Which route for front airbag/shock replacement?

[svvg]

Hi All,

I have a 2004 4.8 X5 with 2 axle self levelling air suspension. Done about 125,000 miles. This morning the front of the car had sagged, with the arches resting pretty much on the wheels. When I unlocked the car the front rose, but I could hear air hissing from the front right wheel arch.

I started the car and both sides filled. Front right no longer hissed, but I can see splits where the airbag folds under - with some of the internal strengthening cord poking though. And the front left has not filled fully.

In terms of replacement I haven‘t even considered bmw as I expect to pay north of £1,000 per strut if I did(!). Are Arnott the go-to brand? Would anyone advise simply replacing the airbag - or the entire front strut assembly?

I’d like to keep the handling as good as I can rather than “cheap out” - albeit I’m not prepared to drop thousands of pounds on bmw parts vs a good quality aftermarket solution. I can do all the work myself and have INPA/DIS etc - but really grateful for some advice on which brand and which approach to take (just the airbag or the whole strut). I’ll do both sides at the same time.

Many thanks!