Thank you for your video review of these front struts. As you note Arnott improved upon the OE design by adding the bottom isolator seal and replaced the top seal. Arnott also uses oil resistant o-rings and a multi-ply, cross hatch, Continental ContiTech rubber air spring along with heavy duty tier one (OE Quality) crimping rings. The internal damper is also recharged with high-performance shock oil and worn components such as the rod guides and seal pack are replaced. The clean finish on the Arnott strut is thanks to a process that steam cleans and then media blasts (like sand blasting) which removes all paint and corrosion before being repainted with corrosion resistant paint. They are also computer dyno tested to assure full OE damping functionality. If the new rear air spring ever develops a leak - Arnott does have replacement air springs for AMG and non-AMG models. We also have a front air spring if you wanted to reuse your OE (or Arnott) shock (damper) and Arnott designed new front struts which do not support the SUV's active damping but have zero miles and are tuned (valved) to ride like the OE. Of course all Arnott shocks, springs and both new and reman struts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty (for as long as you own the vehicle) in North America and a 2 - Year warranty elsewhere. Here is a link to Arnott parts for the X164: www.arnottindustries.com/amf...ds-2010-233159
your struts are absolute trash, my car sounds like a lowered Honda Civic with them installed, rattle after rattle, and you customer service is terrible you dont stand behind your products at all. I couldnt find my receipt and you denied warranty. pretty shitty of you.
Update: I have had these bags in my car for a few years now and have not had ANY problems with them. I would certainly buy them again! As far as ride quality goes...I could not tell the difference between any of the different manufacturers. Of course, I drive the car like an old man and have this car to pull a camping trailer (probably in the 4,000 to 6,000 lb range, double axle with trailer brakes). The bags hold the vehicle and the trailer super straight with absolutely no rear end sag. Of course, the diesel motor pulls it like a dream with rock solid engine braking and electric trailer brakes.
I’ve been hearing a lot of this sort of thing about rebuild master tech struts. I like Arnott as a reasonably priced replacement. And also the lifetime warranty is very important for me.
Arnott is probably the best out there I bought few for different w211 The bag is thick and it rides batter then oem. On my E55 amg on sport 2 it rides stiffer gives you a batter road feel love it.
One thing that wasn't mentioned and you can see in the video, is the Arnott suspension uses a Continental air bag. That is probably an upgrade in quality over the OEM.
I have 2007 GL450, and original factory ones lasted about 10 years, and replaced at the dealership, but those only lasted 5 years. I think original factory was Bilstein made in Germany, but replaced ones are Bilstein made in USA.
I purchase an RMT remanufactured strut on eBay for my 2007 Jaguar XJ8. It was professionally installed, but it was already blown, right out the box! I sent that back to RMT and got another one, and this had a slower leak, but the car is down on the wheels in the morning. Labor for two installs cost over $800. I still have the second slow-leaker on my car because it does come up when driven, but I will replace it with an Arnott when I feel like spending more money. AVOID RMT LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! Customer service was incredibly rude and dismissive. I pray they go out of business! July 2022.
Great video. I have bilstein struts at front and 6 yrs the front passenger bag has small leak. It's ADS as gl500, was thinking of just putting the arnott air spring on the existing bilstein strut, any issues with that? Also why does Arnott not offer the same lifetime warranty outside nth America?
Looks like the OEM is make by Ate for Mercedes (based on the Ate+Mercedes) logo on the band. Ate make lots of OEM stuff for German cars, and I'd bet all the OEM bags are sourced from Continental.
Ate is Bilstein is Thyssenkrupp. one and the same. Not sure exact relationships between these companies, which is parent company of which, and which merged with which. but all their logos are on the product.
What I can't figure out as why airbags are not made of the same material as the airbags that go on semi-trucks, which handle awesome payloads compared to a SUV or car. The airbags on a semi-truck have braids, not sure if the braids are steel belts or some other cords but definitely last a long time. In my 37 years of trucking, I've experienced 1 airbag blowout and that was on an old trailer. I had enough issues with airbags on 3 different vehicles that I will never buy another car with airbags again, unless they've been converted to coil over struts. Just my opinion. Drive safe
My GL has 190K+ miles on so it is time to rebuild the complete suspension. Why do you say Arnott sucks? I did use Arnott rear bags @ 100K miles but a bag is easy and doesn't include a shock so it is a different animal.
You say Bilstein is making OEM MErcedes bags... But it is written on that top sticker it is ATE + Mercedes logo... And thanx for the video... i will go with Arnott than!
