Gl420 x164 rear shock

[benny101]

Hi i have bought a gl420, 2007 x164 which has just failed its MOT for a leak in the rear shock. The car itself has adjustable ride hight etc but when I put the reg into online stores I get some which have the shock with a side box on it and some like this, which vary in price alot.

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/ridex/8002776 - without the side box

https://www.autodoc.co.uk/ridex/13644210 - with the side box

So wondering if anyone can tell me what that additional part does, and with stores saying they both fit the car what would be the disadvantage of fitting one that doesn't have this additional part?

The car currently has the additional part, but if it's not actually needed as such I would replace both with the cheaper set.

I imagine it controls the adjustable ride hight which i wouldn't be too fussed about as i don't intent to go off roading

Any help appreciated and sorry for the lack of technicality, hence the links!

 

[Will]

It won’t control the ride height, it’s for active damping - the solenoid changes the stiffness of the suspension according to the control setting.

Ride height is controlled by the air suspension system.

It’s not really to do with off roading, it’s to set the damper characteristics for on-road driving.

 

[benny101]

It won’t control the ride height, it’s for active damping - the solenoid changes the stiffness of the suspension according to the control setting.

Ride height is controlled by the air suspension system.

It’s not really to do with off roading, it’s to set the damper characteristics for on-road driving.

Thanks will, so would there be a big difference changing to shocks without this part? Thanks again

 

[Will]

Looking at the dampers you link to, the top mountings of them are totally different - regardless of the functionality side of these parts.