jiifamily

Got a bone stock 2011 ML350 to replace a 09 Lexus RX350, didn't get the running board coz my RX did not have one.

Wife complaint that it is harder to get in.... (compare w/ the RX)

Should i lower it (Eibach $500 installed w/ alignment), or get oem boards ($800+tax + $250 labor)

I heard that the board would make it easier to get in but harder to get out, need feedback from friends here....

Thank you

christopherw

To me, the board is easier to get in or get out for the front, but difficult for the rear.

AMGC60-3

Mine is lowered with H&R and it made it much easier to get in and out.

kjmurphy

Lowering and installing Eibachs will compromise the ride, especially if your wife is used to the ride of an RX. Take an ML63 for a ride and it might give you a good idea of what to expect if you decide to lower yours. My wife has the running boards on hers and she is very happy with them as they do make entry and exit easier.

Kevin

jiifamily

Thank you all for the feedback

Before the RX, we had a 04 Toyota 4Runner Sport, 05 C230k sedan, 06 Sienna, 08 Civic (non-si)... before that, we had 99 Civic, 00 Golf, 98 Camry, 03 Corolla, 95 Integra GSR, 96 Integra LS auto, MR2 blah blah blah..... those are probably junk cars for fellow members here.

i guess she might get used to the comfort of the Toyota/Lexus... Perhaps i should get her the board. Had lowered my old 95 integra GSR w/ coilover and yes the ride was harsh. Not as bad as the 91 MR2... Oh, my brother had a lowered EVO9 and a 09 C63 w/o the performance pkg. I kinda understand and i think i should go w/ the board. (that's why he traded the C63 w/ an A6 after his baby was born...)

Next question: Where i could get one for a budget? Local shop said installation is $250...

christopherw

I think $800+$250 labor is a fair price, I paid $1200.

jiifamily

Yeah.. Local dealer asked for 1200 plus labor... Perhaps I should try ebay or local junk yards

gsrjc

Boards.

EasyRider46

I have a 2011 ml350 with boards have the same problem in and out. I was thinking about lowering it. If you do lower it let me know how it turned out? Do you thing the dealer would do it?

AMGC60-3

I lowered my ML with H&R springs and I love it, but thats just me. I have some pics on my photo album.

jiifamily

checked out the photos, looks NICE... my concern is that if lowering it doesn't solve the complaint issue, i might need to also add the board...

AMGC60-3

I had problems getting in and out and it was even harder for the rest of my family but I lowered it for the sporty reasons.But it is also alot easier to enter and exit the vehicle now. I have never been satisfied with a stock MB suspension and have lowered every Benz I have owned (since 1986) with the exception of a W123 300D. If you like the soft ride you have now then I would not recommend lowering your M because there is a big difference.

jiifamily

For all the cars that i had own, i only lowered a MR2 (springs and struts), and an Integra GSR (Full coilover kit). Always liked the handling of lowered cars.

Question: Were you able to adjust alignment to within specs? Do you have uneven tire wear issue? i have run-flats on the BlueTec and i am afraid that i need to replace those expensive run-flats due to uneven wear.

MAmendola

Had on 06 ML 350 w\out bords. Now have an 09 and ordered it with. Glad I did and my wife finds it much easier to exit and enter.

Luis M Saiz

AMGC60... I also lowered my ML with H&R springs but am having problems frinding a camber kit or someone who can modify to correct the camber problem.

Did you have a camber problem? If so, how did you correct it?

Thanks