The air ride is very smooth and super easy to repair defective bags. Most replacement bags come with a lifetime warranty so it's just your labor that you would need to put in. The air bags were a weak point of these vehicles. I couldn't replace springs as I dont have the tools and it sounds like a much tougher job. I considered switching but only for a short while. I pull a RV trailer and love that the car automatically compensates for the trailer tongue weight which you couldnt do with springs. I also like being able to raise the car a few inches when I am driving on dirt roads...which you couldn't do with springs.
I owned this car for 2 years and sold it cz of the airbags! And i really like bug the only way for me to get it again is if i get rid of the air bags system ! Thank you for the reply, very helpful
I love the bags... but I believe you have to vibrate on on that kind of level, bc if not, it’ll just be a headache 🤕. The best way to know is to ask yourself the question and go with that answer.
Arnott is the way to go! Purchased another brand and they didn't last 5 miles. The lower rings and seals failed. You definitely get what you pay for. Other company wanted to send replacements but given they failed within 5 miles I would not feel comfortable putting my family at risk.
I'm so mad with all three brands. Because they don't have shocks for my 11 cadillac dts luxury version. Arnott sales the cheap version but I want the same look version. Yet a guy with a cadillac truck can get the oem same look Arnott and etc. I'm jealous and mad 😠
Well...I purchased the car used with, what the seller said, was a relatively new RMT components. RMT did send me a replacement bag right after I purchased the car since the previous owner had already filed a claim and that was already in process. The claim was that one of the RMT bags had a slow leak but was still able to be used. So...one of the RMT bags was new to me. That newly replaced RMT bag failed in less than 3 months. RMT might have replaced that bag again under warranty but I didn't want to have an RMT component on my vehicle. Free replacements are not free when you factor the hassle of getting the car towed, filing the necessary paperwork, waiting for the parts, then finding time to actually do the work.
@@noahfigueroa3534 yeah i just skipped over buying RMT to! Just got 4 air shocks & 2 air pump compressors for $500 flat from! Maxspeedingrods.com Ill keep ya posted on how they came out! I realized after doing much research, its not even worth getting Arnott, Rmt, ,Suncore and so on, the bag is gonna eventually bust, might as well get it else were! Only other place was 1aautoparts.com but there cheapest price would've been $200 + still! About to look in to those Rancho 9000xl for the front shocks if not Monroe or Bilstein seems to be the best! Is that same shock still on the truck?
Appreciate you sharing your observations, but I suspect your comments are strictly from visual observations for some of the products (and usage experience with others). Having both personal and professional experience in mechanics, I would advocate Arnott products above and beyond Genuine, and cheap knock offs - debatable against Bilstein. The Fact that Arnott would generally be cheaper and offer superior warranty against its closest competitor of Belistein, would have me lean more to Arnott. Of course, like 99% of all internet posts about vehicles, readers must sort through the information (often opinions) online and make their own decision. My comment, is as well, an opinion but perhaps others could consider what I've said and use that to help them make a decision.
Comments by a random stranger with not a RUclips channel of his own is equally unreliable. I would encourage you to dig deeper and do your own video analysis as I would love to learn more. I could not find any other comparisons between these brands. Its the best I could do...and I admit I am not a professional. However, there is plenty of validity in comparing the exterior characteristics of an object in order to try to asserter the overall performance. Sloppy work outside might be a good indicator of sloppy work inside...or...maybe sloppy work equals better performance. IDK. You tell me. I would love to learn!
@@noahfigueroarealestateagent as you noted, you don’t know. As an engineer in automotive and aerospace, you need to go deeper than “by looks” to establish quality or performance. It might be obvious for a lot of people, but it is NOT to be used to gauge it. There are some things in the video which should be corrected “AND” explicitly said that It’s meant to “show” a few things, but not judge them. Nobody knows whether quality, installation, or use impacted the performance of these items. So, posting with proper intent, gives the best information for viewers. Again, doing this video is good and seems to have a good intent, but not to establish, out of 1 anecdotal experience quality or performance of product. Forrest for the trees!!
Mate, you haven't been very lucky with your air suspension... Have you considered looking at it from a different angle, like checking the pressure under load and with no load? It could very well be that your pressure regulator is defective and this could be a cause for your extensive collection of blown bags... Also, please stop pronouncing "bilsteen"!!! Read the label, it says Bilstein, not Bilsteen. The correct pronunciation is BILSHTAIN. Will you do that for me because I'm German and my ears hurt. Thank you.
