W251 rear airmatic struts

[mioba]

So the last few months I noticed that when being left overnight the W251 (2010 R350 CDI) would sit low at the back. When getting in the car and starting I would get a message saying along the line - vehicle low dont drive - after 30 sec would be at normal height and off I would go.
So being OCD and liking everything perfect, I went to my indy. He explained its most likely the air struts as they have these rubber sleeves which go porous and let air out. He checked the entire system for leaks (old school soapy water) and indeed found a leak on one the rear struts.
I told him to change both struts as in my
oponion a matter of time before the other failed / or is weak already and I think its better to do both sides wrt suspension type work.

So the work was very simple, wheel off, literally a bolt on the strut and airline off and the strut pulls off. A recalibration with STAR.

The parts were about 400 per side (gen MB for me always) and labour about 1.5 hours.

The ride is notably smoother.

I asked to look at old strut and indeed the sleeve was like very dry and wrinkly.

Another expensive job done on the W251.

 

[LostKiwi]

I was fortunate in that in the pile of receipts from when we bought ours was a pair of struts and compressor. Hopefully won't need doing for a while....

 

[mioba]

Fingers crossed there wont be much more need doing having done the "weak" points (drive shaft, actuator, pinch strips, struts, a leaking turbo pipe).

Still an awesome car for me.

 

[EmilysDad]

.....

The parts were about 400 per side (gen MB for me always) and labour about 1.5 hours.

....

I paid an Indie about £350 per side to supply & fit aftermarket (Arnott?) air springs to mine when I had it

 

[mioba]

Just not how I roll @EmilysDad

 

[Craiglxviii]

Fingers crossed there wont be much more need doing having done the "weak" points (drive shaft, actuator, pinch strips, struts, a leaking turbo pipe).

Still an awesome car for me.

A/c compressor, timing chain, Airmatic pump…?

 

[mioba]

A/c compressor, timing chain, Airmatic pump…?

PLEAAAAAASE