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M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Steering sensitivity

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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 05:55 AM
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meh's Avatar
meh
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2000 CLK430 Cabriolet & 2004 Range Rover
Steering sensitivity
Purchased a new 2008 ML550 in June and still can't get used to the sensitivity of the steering. Other than the horrible COMAND system I am very happy with this truck. I traded in an 06 CLS55 (I was going to get arrested if I didn't) and have an older model CLK430 Cabriolet. Maybe I am just spoiled. My CLS felt and CLK feels a lot more solid. Has anyone else noticed the sensitivity of the steering? I feel like I am driving one of my dads old 70's Buicks. Anyone aware of any adjustments that can be made?
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 10:14 AM
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Hamlin's Avatar
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C230K ML320 CDI
What size wheels and tires do you have? Maybe it is due to tire sidewall flex.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 02:58 PM
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ML320CDI
Check your tires pressure, maybe it´s too low.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 08:44 PM
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08 ML350; 07' Acura RDX; 05'FX45; 03'Murano
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Originally Posted by meh
Purchased a new 2008 ML550 in June and still can't get used to the sensitivity of the steering. Other than the horrible COMAND system I am very happy with this truck. I traded in an 06 CLS55 (I was going to get arrested if I didn't) and have an older model CLK430 Cabriolet. Maybe I am just spoiled. My CLS felt and CLK feels a lot more solid. Has anyone else noticed the sensitivity of the steering? I feel like I am driving one of my dads old 70's Buicks. Anyone aware of any adjustments that can be made?
One can not compare the road-sensible steering of a sport car with the power-assisted steering of a luxury SUV. For MB trucks, only the G class might have that hard-to-steer feeling, I guess.
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Old Dec 2, 2008 | 08:58 PM
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baxterdown
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1972 280SE 4.5
WOW! I actually LOOOVE how the steering feels on my ML. It reminds me of a Range Rover
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 06:51 AM
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Originally Posted by am_beagle
One can not compare the road-sensible steering of a sport car with the power-assisted steering of a luxury SUV. For MB trucks, only the G class might have that hard-to-steer feeling, I guess.
Nope; but, then, my ML isn't hard to steer either.
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Old Dec 3, 2008 | 10:30 PM
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Originally Posted by meh
Purchased a new 2008 ML550 in June and still can't get used to the sensitivity of the steering. Other than the horrible COMAND system I am very happy with this truck. I traded in an 06 CLS55 (I was going to get arrested if I didn't) and have an older model CLK430 Cabriolet. Maybe I am just spoiled. My CLS felt and CLK feels a lot more solid. Has anyone else noticed the sensitivity of the steering? I feel like I am driving one of my dads old 70's Buicks. Anyone aware of any adjustments that can be made?
The lack of self-centering is the main thing I had to get used to (same as the W163, though).
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Old Dec 4, 2008 | 05:35 AM
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Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon
The lack of self-centering is the main thing I had to get used to (same as the W163, though).
Mine self centers just fine. I would complain to your dealer, if it's not right.
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Old Dec 5, 2008 | 01:42 PM
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Dealer Service Bulletin
This just posted today:

Dec 05, 2008

S-B-46.20/46a

MY-All, Models 163, 164, 171, 203, 204, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 219, 220, 221, 230, 251
Play in the Rack and Pinion Steering System
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Old Dec 6, 2008 | 08:55 AM
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Dutch,
I have had the same issue, 2008 ML350, the dealer has had the car on the allignment machine 3 times, how can I print the bulletin?

Philip
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Old Dec 6, 2008 | 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by philip12
I have had the same issue, 2008 ML350, the dealer has had the car on the allignment machine 3 times, how can I print the bulletin?

Philip
The cheapest way is to bring the S-B number to the dealer and ask him to perform the service outlined on that bulletin.

If you do want to print the bulletin, you'll buy to buy a day's subscription ($18) at www.startekinfo.com.
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Old Dec 14, 2008 | 01:51 AM
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ML 350
Thanks! My 2009 ML 350 has very sensitive steering that usually requires two hands on the freeway. I will ask them to perform this service.
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Old Dec 14, 2008 | 02:41 PM
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I noticed this when I test drove the 09 as well. My 07 ML350 has a very heavy steering feel. Reminded me of BMW.
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Old Dec 15, 2008 | 09:58 PM
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ML 350
Originally Posted by begone
I noticed this when I test drove the 09 as well. My 07 ML350 has a very heavy steering feel. Reminded me of BMW.
I also have an 05 BMW X5 4.4. Huge difference in steering feel. The salesman's response "We are more of a luxury brand. BMW is more of a sport brand. You'll get used to the steering." If it wasn't for the horrible transmission of the X5, I would prefer it to the new ML.

I am still going to bring it in for service when I have the time.
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