Its been about a few years since I replaced the bags with no further problems. I had previously replaced the compressor and block but don't even think about the regulator (not even sure where the regulator is at but would assume its a part of the air compressor or block). Also, I would get some pretty funny faces from my neighbors if they heard me say "bilshtain". I totally understand you are probably historically correct on that side of the world but that word has been melted into this melting-pot of a country. It would be interesting to hear how people from South America or Africa pronounce it. How do you pronounce "determined" or "debt" or "infamous"?
@@noahfigueroa3534 Good to know that they didn't brake anymore. The pressure is not random, it's controlled... The people surrounding you don't matter when it comes to speak in a correct manner... Have a good one!
@@A.Dude. I have to agree with you on the Bilshtain part.. I’m from Norway but had German at school for many years and know the language from watching tv as a youngster and having some family in Germany.. the pronunciation annoys me too 😂👍🏻
Thank you for your video review of these front struts. As you note Arnott improved upon the OE design by adding the bottom isolator seal and replaced the top seal. Arnott also uses oil resistant o-rings and a multi-ply, cross hatch, Continental ContiTech rubber air spring along with heavy duty tier one (OE Quality) crimping rings. The internal damper is also recharged with high-performance shock oil and worn components such as the rod guides and seal pack are replaced. The clean finish on the Arnott strut is thanks to a process that steam cleans and then media blasts (like sand blasting) which removes all paint and corrosion before being repainted with corrosion resistant paint. They are also computer dyno tested to assure full OE damping functionality.
If the new rear air spring ever develops a leak - Arnott does have replacement air springs for AMG and non-AMG models. We also have a front air spring if you wanted to reuse your OE (or Arnott) shock (damper) and Arnott designed new front struts which do not support the SUV's active damping but have zero miles and are tuned (valved) to ride like the OE. Of course all Arnott shocks, springs and both new and reman struts come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty (for as long as you own the vehicle) in North America and a 2 - Year warranty elsewhere.
Here is a link to Arnott parts for the X164: www.arnottindustries.com/amf...ds-2010-233159
Arnott Air Suspension how long are they supposed to last? All 4 have been replaced on my jaguar and they’re already leaking.
Arnott rear air bags on my 2007 GL lasted 6 years 60k miles. Sent email to arnott tasking about warranty but did not get any reply.
your struts are absolute trash, my car sounds like a lowered Honda Civic with them installed, rattle after rattle, and you customer service is terrible you dont stand behind your products at all. I couldnt find my receipt and you denied warranty. pretty shitty of you.
I do appreciate you taking the time and efforts in sharing your experience for the sake of goodness & awareness "Big hello from Egypt".
Update: I have had these bags in my car for a few years now and have not had ANY problems with them. I would certainly buy them again! As far as ride quality goes...I could not tell the difference between any of the different manufacturers. Of course, I drive the car like an old man and have this car to pull a camping trailer (probably in the 4,000 to 6,000 lb range, double axle with trailer brakes). The bags hold the vehicle and the trailer super straight with absolutely no rear end sag. Of course, the diesel motor pulls it like a dream with rock solid engine braking and electric trailer brakes.
I’ve been hearing a lot of this sort of thing about rebuild master tech struts. I like Arnott as a reasonably priced replacement. And also the lifetime warranty is very important for me.
Arnott is probably the best out there I bought few for different w211 The bag is thick and it rides batter then oem. On my E55 amg on sport 2 it rides stiffer gives you a batter road feel love it.
Good overview of different manufacturers thanks
Very good comparison thank you for the video.
I appreciate you sharing. This may have save me a lot of pain, as I was just about to order RMT bags.
You are welcome. There was a huge difference in build quality!
Rmt are garbage wasted my 400.00
One thing that wasn't mentioned and you can see in the video, is the Arnott suspension uses a Continental air bag. That is probably an upgrade in quality over the OEM.
I have 2007 GL450, and original factory ones lasted about 10 years, and replaced at the dealership, but those only lasted 5 years.
I think original factory was Bilstein made in Germany, but replaced ones are Bilstein made in USA.
The problem here is the steel rings if they cheaped out on them the rubber doesnt metter
I purchase an RMT remanufactured strut on eBay for my 2007 Jaguar XJ8. It was professionally installed, but it was already blown, right out the box! I sent that back to RMT and got another one, and this had a slower leak, but the car is down on the wheels in the morning. Labor for two installs cost over $800. I still have the second slow-leaker on my car because it does come up when driven, but I will replace it with an Arnott when I feel like spending more money. AVOID RMT LIKE THE PLAGUE!!! Customer service was incredibly rude and dismissive. I pray they go out of business! July 2022.
