Air Suspension Strut Longevity - issues?
 

Morning all


sad to say my car is spending it's days in the parking garage until I can take it down to the workshop area and get two new air-ride suspension struts. (part 37116761443)

Over the 7 years I've been driving this car, this part has been the most problematic. It's very expensive to replace, they're offered with no warranty (BMW original), and they just keep breaking. So before I shell out on a front pair, I just want to tick all the boxes with the setup to get the things to last as long as possible. Each time I replace them I've had the ride height adjusted, but the city where I live is just full of speed humps. They're everywhere. I get jealous of the Camrys and the Altimas cruising over the concrete lumps in the road, while I seem to have to drive my X ('sports activity vehicle') like it's full of dodo eggs or something, in case I burst another balloon. Seriously, what gives? Bad climate (middle east)? Fake parts? The originals seemed to last a long time without really being too antsy about road bumps, but once one went, they now break alternately every 6 months or so. I'd really like to have some idea how long they should last, and which parts of the system could ruin a healthy strut by putting too much stress on the bag - this is always the part that fails.

Ive had good luck with the Arnott brand bags, (both in BMW and in Mercedes applications) they seem to be every bit as durable as the oem stuff. if I recall correctly, they will also buy your old blown struts too ! (might help offset the cost if the shipping is too cost prohibitive)
good luck! I hear the roads out there can really dole out a beating on cars!
:cool: