Bull bar?
08-22-2012, 10:05 PM
#1
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2013 ML550
Bull bar?
I was curious what's everyone's thoughts about having a bull bar on the new ML? I'm not sure if it's out yet, but it looks nice on the older ML's.
08-23-2012, 11:43 AM
#5
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I agree...I think the W163 was the only one it looked good on... looks like auto parts store chrome thats out of place...just an opinion
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08-23-2012, 09:55 PM
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MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Might look better if it followed the angle of the chrome insert in the bumper...
...but even then it'd still be hideous!
...but even then it'd still be hideous!
08-29-2012, 06:51 PM
#11
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If you have to park in an area where others use the "keep backing until you bump" technique then perhaps a bar taking the hit would be preferable to the front end.
08-29-2012, 10:45 PM
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2013 ML550
It's better than these bumper guards?
08-30-2012, 03:58 AM
#13
While it may reduce damage in very low speed bump, it could actually cause more damage in high speed crash - mainly because it would affect how the crumple zone was designed to work, and it could affect the timing of airbags deployment.
And for pedestrians, bullbar is deadly.
08-30-2012, 08:55 AM
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X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
As one who has survived a 100km/h (62mph) collision into a solid barrier with a full steel bull bar, I can assure you I am not the least bit worried about chassis damage to the car. My insurance company bought me a new car with a new chassis. And that was 19 years ago before airbags.
As far as new cars are concerned, the bullbars are now mounted on collapsible "crash cans", which allow for the correct function of airbags. To comply with ADR rules, they must send cars with bars into the barrier for full crash testing.
As best I know, the only bar made for Mercedes is for the W163.
As far as new cars are concerned, the bullbars are now mounted on collapsible "crash cans", which allow for the correct function of airbags. To comply with ADR rules, they must send cars with bars into the barrier for full crash testing.
As best I know, the only bar made for Mercedes is for the W163.
08-31-2012, 12:42 PM
#17
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I don't understand your point.
The only OEM W163 bars (MB made two different styles) are also the same size:
Dealer accessory:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...ment-lens.html
Option from factory:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/22/2c/6e7e_1_sbl.JPG
The only OEM W163 bars (MB made two different styles) are also the same size:
Dealer accessory:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163...ment-lens.html
Option from factory:
http://i12.ebayimg.com/06/i/001/22/2c/6e7e_1_sbl.JPG
09-01-2012, 10:33 AM
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X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
Bull bar 101
okay, so you don't have bull bars in the States.
They were originally developed for bull catching on Top End stations (ranches). They protect the truck when you ram a bull to knock it down for castration or catching for market. There are some videos on u-tube if you care to Google.
They are available for most 4WD vehicles in steel, alloy, or plastic. Pics are seen at arb.com.au tjm.com.au and smartbar.com.au
They also proved very popular for protection from kangaroos, hence the alternate name "Roo Bar". As they are not available for the ML, I do not drive in the bush at dawn or dusk unless necessary and then only at low speeds.
I have had several Roo encounters before and it is not nice.
The bars might work against deer, but certainly not for moose!
So hopefully you will appreciate the MB bar will protect against supermarket trolleys but not large animal strikes.
They were originally developed for bull catching on Top End stations (ranches). They protect the truck when you ram a bull to knock it down for castration or catching for market. There are some videos on u-tube if you care to Google.
They are available for most 4WD vehicles in steel, alloy, or plastic. Pics are seen at arb.com.au tjm.com.au and smartbar.com.au
They also proved very popular for protection from kangaroos, hence the alternate name "Roo Bar". As they are not available for the ML, I do not drive in the bush at dawn or dusk unless necessary and then only at low speeds.
I have had several Roo encounters before and it is not nice.
The bars might work against deer, but certainly not for moose!
So hopefully you will appreciate the MB bar will protect against supermarket trolleys but not large animal strikes.
09-01-2012, 11:03 AM
#19
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OK I got you. You're basically arguing over the semantics of the naming. So in that case, yes, the only way to get a full on "bull" bar is from some aftermarket company. MB's bars are simply made to protect you from the perils of city parking!