Great video. I have bilstein struts at front and 6 yrs the front passenger bag has small leak. It's ADS as gl500, was thinking of just putting the arnott air spring on the existing bilstein strut, any issues with that? Also why does Arnott not offer the same lifetime warranty outside nth America?
Looks like the OEM is make by Ate for Mercedes (based on the Ate+Mercedes) logo on the band. Ate make lots of OEM stuff for German cars, and I'd bet all the OEM bags are sourced from Continental.
Ate is a subsidiary of Continental Teves.
Ate is Bilstein is Thyssenkrupp. one and the same.
Not sure exact relationships between these companies, which is parent company of which, and which merged with which.
but all their logos are on the product.
What I can't figure out as why airbags are not made of the same material as the airbags that go on semi-trucks, which handle awesome payloads compared to a SUV or car. The airbags on a semi-truck have braids, not sure if the braids are steel belts or some other cords but definitely last a long time. In my 37 years of trucking, I've experienced 1 airbag blowout and that was on an old trailer. I had enough issues with airbags on 3 different vehicles that I will never buy another car with airbags again, unless they've been converted to coil over struts. Just my opinion. Drive safe
I installed the Rebuild Master tech and they made so much noise, i took them out after 3 weeks and sent them back. Arnotts suck also..
My GL has 190K+ miles on so it is time to rebuild the complete suspension. Why do you say Arnott sucks? I did use Arnott rear bags @ 100K miles but a bag is easy and doesn't include a shock so it is a different animal.
what you are considering as the bag is the dust cover for the bag. Nice video though
I didn't realize that was just a cover. Very good to know. Thanks!
The front of my GL 450,
2007 is always going down, what spare parts do I need, please?
You say Bilstein is making OEM MErcedes bags... But it is written on that top sticker it is ATE + Mercedes logo... And thanx for the video... i will go with Arnott than!
Ate is a subsidiary of Continental Teves.
great video!
That's an extraordinary compliment coming from an industry guy like you. Thanks!
Could you do one for hudrolic struts for sl500 r230
I replaced my old Range Rover out with arnott , quality was much better than oem. I’ll pick Arnott any day
Hello,
What do you think about switching completely from air springs to normal coil springs ?
Is that doable ?
The air ride is very smooth and super easy to repair defective bags. Most replacement bags come with a lifetime warranty so it's just your labor that you would need to put in. The air bags were a weak point of these vehicles. I couldn't replace springs as I dont have the tools and it sounds like a much tougher job. I considered switching but only for a short while. I pull a RV trailer and love that the car automatically compensates for the trailer tongue weight which you couldnt do with springs. I also like being able to raise the car a few inches when I am driving on dirt roads...which you couldn't do with springs.
I owned this car for 2 years and sold it cz of the airbags! And i really like bug the only way for me to get it again is if i get rid of the air bags system ! Thank you for the reply, very helpful
Which one worked best for you and comes with lifetime warranty
I love the bags... but I believe you have to vibrate on on that kind of level, bc if not, it’ll just be a headache 🤕. The best way to know is to ask yourself the question and go with that answer.
How has been doing those Arnott struts? do you recommend them?
So far, no problems at all. I like them! I would certainly buy the same ones over again. Great question!
Arnott is the way to go! Purchased another brand and they didn't last 5 miles. The lower rings and seals failed. You definitely get what you pay for. Other company wanted to send replacements but given they failed within 5 miles I would not feel comfortable putting my family at risk.
So what about ride quality? How do the different brands affect the final result in terms of ride quality? Did you notice any difference?
Great question that I actually hadn't thought about before. I could not notice a difference.
I'm so mad with all three brands. Because they don't have shocks for my 11 cadillac dts luxury version. Arnott sales the cheap version but I want the same look version. Yet a guy with a cadillac truck can get the oem same look Arnott and etc. I'm jealous and mad 😠
Yeah if you brought that Rmt used then it doesn't count for the test!
Well...I purchased the car used with, what the seller said, was a relatively new RMT components. RMT did send me a replacement bag right after I purchased the car since the previous owner had already filed a claim and that was already in process. The claim was that one of the RMT bags had a slow leak but was still able to be used. So...one of the RMT bags was new to me. That newly replaced RMT bag failed in less than 3 months. RMT might have replaced that bag again under warranty but I didn't want to have an RMT component on my vehicle. Free replacements are not free when you factor the hassle of getting the car towed, filing the necessary paperwork, waiting for the parts, then finding time to actually do the work.
