Arnotts sells both a conversion kit, and upgraded replacement Airmatic parts. Air Suspension Kits, Air Shocks, Suspension Parts, Struts - Arnott Industries

I have no experience with how a converted car rides, but I love my Airmatic and will rebuild/replace it when it needs. Search this forum for strings about strut conversions as there are a few out here who have done the switch.

 

ok, will do that, thanx

 

I was convinced by a mechanic to do the strut conversion kit. It was the worse mistake. The car rides alot rougher and the new kit went out after 3 years. I was then told it could not be repaired because it was after market and I needed to pay the full cost again for a new kit. Kit was 985. labor 350.

 

I had the same experience with one of my friends 2001. There was a reason that Mercedes used an Airmatic Suspension on these cars. Yes granted the airmatic has it's flaws but as far as the ride goes there is no comparison between the airmatic and the coilovers. I personally would never convert.

 

We just had our 02 S430 coiled over at around 150,000 miles.

Had previously replaced the front struts with Arnott at 80k miles 7 years ago to keep the air ride - cost around $1700.

This time, the backs went out, and the compressor was ready to kick the bucket. Quote was $2,700 for restoration.

Compared this to Strutmasters, full coil over was at the $1,800 price. At the age and mileage of the car, I went the coil over route and salvaged the front Arnott's for future use on my current ride.

The ride is rougher as expected and the car sits a bit higher - C'est la vie.

 

JUST AN FYI I ALSO DID THE STRUSTMASTER CONVERSION AND HAD NO DIFFERENCE IN THE RIDE EXPECT EXTREMELY ROUGH AREAS. I HAVE SINCE PUT ROUGHLY 100K MILES ON THE KIT WHICH COME WITH LIFETIME WARRANTY SO I AM PLEASED FOR THE $1400 FOR THE KIT WHICH WAS EASY TO INSTALL. I DID LEAVE THE AIRMATIC INTACT IF I WISH TO SALVAGE OR RESTORE BUT THE COST TO REFURB SYSTEM WAS UPSIDE OF $5K HERE LOCALLY FOR PARTS.

I HAVE A 02 S430 WITH 456K MILES