W220 Air Matic Fault Advice

[JNH]

Dear All,

I wonder if you could help me please.

The driver side, front 'wheel' has had an air matic fault. It happened whilst traveling to Wakefield today. MB Wakefield kindly diagnosed it today. I'm waiting for the specific part numbers, however they advised the Caster Arm, Camber Arm and strut need changing at a quote of £1733!?

Given the quoted repair is over half the car's value, I'm keen to see if there are alternative repair options/prices. I will post the part numbers as soon as they reply with them, however my queries are please....

1) Are there non MB parts available and if so are any particular recommended?

2) Is it advisable to fit/replace with used parts?

3) Does anyone know of a suspension/air matic, independent specialist they can recommend to undertake the repair?

4) Any idea of a non dealer repair price (I appreciate part numbers would help!)?

Please forgive my lack of technical knowledge.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

JNH

 

[EmilysDad]

A couple of weeks backI priced up a rear 'air spring' for my car from MB at around £400. I had a local-ish indie fit a pattern Arnott 'spring ....... they charged me £365 fitted.

I assume you huge quote was from MB themselves. Have they given a reason why they should need to replace the other bits? When I had a problem with a front 'air spring' last year, I discovered that they only sell a front spring complete with the strut at about £850 though there are pattern 'air springs' available separately .... you'd just need to find an indie that's prepared to dismantle your complete strut to fit one.

 

[Botus]

the caster arm and camber arm are probably a bit worn but the other side is very likely in same condition. sounds like merc are just taking the easy route and changing everything that side

on this car the air struts were prone to fail if this is your first, then the other three corners will fail very soon

there are bodge repair kits or refurbished stuts available but these still cost loads, https://www.gsfcarparts.com/454me0850 £605

if it's a nice car, and nothing else has been replaced on the airmatic it could make a lot of sense to throw the air rubbish in the skip (where it always belonged !!!) and go to conventional steel springs and dampers you'll end up saving way more than £2000

strut masters is very good value, the arnot one is a bit pricey

http://www.strutmasters.com/strutma...sion-conversion-kit-ms14f-review-greg-nervis/

https://www.arnottindustries.com/part_MERCEDES-BENZ_yid18_pid126_gid633.html


find an independent to put in on, main dealers are just a marketing exercise, indies are far better and less than half the price

 

[John Laidlaw]

There's also Aerosus too and AirDominance
Needs a decent indy to fit for you as said above