"Bouncy" W163

[Meldrew2]

I've had my W163 ML350 from new, 9 years ago, and it's covered 39,000 miles.

I have noticed that it's quite "wallowy" on undulating roads and bendy roads. I'm not sure if it's always been like this - but I don't think so.

Could the shock absorbers be ready for replacement? It's only low miles, but it is a heavy car.

Is there anything else that the forum could suggest? I'm hardly driving the car now as the handling is making me a bit seasick, so I don't mind spending a few £££s if it means that I can make more use of the car and resist the temptation to go over to the dark side with an X1

Cheers, guys!

 

[Meldrew2]

Following a bit of googling, I've shortlisted the following:

1. Eibach lowering springs
2. Bilstein shock absorbers
3. 235/65/17 tyres

What does the forum think? The car is used on-road only, so off-road capability is not a factor, ride comfort is.

 

[Meldrew2]

198 views but no suggestions? Come on guys!

What does the forum think about these? http://www.trackstyle.co.uk/hr-anti-roll-bar-kit-mercedes-ml-w163-type-163-1097-front--rear-33308-p.asp

 

[V12]

Fit airride suspension all round.

 

[Meldrew2]

Fit airride suspension all round.

Is this even an option on W163? I ask because I thought it was only available on the newer W164. I understand that aftermarket kits fit the rear - but not the front.

 

[V12]

Renntech definitely offered a kit to eliminate the torsion bar and improve ride and handling.

Think it may have been coilovers all around.

Airride can be fitted to anything, sometimes it's not an easy bolt on job though!

 

[Terry_]

You just need new shocks I think. The 163 chomps through shocks!!!!

 

[martyp87]

Your list sounds good. I was going to go for the same on my old Jeep Grand Cherokee but never got round to it. Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks are a match made in heaven. F&R sway bars will help too.

Aren't your tyres not 275 though? I ask as my dad has a W163 with 275/65/17...

 

[Meldrew2]

You just need new shocks I think. The 163 chomps through shocks!!!!

I wondered, because it eats brake discs too. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Meldrew2]

......Aren't your tyres not 275 though? I ask as my dad has a W163 with 275/65/17...

Yes, I think so. The tyre advice was from a US forum, maybe they have different spec wheels over there.......

 

[Terry_]

Yep they chomp through brakes too