2003 E55K Estate Airmatic Problem

[E55BOF]

The car is a 2003 E55K estate, with Airmatic, on 140K miles. Driving home, the little icon showing a white outline of the car with a vertical white arrow and the 'visit workshop' message came on. The RHF corner is very noticeably lower than the left front, and the car rides much more harshly on that corner; the RHR is very slightly lower than the LHR. When I press the button to raise the car, I get the 'car rising' message but the car stays put.

I assume it's the strut. Looking at pictures of the new part, it looks as though it will be a very easy job to replace. Am I right? Do I need it on a STAR afterwards to set up/calibrate the height on that corner?

And finally, two brands predominate on eBay, Aerosus and Airdominance. Does anyone have any information, good or bad, on either?

 

[Amo]

Aerosus and airdominance are "slightly" cheaper alternatives. TBH now you can get Arnots via ECP and or some ebay sellers. Also MB sell remanufactured parts for slightly more. so best to stick to something you know.

Arnot bits have been used time after time and do tend to last and most places you get significant warranty too.

I would get it on a ramp and spray water to see where the leak is. i am having mine tested tommorow as i ALWAYS get that error "visit workshop" after i go through a few bumps but my car is ok around all corners however it does leak when parked for 4 or more hours.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Mercedes are selling refurbed struts for circa £600.

 

[E55BOF]

Thank you, gentlemen. Amo, I don't have a slow leak, I have a total failure to pressurise; the gas bag (note effortless use of technical term...) has burst, I rather think. The OSF corner rides like a Citroen CX with a depressurised sphere.

I'm getting it done by my local indie, Wheels VT (about two minutes by car - how local can you get) on Wednesday. Just under £800 all-in, including an MB remanufactured strut, which retails for £686.48.

Thank you again.

 

[C240Sport97]

140k miles is pretty good life for the failed part

 

[E55BOF]

Always assuming it's original...

 

[MD5]

Arnott give a lifetime warranty in the States, which should be indicative of the quality of their parts?

 

[mickday]

Arnott give a lifetime warranty in the States, which should be indicative of the quality of their parts?

This lifetime warranty was also recently extended to Europe

 

[BlackC55]

It may not be a strut. It could be a bellow, a leak or a pump issue.

 

[ChrisA]

I've had Armott's on the rear for over a year now and no issues compared to the OEM ones
Lifetime guarantee is also for Europe so win win!

Auto Miessner in Germany was the source I used with next day delivery. Cost was around £650 incl shipping

Drop me a PM and I'll email you details if interested

 

[ChrisA]

Thank you, gentlemen. Amo, I don't have a slow leak, I have a total failure to pressurise; the gas bag (note effortless use of technical term...) has burst, I rather think. The OSF corner rides like a Citroen CX with a depressurised sphere.

I'm getting it done by my local indie, Wheels VT (about two minutes by car - how local can you get) on Wednesday. Just under £800 all-in, including an MB remanufactured strut, which retails for £686.48.

Thank you again.

Just read this so all good

 

[mickday]

Best thing to do will be get it on Star and run a test on AirMatic which should help narrow down exactly where the problem is before ordering any parts

 

[E55BOF]

Thanks for the info, Chris, but I think an MB remanufactured item should be OK. If not, I'll look into the Arnott; I see it can be had, ex-factory in the States, for $675, but by the time it is shipped, and VAT and duty (if any) is paid, it will probably be much the same as from Meissner. Regarding the warranty, it may not be quite as good as it might be: "Products purchased through online part stores and auctions (this does not apply to purchases made directly from Arnott) are eligible for that vendor’s warranty coverage only and you must deal with that vendor for any and all warranty or return issues. " However, if they warrant their own-supplied kit for a lifetime, that would certainly imply that it's of decent quality.

Good advice from all, but time is of the essence. I need it fixed NOW, and I will be surprised if it isn't the strut. The warning came up on the dash, followed by the ride hardening up, in a matter of a couple of minutes at most, and the RHF corner doesn't move from its low position.

They'll do the STAR diagnostics before changing the strut, but if it isn't the strut, I'll eat my own underwear...

Mind you, it would be much cheaper if it was the pump; then I could afford new underwear...

 

[ChrisA]

Regarding the warranty, it may not be quite as good as it might be: "Products purchased through online part stores and auctions (this does not apply to purchases made directly from Arnott) are eligible for that vendor’s warranty coverage only and you must deal with that vendor for any and all warranty or return issues. " However, if they warrant their own-supplied kit for a lifetime, that would certainly imply that it's of decent quality.

Just for info, Miessler sent me the rear Arnott's and after installation, approx 1 week of driving, an internal sensor on n/s/r malfunctioned. I contacted Oliver at Miessler and next day new one arrived
Great customer service and 14 months trouble free airmatic.

Good luck with the fix

 

[ChrisA]

Mind you, it would be much cheaper if it was the pump; then I could afford new underwear...

P.S. Underwear is so overrated :bannana:

 

[E55BOF]

Just for info, Miessler sent me the rear Arnott's and after installation, approx 1 week of driving, an internal sensor on n/s/r malfunctioned. I contacted Oliver at Miessler and next day new one arrived
Great customer service and 14 months trouble free airmatic.

Good luck with the fix

That's pretty impressive. If I need one again, I'll try there first, I think.

 

[paulb64]

Just to add to this, I fitted Arnott rears to my E55 about a year back when I was having problems. I have had no issues at all since and I managed to fit myself.
I bought them from P38spares who are a UK outfit - originally a RangeRover specialist, but they seem to carry a wide range of air suspension stuff and a lot of Arnott products. I figured it might be easier to deal with someone UK based in case of issues and they were able to direct me to the right part no for my car.
Hope you get sorted OK.

 

[Amo]

Just to add to this, I fitted Arnott rears to my E55 about a year back when I was having problems. I have had no issues at all since and I managed to fit myself.
I bought them from P38spares who are a UK outfit - originally a RangeRover specialist, but they seem to carry a wide range of air suspension stuff and a lot of Arnott products. I figured it might be easier to deal with someone UK based in case of issues and they were able to direct me to the right part no for my car.
Hope you get sorted OK.

Its rather a big job to do it yourself isnt it? What did you pay for bags please if you dont mind me asking.

 

[E55BOF]

And the strut it was. Phew! I've only got one spare set of underwear...