help- koni, bilstein or g500 shocks for 05 g55??
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Beirut, Lebanon
2009 G55 AMG
Sorry I can't edit my last two posts. I had the years wrong on my friends G.
Alright I have solved the problem for G55 owners that want a softer ride!!!!!!!!
My friend has a 07 G55 and he installed 2011 G550 shocks. read his review......
"After a month of phone calls and online research I discovered no one could tell me if G-Class shocks were interchangeable! I decided to roll the dice and just try as I was tired of hearing peoples endless theories. Guess What? Not only do G550 shocks fit a G55 AMG they make it ride and feel like a Mercedes should! Attached are two pictures of the shocks side by side (2011 G550 and 2007 G55 AMG). The rears as you can see look the same and match perfect. The G550 front shocks are taller when un-compressed. The guys at Fairview Automotive in Vancouver fully compressed the fronts to make sure they matched so there was no issue with bottoming out. The G550 shocks are also noticeably softer when manually compressed. After the install the difference was amazing! The bone jarring bumps of the AMG shocks were gone! The ride is firm but very comfortable, It almost feels like I'm driving an ML. Cornering at speed feels pretty much the same. I guess the AMG sway bars & springs provide most of the so called cornering performance. This swap is a must for anyone using their G55 in the city or off road. Parts, installation and taxes for the complete job was $1,700 Canadian."
Alright I have solved the problem for G55 owners that want a softer ride!!!!!!!!
My friend has a 07 G55 and he installed 2011 G550 shocks. read his review......
"After a month of phone calls and online research I discovered no one could tell me if G-Class shocks were interchangeable! I decided to roll the dice and just try as I was tired of hearing peoples endless theories. Guess What? Not only do G550 shocks fit a G55 AMG they make it ride and feel like a Mercedes should! Attached are two pictures of the shocks side by side (2011 G550 and 2007 G55 AMG). The rears as you can see look the same and match perfect. The G550 front shocks are taller when un-compressed. The guys at Fairview Automotive in Vancouver fully compressed the fronts to make sure they matched so there was no issue with bottoming out. The G550 shocks are also noticeably softer when manually compressed. After the install the difference was amazing! The bone jarring bumps of the AMG shocks were gone! The ride is firm but very comfortable, It almost feels like I'm driving an ML. Cornering at speed feels pretty much the same. I guess the AMG sway bars & springs provide most of the so called cornering performance. This swap is a must for anyone using their G55 in the city or off road. Parts, installation and taxes for the complete job was $1,700 Canadian."
My dealer here in Beirut is kinda dumb, and i dont trust them to order the right shocks for this swap...
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Beirut, Lebanon
2009 G55 AMG
I then went back to the parts department, and used that VIN to order the front and rear shock absorbers. I pray that nothing has changed in the way they are manufactured or installed between 2009 and 2011. Otherwise, im screwed if they dont install correctly on my car.
Needs 2 weeks to get here...wish me luck!
Part numbers for G500 shocks:
0063230200 (x2)
0053261700 (x2)
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
G55
Help!! G55 suspension - need help
All,
I have read the many posts regarding the stiff g55 suspension, but i remain a little confused. I live in mongolia where there are very few good roads and in some cases no roads at all. I bought a 2009 g55, as much as i love it the ride is just too hard. I am confused bout the benefits of changing the shocks or the springs or both to g550/500 units. Please could someone give me a little overview and how best i can improve the terrible ride quality.
Many thnks in advance
Howard
I have read the many posts regarding the stiff g55 suspension, but i remain a little confused. I live in mongolia where there are very few good roads and in some cases no roads at all. I bought a 2009 g55, as much as i love it the ride is just too hard. I am confused bout the benefits of changing the shocks or the springs or both to g550/500 units. Please could someone give me a little overview and how best i can improve the terrible ride quality.
Many thnks in advance
Howard
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
G300
All,
I have read the many posts regarding the stiff g55 suspension, but i remain a little confused. I live in mongolia where there are very few good roads and in some cases no roads at all. I bought a 2009 g55, as much as i love it the ride is just too hard. I am confused bout the benefits of changing the shocks or the springs or both to g550/500 units. Please could someone give me a little overview and how best i can improve the terrible ride quality.
Many thnks in advance
Howard
I have read the many posts regarding the stiff g55 suspension, but i remain a little confused. I live in mongolia where there are very few good roads and in some cases no roads at all. I bought a 2009 g55, as much as i love it the ride is just too hard. I am confused bout the benefits of changing the shocks or the springs or both to g550/500 units. Please could someone give me a little overview and how best i can improve the terrible ride quality.
