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Been hunting for a conversion kit inorder to move from Air to steel springs, and notice that there are no versions made avail for W164 ML500 equipped with ADC.
My question hence is, are there any physical difference between the physical mounting of the ADC and Non ADC equipped suspension.
Wouldn't the standard replacement parts of a non ADC ML500 fit into an ADC car.
Understood that the system would throw fault codes and such, but i am trying to convert my car as such for more reliability in my part of the world (Brunei).
With my Arnotts replacement only lasting 2 years before leaking profusely, I really need to get something more reliable.
I would have thought itd be possible to change over, albeit needing additional upper mounts for the front, or even the whole strut assy out of a non ADC optioned ML500.
Ps Im not concerned about devalueing the car by doing this. Air suspension is considered a handicap in my country, due to its inability to last in any application by other manufacturers.
I trust you know that you need complete units (used) and not individual parts.
Yes Sir,
Im just still pondering between getting that or just the rear spring mounts and front upper mount, to be able to install H&R lowering springs and new bilsteins all around.
For the fronts, I would need items 130,135, 133 and 125 inorder to attach conventional spring and strut replacement associated with this car, and for the rears 140, 145, 125 and 120 to be able to locate rear springs.
If i was to go will OEM brand new Bilstein struts with H&R, and remove all the Air suspension, these item I see as per the diagram would need to be purchased also to allow fitment.
You are right indeed Sir. Im just trying to avoid the standard Mercedes feel. Im also hoping to be able to stiffen up the ride and get a lower stance. I was never too happy with the willowy feel of the older mercs.
Should I go the route with the combination I've mentioned, is not a worry. Im equipped with spring compressors, air tools, beside other tools.
Remnants of being an Aircraft tech for the past 13 years or so.
I am still new to the Mercedes field though, and hence I am so ever thankful for your advise that you have given to help me move along.
straight in, kidoracing coilovers with adjustable preload, height and damping. No need for spring compressors as you can just wind these up in situ. Rears required additional upper spring mounting. Set included already the lower mount for locating the spring onto the lower susp. All in all a very straight forward install. Nice and comfy. And way way way better in the corners without the side to side bopping of the airsprings. Steering feels connected, sharper and whole car feels way more poised on uneven roads. For the kidoracing complete set, ie coilover system, about us$1100 plus us$175 for them pair of rear upper spring mounts.
after some settling from test drives, the height i'm leaving it at. a little higher at the back compared to the front, interms of measuring the fender gap between tyre to fender lip. I only did it as such to maintain similar attitude to the original setup. But i'm curious whether there would be any ill effect if i level it out. Ie to lower the rears abit more to same height as the fronts. I'm not sure why MLs generally have the tail sitting a little higher, atleast from what i've noticed on the models here.
Another update. Successfully had the Car re coded to opt out the Air Suspension settings, and stop them warning messages from appearing. The tech saying that apart for the system selections, u must not forget to code the Instrument Console Module ??? Apparently a module that has to do with making them messages. My knowledge not good here.
Local continental car tech, but having 16yrs experience with the MB agent here The finished product. Exhaust next
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