Arnott airbags, good, bad or indifferent?

[TriX5]

The dreaded leak seems to be showing up on the left front. I am inclined to just replace the bags as the shocks seem fine still.

I have read about 20 threads on air suspension problems and quite a few have had problems with the front air bags they got from Arnott Industries. Not seen any one complain about rears from Arnott.

So I am curious to see how people eventually overcame the defective bag issue?

[AZX54.4]

I am unaware of the bad reviews you have read on this forum? In general, I have only read good feedback on the arnott replacements. I have replaced both front air struts with the arnott remans. They both work perfect and have a lifetime warranty.

There were some delays because they didn't have any in stock when I ordered my first one. When I ordered the second one it had rust on it and I was very shocked at the poor quality of the one they had sent in comparison to the first one that looked brand new. I called them and told them and customer service was perfect. They paid to have it sent back and a perfect one arrived on my doorstep by the end of the week.

Do what you are comfortable with but I have complete faith in the arnott air struts. They have been working problem free for a year. Personally I think they are better quality than the OEM ones. They use Continental rubber for the bags and the bags seem much more durable than the OEM ones. The OEM ones are made by delphi.

[TriX5]

It is good to know their customer service is good. I read a good number of threads and one guy swapped them three times before he stopped posting about it......

Glad to see they are made by Continental, that is generally reliable gear. But it does seem to be a bit iof a crapshoot as to whether the first items they send are usable.....

[Ken@exoticstuning]

My arnott rear bags are great. But the front has problem. I've tried the second set they sent me and still has minor leaks. Ordered a new complete OEM strut and everything is fine now.

[AZX54.4]

I have had nothing but good luck with my air struts and would buy from them again. They are not made by Continental. Arnott remanufactures them using Continental rubber for the bag.

[cannan]

Mine have been great so far.

[X5Cat]

Will be a week tomorrow that I've had mine on (rear, '01-X5). Seem perfect. They are not remanufactued. Advertised as new w/ lifetime warranty. They were perfect fits. Couldn't be happier with them so far.

[TriX5]

This posting from ekim is what spooked me. One bad bag would be a small issue but 3 or 4? There are some others as well

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ir-struts.html

Anyhow, I will order one bag first and see how I go.

[VinB]

I have a question on the Arnott air bag, not the strut. My Front right bag has a leak. Since the strut was back ordered and my tech was able to confirm that only the bag was leaking, I ordered just the bag. However, when we tried to install it, the air hose connector is at a 90 compared to the 45 degree connector on the original. As a result it seems like the hose may be a little short. Has anyone else had this problem? I have a 2004 X5 4.8is. If you have faced a similar problem, how did you overcome it? I have been dealing with this for more than a week and my tech too has not figured out what to do. I know a lot of helpful and well informed individuals are on this forum! appreciate your help!

[X5Cat]

Dunno. I would call Arnott, for sure.