@@noahfigueroa3534 yeah i just skipped over buying RMT to!
Just got 4 air shocks & 2 air pump compressors for $500 flat from!
Maxspeedingrods.com
Ill keep ya posted on how they came out!
I realized after doing much research, its not even worth getting Arnott, Rmt, ,Suncore and so on, the bag is gonna eventually bust, might as well get it else were! Only other place was 1aautoparts.com but there cheapest price would've been $200 + still!
About to look in to those Rancho 9000xl for the front shocks if not Monroe or Bilstein seems to be the best!
Is that same shock still on the truck?
Appreciate you sharing your observations, but I suspect your comments are strictly from visual observations for some of the products (and usage experience with others). Having both personal and professional experience in mechanics, I would advocate Arnott products above and beyond Genuine, and cheap knock offs - debatable against Bilstein. The Fact that Arnott would generally be cheaper and offer superior warranty against its closest competitor of Belistein, would have me lean more to Arnott. Of course, like 99% of all internet posts about vehicles, readers must sort through the information (often opinions) online and make their own decision. My comment, is as well, an opinion but perhaps others could consider what I've said and use that to help them make a decision.
You are 100% correct. I am an armature mechanic and based my opinions on visual observations.
Arnott front struts are junk. I had to replace them again with Bilstein.
My set were beter the bilsteins and ride better and no issues. Either fsulty part or dodgy install
Fcp euro even will lifetime warranty engine oil. Send your old oil back for credit. They are awesome.
Ate is the manufacturer for Benz and Bilstein btw
I am switching to coil suspensions!
I switched a month ago and loving my s500
Someone jus gone broke hes going coils😜
Performance by looking at stuff is not a reliable measure of quality….sorry
Comments by a random stranger with not a RUclips channel of his own is equally unreliable. I would encourage you to dig deeper and do your own video analysis as I would love to learn more. I could not find any other comparisons between these brands. Its the best I could do...and I admit I am not a professional. However, there is plenty of validity in comparing the exterior characteristics of an object in order to try to asserter the overall performance. Sloppy work outside might be a good indicator of sloppy work inside...or...maybe sloppy work equals better performance. IDK. You tell me. I would love to learn!
@@noahfigueroarealestateagent as you noted, you don’t know. As an engineer in automotive and aerospace, you need to go deeper than “by looks” to establish quality or performance. It might be obvious for a lot of people, but it is NOT to be used to gauge it. There are some things in the video which should be corrected “AND” explicitly said that It’s meant to “show” a few things, but not judge them. Nobody knows whether quality, installation, or use impacted the performance of these items.
So, posting with proper intent, gives the best information for viewers. Again, doing this video is good and seems to have a good intent, but not to establish, out of 1 anecdotal experience quality or performance of product. Forrest for the trees!!
RMT LMAO
Mate, you haven't been very lucky with your air suspension... Have you considered looking at it from a different angle, like checking the pressure under load and with no load? It could very well be that your pressure regulator is defective and this could be a cause for your extensive collection of blown bags... Also, please stop pronouncing "bilsteen"!!! Read the label, it says Bilstein, not Bilsteen. The correct pronunciation is BILSHTAIN. Will you do that for me because I'm German and my ears hurt. Thank you.
Its been about a few years since I replaced the bags with no further problems. I had previously replaced the compressor and block but don't even think about the regulator (not even sure where the regulator is at but would assume its a part of the air compressor or block). Also, I would get some pretty funny faces from my neighbors if they heard me say "bilshtain". I totally understand you are probably historically correct on that side of the world but that word has been melted into this melting-pot of a country. It would be interesting to hear how people from South America or Africa pronounce it. How do you pronounce "determined" or "debt" or "infamous"?
@@noahfigueroa3534 Good to know that they didn't brake anymore. The pressure is not random, it's controlled... The people surrounding you don't matter when it comes to speak in a correct manner... Have a good one!
@@A.Dude. I have to agree with you on the Bilshtain part.. I’m from Norway but had German at school for many years and know the language from watching tv as a youngster and having some family in Germany.. the pronunciation annoys me too 😂👍🏻
@@noahfigueroa3534 - is it bilshtain, bil-stine it bilsteen?
The world may never know... 🌎🤔💭 😇
Please, find a synonym for "substantial" ...
Please post your own videos and use whatever words u want and leave mine alone.