W164 ML500 motor mount replacement DIY?
 

Hey guys, I've been searching for the last 3 weeks. I can't seem to find a DIY for ML500 motor mount replacement. Anyone can share any pictures or links and share their experience? Is it better to drop the exhaust or you think it's easier to go via removing the alternator?
I found a generic here but was hoping for a more detailed one.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/diy-eng...mercedes-benz/
Recently got 2006 ML500 with 99k miles , motor mounts are on the way out.
Cheers

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...bd037045a3.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...087fd8bf10.jpg
Here are the part numbers for the engine mounts and the trans mount, each is $50. Change them all while the eng. is raised. Buy them from dealer as knock offs do not last long.

And yes, the exhaust must be dropped.

Maj Dundee, thank you sir!

Looks like you snagged a sweet ride. Didya get a good deal?

I think it was a good deal for my area, it's very clean with 98k miles 1 owner car. I got it for $8500 (well after taxes came to $9300).

Nice.

Was it difficult taking off the exhaust?
 

Hi, was it difficult taking off the exhaust? I have a 2008 ML350 which I will be replacing the engine mounts. I am wondering if the exhaust bolts are hard to take off? Were the bolts rusted/seized?

Hi, I ended up finding a local mechanic and paying $520 for the labor. According to him it was a big pain to replace but he had a lift and tools. Took him about 6 hours as far as I remember. Noticeable improvement with new mounts. I have now 105k on the clock and no regrets Good luck with that

I made the job today on my 2009 ML320 Diesel, W164 OM642, 120K miles.

There is a great post on https://www.benzworld.org/threads/re...2212754/page-2

Left side is super easy, only removed the air filter housing.

The right side was difficult, it is better to do the left side first to gain confidence.

I always prefer to work from above when possible so I decided to remove the alternator not the exhaust heat shield.

1-First I have removed the drive belt using a 17mm, 12point socket and the thick air hose above the alternator (4x E12 bolts).

2-Than I have removed the alternator itself, 4 x E12 bolts, the connector behind the alternator and the Positive cable.

You don't need to remove the alternator completely from the car, just sit it on the U frame so you have more space.

Important, to work from above you cannot have thick arms as the space is limited.

3-Then you remove the mount shield with a 16mm socket and a small ratchet.

4-Jack up the motor 1 inch on the side you will replace the mount and support it by the oil pan using a wood to distribute the weight.

Please use a jack stand on the oil pan too, as a second safe device.

5-Still working from above, remove 3 x E12 bolts of the "motor lateral support", the part that support the motor and sits above the mount. Leave one bolt loose but in place so you can turn this lateral support to free the old mount. I left the lower bolt near me.

6-Now you have space to remove the mount.

That is another way to replace the mounts.
Good luck.