Shocks: PRO COMP ES9000 or other options?
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Joined: Sep 2014
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2006 Ml500
Shocks: PRO COMP ES9000 or other options?
Looking to replace my rear shocks but I want something that is going to be silky smooth and not stiff.
The Pro Comp ES9000 seem to be inexpensive and reasonably good.
Being a guy that believes in the saying "you get waht you pay" for I'm a little hesitant.
Thoughts and comments please.
The Pro Comp ES9000 seem to be inexpensive and reasonably good.
Being a guy that believes in the saying "you get waht you pay" for I'm a little hesitant.
Thoughts and comments please.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 7
Mercedes W164 320 Cdi 4Matic 224hp
Hi Stunamar, in My old land rover i put procomp and didnt like them. I think its not a proper acessory for a Mercedes.
All My friends in Portugal that mounted Procomp took them Out......
All My friends in Portugal that mounted Procomp took them Out......
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 7
From: Chicago Area
1993 190E, 2011 ML350, 2014 ML350, 2003 BMW 540i, 2013 GLK 350, 2014
After a family road trip carrying more weight than usual, one of the rear shocks started leaking on my 2007 ML 350 with 55,000 miles. Bought and installed the BILSTEIN B8 Sport Series (HD) shocks on the rear and also added flexible, rubber boots and anchored them on both ends to protect the shaft from dirt and other contaminants.
I chose the BILSTEINs and think if the originals had the flexible boots enclosing the shaft on them, the shaft would have stayed clean and kept the seals intact.
If faced with the same choice again, I would have stayed with the OEM and added the dust cover boots instead of the upgraded BILSTEIN Sport Series that are widely offered for the ML.
The ride is somewhat firmer with the Sport Series and more truck like, not giving me the feeling of "driving a cloud" like I had before. Both are good, solid choices, but with 20,000 miles on them now I can say the original (OEM) shocks are definitely cushier.
I chose the BILSTEINs and think if the originals had the flexible boots enclosing the shaft on them, the shaft would have stayed clean and kept the seals intact.
If faced with the same choice again, I would have stayed with the OEM and added the dust cover boots instead of the upgraded BILSTEIN Sport Series that are widely offered for the ML.
The ride is somewhat firmer with the Sport Series and more truck like, not giving me the feeling of "driving a cloud" like I had before. Both are good, solid choices, but with 20,000 miles on them now I can say the original (OEM) shocks are definitely cushier.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
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From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
I have (4) Bilstein HD's on my W164. Can't say I've ever driven a W164 with good OE shocks. The ride is not plush with the HD's but unlike my shot stock shocks the ride is not dangerous.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
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From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
Bilstein offers two models of replacement: the yellow HD line, and the black "comfort" OE (Original Equipment) line.
I agree that had I to do it over again I would use the OE Comfort shocks. However the HD shocks seem to get better about 50 miles down the road. Every morning. Maybe they'll loosen up a bit? They work well on big things but little things such as lines painted on the road hit too hard.
Having said those harsh words my ML still rides better than my Prius ever did.
Last edited by N4HHE; Oct 1, 2014 at 09:43 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
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From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
5,000 mile update:
New Bilstein HD (yellow) shocks are harsh. Hits the white stripe at intersections with a thump as if one had 100 psi in the tires (32 psi). Was not at all happy with the ride other than my original shocks were shot to heck at 45k when I bought the car and wasn't absolutely certain until 59k when they were replaced. The old shocks were dangerous, have hit potholes on interstate and landed pointing in a slightly different direction. The new shocks were safe. So I didn't pursue replacement with the comfort black model.
Now at 64k I am happy with my choice of yellow HD shocks. Is not as nice of a ride as my 2013 Tesla Model S with air suspension but its no longer harsh over the tiny cracks and paint stripes on the road.
New Bilstein HD (yellow) shocks are harsh. Hits the white stripe at intersections with a thump as if one had 100 psi in the tires (32 psi). Was not at all happy with the ride other than my original shocks were shot to heck at 45k when I bought the car and wasn't absolutely certain until 59k when they were replaced. The old shocks were dangerous, have hit potholes on interstate and landed pointing in a slightly different direction. The new shocks were safe. So I didn't pursue replacement with the comfort black model.
Now at 64k I am happy with my choice of yellow HD shocks. Is not as nice of a ride as my 2013 Tesla Model S with air suspension but its no longer harsh over the tiny cracks and paint stripes on the road.
Last edited by N4HHE; Jun 9, 2015 at 10:17 AM.
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Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 162
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From: Madison, AL
2009 ML320 Bluetec
There are only two (three) options for the W164 that I am aware of.
1) The OE Bilstein Comfort shock (black)
2) The Bilstein HD shock (yellow)
3) and the air suspension which can not retrofit to/from coil.
Bilstein documentation claims the HD is tuned the way the vehicle should ride. I was surprised mine required break in.
"Haven't heard complaints about Bilstein"? Which Bilstein? How much attention have you been paying? There are several examples online where someone put the yellow HD's on a W164 and almost immediately had them replaced with blacks.
As for me I decided to risk the yellows because my original blacks were simply horrible at 45k miles, even with no signs of leaks. If my plan was to immediately sell the vehicle then I would have put blacks on it but my plan was not to have to do this again in the next 45k miles.
1) The OE Bilstein Comfort shock (black)
2) The Bilstein HD shock (yellow)
3) and the air suspension which can not retrofit to/from coil.
Bilstein documentation claims the HD is tuned the way the vehicle should ride. I was surprised mine required break in.
"Haven't heard complaints about Bilstein"? Which Bilstein? How much attention have you been paying? There are several examples online where someone put the yellow HD's on a W164 and almost immediately had them replaced with blacks.
As for me I decided to risk the yellows because my original blacks were simply horrible at 45k miles, even with no signs of leaks. If my plan was to immediately sell the vehicle then I would have put blacks on it but my plan was not to have to do this again in the next 45k miles.
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