad]

For info ..... the rear shockers for my Airmatic equiped R Class were about £200 each from Aerosus https://aerosus.co.uk compared with twice that from the dealers.

 

[Gareth Bradbury]

Thanks guys and yes glad ABC isn't on the car!!! I remember the old Citroen's rising up as they started!

 

[John Laidlaw]

Ah well if your MOT is May 2019 you’ve time to think about it, sorry I was misunderstanding!
Take your time and get to Clevedon when it’s convenient for an inspection ...