The Airmatic DC Story

[Starfall]

This problem started with a small bump sound from the rear and next day it got really bad. Had it checked out under the ramp from a friend at kwik fit to find oil running down the shock. Asked them for a quote and they said £375 + £25 fitting which i thought was expensive until i went to MB which quoted £744.50 + £200 fitting. 2hrs later kwik fit called to say they could not touch the car because of the airmatic system and would need to be done with Star Diagnostic so i felt at a kinda dead end and would have to pay the £944.50. I only saw one used shock on ebay for £250 and was tempted to buy it. My mate who is ex mercedes said why dont we fit it and then call on the AA/RAC to use their machine to correct the suspension if anything fails or drops at the rear.....Good Idea! but i have now opted out of this plan. Called another MB and they are doing it tomorrow for £450 supplied and fitted with 1 year warranty. The morrow of the story is that if this happens to you at some point you will have a better understanding how to deal with this situation. Also shop around!!!. Front ones are different again and cost £850 each. Starfall

 

[C240Sport97]

what is the mileage on your Airmatic DC car?

 

[BlackC55]

What car? E-class?

 

[Starfall]

99500 but to be fair this is great for a shock to go this lenght on a heavy car. W211 E320 cdi (54) Noticed you have a CLS55...Very nice!. My next car will be the CLS 320cdi...One day!

 

[Starfall]

E Class W211

 

[BlackC55]

Is it just the shocks you are replacing?

That does seem rather expensive.

 

[Starfall]

Just 1 rear shock...Cost £302.00 + £150 fitting.


I would also like to thank the 2 paramedics who brought me round with oxygen outside the the first MB dealership.

 

[BlackC55]

£150 fitting!

I take it you are replacing the pair?

 

[Starfall]

This is for one shock only supplied and fitted. I know this is expensive but far better than the 1st qoute. Such a shame I live in Hamilton or I would have came to yourself to get it done.

 

[C240Sport97]

99500 but to be fair this is great for a shock to go this lenght on a heavy car. W211 E320 cdi (54) Noticed you have a CLS55...Very nice!. My next car will be the CLS 320cdi...One day!

100k miles is pretty good service life.

My CLS55 is only at 17k miles

 

[whitenemesis]

At that mileage I would replace both rear shocks. Bound to be a bit tired by now?

 

[steve333]

At that mileage I would replace both rear shocks. Bound to be a bit tired by now?

Thought they had to be replaced as a pair

 

[BlackC55]

They do. Esp at 100K

 

[Starfall]

Thanks everyone for the return on this little story and hope this could possibly help others. I will get the other done as soon as, but most people were saying including MB that you really only need to replace the faulty one. Also it is pretty hard financially to do both. Anyhow it got done today + front ball joint and also passed the health check with no other advisories. The bitterness has now turned sweet already. The drive is great again.

 

[SSR]

Starfall - wonder if you'd be kind enough to let me know which MB dealership done the job for you for £450. I've got a similar problem with my airmatic and would like to get both one or both rear shocks replaced. I live near Glasgow and am hoping the dealership you used won't be too far away. Sorry if I should've 'PMd' you with this question - but not sure how to do that - this is my first post on the forum. Many thanks.

 

[BlackC55]

Why use a dealer? I am sure there are specialists near you that can do the job.

 

[LTD]

Why use a dealer? I am sure there are specialists near you that can do the job.

Yes, good ones in Port Glasgow and at Ibrox.

 

[SSR]

Thanks for the super quick responses. I'm going to go and search now for info on the indies in Ibrox and Port Glasgow. But just before I do, what's your thoughts on the quality of job I'd get at the indie v the dealer. (I had a W202 for 6 years and always just used Glasgow MB or Glen Henderson, but have a CLS now and would be happy to avoid dealer prices if I thought the quality of work would be as good, or maybe even better!). Thanks again.

 

[LTD]

Thanks for the super quick responses. I'm going to go and search now for info on the indies in Ibrox and Port Glasgow. But just before I do, what's your thoughts on the quality of job I'd get at the indie v the dealer. (I had a W202 for 6 years and always just used Glasgow MB or Glen Henderson, but have a CLS now and would be happy to avoid dealer prices if I thought the quality of work would be as good, or maybe even better!). Thanks again.

Personally, if it's out of warranty then I would opt for an Indy.

You will get MB parts fitted if they are a good Indy.

You will pay less for labour.

You will get time-served MB trained mechanics if they are a good Indy rather than possibly paying huge rates for trainees under supervision.

Indy's depend on repeat business and word of mouth advertising rather than the corporate facade.

I use an Indy .........

 

[LTD]

SSR

Give Davy at MB Independent a call on 0141 445 8733. Based in the business park off Broomloan Road, Ibrox.

Been there, will go back.