Many thnks in advance
Howard
but will also sit the G higher than an AMG set up
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 135
Likes: 43
From: Canada
2016 G550 - 1999 G320 SWB - 2001 G320-Cabrio
If you want a review just read my post above. If you want the Cole's note version then just buy G550 shocks and keep the factory springs and you will have a better ride on your G55!!
If you install G550 shocks you can keep the G55 springs.
Installing G550 springs will get you the best ride and keeping your G55 springs will keep your G at the same ride height.
If you install G550 shocks you can keep the G55 springs.
Installing G550 springs will get you the best ride and keeping your G55 springs will keep your G at the same ride height.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
G55
What has the largest impact on softening the ride, the springs or the shocks? Also, by changing the shocks, but not the springs will it upset the traction control? Basically, I want the easiest way to make the car more driveable - with the less amount of trouble if possible
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 272
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
'10 G55, Challenge Stradale, 997.1 GT3, E63 Wagon
What has the largest impact on softening the ride, the springs or the shocks? Also, by changing the shocks, but not the springs will it upset the traction control? Basically, I want the easiest way to make the car more driveable - with the less amount of trouble if possible
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2007.5 G55 & 2007 997 GT3 & 1993 964 Turbo 3.6
You are right about the Dealer in Beirut. They are very “G-Class unfriendly”, in-fact the whole country is… I feel ashamed when they call it an ML. Also, I just found out recently that the dealer put the wrong Brake Rotors on my G… very unprofessional.
thanks
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Beirut, Lebanon
2009 G55 AMG
Glad to hear someone out there has same issues. My wife keeps complaining to me that the G is too stiff...3 years of complaining. Anyway, I would like to know how your project went with the new shocks.
You are right about the Dealer in Beirut. They are very “G-Class unfriendly”, in-fact the whole country is… I feel ashamed when they call it an ML. Also, I just found out recently that the dealer put the wrong Brake Rotors on my G… very unprofessional.
thanks
You are right about the Dealer in Beirut. They are very “G-Class unfriendly”, in-fact the whole country is… I feel ashamed when they call it an ML. Also, I just found out recently that the dealer put the wrong Brake Rotors on my G… very unprofessional.
thanks
Honestly...anybody who has even a single doubt about this modification needs to know that its a night and day difference!! My car is 100 times more comfortable on the roads in Lebanon. You can instantly feel the difference and believe me its worth every penny. I love my G55 so much more now because of this and feel i can easily drive it another few years without thinking of selling it. My girlfriend also loves my car. She hardly understands the mechanics of how these cars work, but even she was instantly surprised after taking a ride in my car with the new suspension.
IT IS A MUST FOR LEBANESE ROADS!
Good Luck
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: SF - Bay Area
R63- wife's
Sorry for not updating this sooner. I did in fact change my shocks to the G500 shocks with part numbers which i have posted above. My car is a 2009 model, so i simply got a 2009 model G500 VIN number and ordered the shock absorbers. It was an easy swap procedure which took my garage a couple hours.
Honestly...anybody who has even a single doubt about this modification needs to know that its a night and day difference!! My car is 100 times more comfortable on the roads in Lebanon. You can instantly feel the difference and believe me its worth every penny. I love my G55 so much more now because of this and feel i can easily drive it another few years without thinking of selling it. My girlfriend also loves my car. She hardly understands the mechanics of how these cars work, but even she was instantly surprised after taking a ride in my car with the new suspension.
IT IS A MUST FOR LEBANESE ROADS!
Good Luck
Honestly...anybody who has even a single doubt about this modification needs to know that its a night and day difference!! My car is 100 times more comfortable on the roads in Lebanon. You can instantly feel the difference and believe me its worth every penny. I love my G55 so much more now because of this and feel i can easily drive it another few years without thinking of selling it. My girlfriend also loves my car. She hardly understands the mechanics of how these cars work, but even she was instantly surprised after taking a ride in my car with the new suspension.
IT IS A MUST FOR LEBANESE ROADS!
Good Luck
Thanks Tupps for the info.
Any problems with the traction control with the new shocks?
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Beirut, Lebanon
2009 G55 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 327
Likes: 5
2017 G63 Edition 463, 2008 G55k
Ride height: 2009 or newer G55 vs G550
Hi. Would anyone know the difference in ride height betwen a 2009 or newer G55 and a G550?
Please measure from center of hub to the edge of the bottom of the fender.
Thanks in advance
Please measure from center of hub to the edge of the bottom of the fender.
Thanks in advance
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
Can i revive this thread?
Im in absolute awe of my 03 G55 I love it, do wish is was Supercharged
but whatever thats another topic - I have read multiple times the 03 G55
has the stiffest suspension of them all, and I have lost a filling or two.
As a driver its fun, but all passengers complain and say "shoulda bought a range rover".
