W211 self leveling suspension - change 1 or both air bags ?

[valenciancellars]

Hi, my garage is going to change the rear air suspension air bag on my W211 estate but they say it is best to change both sides at same time although I think only 1 side is losing air and dropping level . They quote me 470euro + vat plus fitting each side which is a lot of money for myself right now . Should I just change the one airbag and not worry or is their advice on changing both units wise .

thks
Tony

 

[00slk]

It's better to change both at the same time, though if finance is an issue you may get away with changing one for the time being.

 

[valenciancellars]

Thanks for the advice ....I think there is not much difference with pricing on these units as I was waiting on another quote locally , the 470euro price is a new unit non Mercedes , the Mercedes part is I believe about 650euro ..I am also still with the old SBC which has yet to fail so can´t help feel I am with an old car of little value paying big servicing ...yes that how it works I realise. Costly but drives well and useful.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

I thought MB do reconditioned airbags it’s certainly worth asking the question?

 

[valenciancellars]

I was told by the garage that they cost almost the same price as the new non original part so new seems better option apparently and their suggested option

 

[BigAlMercMan]

I had a pair of Aerosus units shipped from Germany for £350 recently. I was never convinced they were at fault so changed the compressor at the same time. Unfortunately I'll never know where the leak was because the compressor did actually fail while the car was off the road for some other work.

All done on the drive for less than £500 with some help from YouTube and this forum.

 

[valenciancellars]

I see those units and they cost 538euro for the pair ...not sure exactly what model I need they mention with ADS or without any idea what that means

 

[valenciancellars]

I re checked and the Aerosus units for my w211 are 394euro for the pair ....I was also reading about the Arnott brand ...can anyone say if this is a better air suspension unit ...still trying to contact their supplier in Valencia for price so not sure how they compare of pricing yet.

 

[mioba]

I would be looking at the MB recon parts website. Dealers dont tell you about it and the parts are genuine merc with the same warranty at cheaper price.

If you have genuine merc one side and re placing the other side non geniune then you should go like for like across the axel. The specs may
not be identical, nor the quality.
I would not change one that is fully functional - just chucking money away.

 

[valenciancellars]

Thanks ....I am looking online for the recon parts but not having much success...I will call Mercedes tomorrow and enquire. Also considering just installing the drivers rear side (the failing unit) and not buying both sides to save money right now .

 

[moj91]

Fitted a 'luft master' bag to the rear of my friends w211, one side only, £170 delivered on ebay.
Seemed decent enough, tough rubber.
Sits a little higher on that side, and took a week for the system to balance the pressure even after reset, but its ok now.
If there is no damage to the other side and the pump is working well, i'd advise just fitting the one if you are on a budget.
Whoever fits it needs to be v. careful with the air fittings and precise/clean when working with them.

In experience however, usually if one bag fails, the other isn't far behind.

 

[valenciancellars]

I see some new Bilstein units pricey at 390 euro on ebay ..say they are the original fit used by Mercedes ...not sure what to buy ...the Aerosus at 219euro delivered seems good deal if its not a crap unit

 

[valenciancellars]

I had a pair of Aerosus units shipped from Germany for £350 recently. I was never convinced they were at fault so changed the compressor at the same time. Unfortunately I'll never know where the leak was because the compressor did actually fail while the car was off the road for some other work.

All done on the drive for less than £500 with some help from YouTube and this forum.

What was your opinion of the Aerosus units ....I was just going to buy the left side only for a cheaper fix .Are this really made in Germany as I suspect they are Chinese imports rebranded ?

 

[BigAlMercMan]

What was your opinion of the Aerosus units ....I was just going to buy the left side only for a cheaper fix .Are this really made in Germany as I suspect they are Chinese imports rebranded ?

I believe German made and had no issues with them, however the was another thread where the guy had to send some back. He did say that the customer service was good though.

Thread

 

[valenciancellars]

I believe German made and had no issues with them, however the was another thread where the guy had to send some back. He did say that the customer service was good though.

Thread

ok....I can get a Bilstein for 320euro (100euro more costly ) just wondering if worth the extra but it is an oem Mercedes part I am told so is same as original

 

[steveq]

I fitted a pair of Aerosus air suspension units to the rear of my S212 about 3.5 years ago and not had any issues since.

Your S211 is a different model, of course.

 

[valenciancellars]

I fitted a pair of Aerosus air suspension units to the rear of my S212 about 3.5 years ago and not had any issues since.

Your S211 is a different model, of course.

That at least sounds good news ...

 

[MJJ]

I fitted these Bilstein options at £234 each to my S211. Only 3 months ago so cannot comment on durability, but I trust the Bilstein brand and they appear very well made to me.

I would definitely recommend doing both sides. As others have said, when one fails, the other (which has done all of the same work) is not far behind.

Martin.

 

[00slk]

As Martin pointed out, both rear air bags do the same work and can wear the rubber bag through from the up and down movement which eventually wears an area of the rubber and lets the air out.
I bought a pair of Aerosus for mine, had them calibrated correctly with a scanner and they seem to be doing the job. The pair were about £280

 

[sweeper]

Hi, my garage is going to change the rear air suspension air bag on my W211 estate but they say it is best to change both sides at same time although I think only 1 side is losing air and dropping level . They quote me 470euro + vat plus fitting each side which is a lot of money for myself right now . Should I just change the one airbag and not worry or is their advice on changing both units wise .

thks
Tony

I would say, if you are changing one, make sure it is the same make, I believe not all airbags are made to the same design and may cause issues with different spring rates (if one bag has a bigger capacity for instance it will be softer) ride height may be affected if your car has linked rears, not so much a problem if it has separate height sensors and not linked, I think most of the Mercedes have separated bags and height sensors each side, but I could be wrong.