1999 ML430 rough ride. Will new shocks help?
12-05-2009, 07:21 PM
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99 ML430; 91 500SL; 93 600SL; 97 S320; 2000 S430; 95 S600 coupe
1999 ML430 rough ride. Will new shocks help?
Greetings,
I can't take my 1999 ml430 ride anymore. It's suspension is way too rough. I thought I will accustom to it but it's not happening.
As per Wolfgang's page, I lowered the front end loosening torsion bars and now about to replace shocks. He said that there are updated shocks with different valving that soften the ride somewhat.
Did any ml430 owner here replaced his shocks with updated shocks? Also, did anyone used Monroes reflex shocks on the front? I heard that Bilstein HDs are very rough.
I love Germain-made drivetrain in my ml430 a lot. But I hate everything else in the truck. It is assembled just like my 1993 Pontiac Transport.
I ordered Dynomat to insulate the whole truck as it's way too noisy to be called "luxury" truck. Next, I will fight numerous rattles coming from every panel. Softening the ride will certainly help with rattles.
Please post your experience after you replace shocks.
Thanks for your input.
I can't take my 1999 ml430 ride anymore. It's suspension is way too rough. I thought I will accustom to it but it's not happening.
As per Wolfgang's page, I lowered the front end loosening torsion bars and now about to replace shocks. He said that there are updated shocks with different valving that soften the ride somewhat.
Did any ml430 owner here replaced his shocks with updated shocks? Also, did anyone used Monroes reflex shocks on the front? I heard that Bilstein HDs are very rough.
I love Germain-made drivetrain in my ml430 a lot. But I hate everything else in the truck. It is assembled just like my 1993 Pontiac Transport.
I ordered Dynomat to insulate the whole truck as it's way too noisy to be called "luxury" truck. Next, I will fight numerous rattles coming from every panel. Softening the ride will certainly help with rattles.Please post your experience after you replace shocks.
Thanks for your input.
12-21-2009, 08:13 AM
#3
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I definitely don't consider my ML430 a luxury truck. I consider it a winter beater that can get me through anything (except two feet of snow at the bottom of my driveway).
I have squeeks and rattles all over the place, although my ride isn't as rough as you described. Hope it works out for you.
When my ML430 starts to rattle I just turn the radio up louder!
I have squeeks and rattles all over the place, although my ride isn't as rough as you described. Hope it works out for you.
When my ML430 starts to rattle I just turn the radio up louder!
01-13-2010, 05:44 PM
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99 ML430; 91 500SL; 93 600SL; 97 S320; 2000 S430; 95 S600 coupe
Shocks Update
I was trying to get some rear shocks info but Wolfgang website is nowhere to be found anymore 
Anyway, I finally replaced stock front shocks with Monroe Reflex shocks. I didn't drive the car much yet but quick drive around the block confirmed that Monroes are indeed softer than OEM. I think that my shocks were done LONG time ago. They resisted when I compressed them but did not rebound and remained in same compressed state. Part number on them was 1633260000 which corresponds to very first version ever made. MB updated those 3 times already and current part number that fits my 1999 ML430 is 1633261200. Wolfgang noted on his website that latest MB OEM shocks have updated valving giving ML softer ride. Monroes also have 2way valving and the ride had improved in my case. I don't feel like hitting an open sewer cap when going over potholes. Now I need to replace rear shocks as the rear still rough but cannot find Wolfgang site to get right part numbers. I remember him noting that there are HD versions and Highway versions. I just don't remember part numbers. Does anyone know Highway rear shock part number that fits ML430 chassis number A074588?
Anyway, I finally replaced stock front shocks with Monroe Reflex shocks. I didn't drive the car much yet but quick drive around the block confirmed that Monroes are indeed softer than OEM. I think that my shocks were done LONG time ago. They resisted when I compressed them but did not rebound and remained in same compressed state. Part number on them was 1633260000 which corresponds to very first version ever made. MB updated those 3 times already and current part number that fits my 1999 ML430 is 1633261200. Wolfgang noted on his website that latest MB OEM shocks have updated valving giving ML softer ride. Monroes also have 2way valving and the ride had improved in my case. I don't feel like hitting an open sewer cap when going over potholes. Now I need to replace rear shocks as the rear still rough but cannot find Wolfgang site to get right part numbers. I remember him noting that there are HD versions and Highway versions. I just don't remember part numbers. Does anyone know Highway rear shock part number that fits ML430 chassis number A074588?