Question is - is the spring rate the same in an 09 up as in my 03?
Also is there a difference between a G500 shock to a G550 shock.
is there a particular year shock I should get or is it interchangeable?
If so please elaborate. - Since i don't have a supercharged motor and my G is
a city , highway truck, the speed and cornering factors we can leave aside.
I love the brutness of my truck but cant have wife complaining so much and my
rear passengers flying around. Im going to do a shock swap just want to be sure of which is best
between 500 and 550, along with should I change the spring to an 09 up as well or is mine the same.
Thank you !!
Im in absolute awe of my 03 G55 I love it, do wish is was Supercharged
but whatever thats another topic - I have read multiple times the 03 G55
has the stiffest suspension of them all, and I have lost a filling or two.
As a driver its fun, but all passengers complain and say "shoulda bought a range rover".
Question is - is the spring rate the same in an 09 up as in my 03?
Also is there a difference between a G500 shock to a G550 shock.
is there a particular year shock I should get or is it interchangeable?
If so please elaborate. - Since i don't have a supercharged motor and my G is
a city , highway truck, the speed and cornering factors we can leave aside.
I love the brutness of my truck but cant have wife complaining so much and my
rear passengers flying around. Im going to do a shock swap just want to be sure of which is best
between 500 and 550, along with should I change the spring to an 09 up as well or is mine the same.
Thank you !!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
G55 E320
Hi there
We have a 2005 G55 Grand Edition. Ride is very stiff on road.
Read that the G500/G550 swap is the way to go.
Can someone confirm which Bilstein numbers are the right ones...want to pick them off E Bay ?
Front: Bilstein # 24-017275
Rear Bilstein #: 24-017282
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bilstein-24-...JW6sPJ&vxp=mtr
We have a 2005 G55 Grand Edition. Ride is very stiff on road.
Read that the G500/G550 swap is the way to go.
Can someone confirm which Bilstein numbers are the right ones...want to pick them off E Bay ?
Front: Bilstein # 24-017275
Rear Bilstein #: 24-017282
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bilstein-24-...JW6sPJ&vxp=mtr
Last edited by jayfrem; Apr 6, 2016 at 04:56 PM. Reason: Want to add part #
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
From my homework, most say its best to use OEM 09 and up G550 shocks rather than Bilstein or other aftermarket companies for the better ride. Handling in extreme situations have had some on the fence for doing it. But the ones who did swap over to G550s said they love their truck so much more now and refuse to sell their truck because now it rides way less rigid. I did recently read that Renntech has made some new shocks for the w463s promising a better ride
Last edited by MPOW33R; Apr 11, 2016 at 02:58 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
G55 E320
From my homework, most say its best to use OEM 09 and up G550 shocks rather than Bilstein or other aftermarket companies for the better ride. Handling in extreme situations have had some on the fence for doing it. But the ones who did swap over to G550s said they love their truck so much more now and refuse to sell their truck because now it rides way less rigid. I did recently read that Renntech has made some new shocks for the w463s promising a better ride
Thanks a lot for the reply. But doesn't the G500/550 uses bilstein shocks ?
How are the 2009 G550 shocks different than previous models ?
Jay
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 424
Likes: 30
From: Stuart, FL
Mercedes-AMG
Correct, we recently released our own shocks for the W463 G-Wagon.
We were able to improve the drive-ability drastically. A G-Wagon Drive feels now way more comfortable and smoother.
After the first sets were sold within days, we just restocked them and are able to ship immediately.
http://renntechmercedes.com/index.ph...agon-v2-detail
We were able to improve the drive-ability drastically. A G-Wagon Drive feels now way more comfortable and smoother.
After the first sets were sold within days, we just restocked them and are able to ship immediately.
http://renntechmercedes.com/index.ph...agon-v2-detail
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
Likes: 10
From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
Ive done hours of searching on this and for a smooth Mercedes like ride quality
with some loss of high speed cornering everyone has pointed to the G550 09 Up shocks for any year G55 usage. Also the 02-04 G55s had the stiffest springs as well, so to complete the whole deal, get the 09 up G550 shocks and the 05 up springs. All you need is a VIN # or part # which can be found on the search, sorry dont have it on hand.
Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 12
From: Michigan
w205 C43, 958.1 CTT
this is the closest i've found to tracking the stock bilstein shocks
http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?i=1&ssq...918798&x=0&y=0
3rd one down - 2009-2015 Mercedes G550 Shock Absorber - Front - Bilstein W0133-1918798
http://www.partsgeek.com/ss/?i=1&ssq...918798&x=0&y=0
3rd one down - 2009-2015 Mercedes G550 Shock Absorber - Front - Bilstein W0133-1918798
