kenfried

I'm growing tired of the ride/impact harshness of my 2002 ML500. I am looking for a smoother, more compliant ride. The ride has always been somewhat harsh/busy on all but smooth pavement. Has anyone done any suspension mods (springs/shocks) that have smoothed out the ride of the ML500? Love most other things about the truck, but this issue is making me think about replacing it (although I need a 7 seater). Thanks

ruey220

try checking your tire pressure. if you have stock 17 inch tires, put 29psi front 31 rear when it's cold. softer tires make a big difference on the ml's

kenfried

Already running 29psi all around.

Speakerdude

Monroe makes a great replacement shock for the front available at rockauto.com for around $40ea. I did those and relaxed the torsion bars a bit to lower the front. I used shorter H&R rear springs w/ Bilstiens and then got rid of the Bridgestones that were on it and went back to Continentals. The resultant ride is really nice, firm when you get on it, very smooth and quiet on the highway where I do 90% of my mileage. I had this setup last winter and had no problems w/ snow.

Steve

ruey220

what kind of tires are you using?

kenfried

Goodyear Fortera Triple Tread. But these have not changed the ride. Ride quality was the same with previous tires - OEM Contis followed by OEM Dunlops.