M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Bull bar?

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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:05 PM
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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.
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Old Aug 22, 2012 | 10:14 PM
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I actually found a picture online. Looks really nice. Any thoughts?
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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Looks like it belongs on the front of a Durango
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 11:13 AM
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Bull or Roo Bar

Originally Posted by GTscrub
I actually found a picture online. Looks really nice. Any thoughts?
Looked okay on the W163 (I had one), but doesn't seem to go with this one. A different design that was more angular and less curved would be better, IMO.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon
Looked okay on the W163 (I had one), but doesn't seem to go with this one. A different design that was more angular and less curved would be better, IMO.
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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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 01:02 PM
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I guess that all depends on the bull.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 02:42 PM
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Yea.. When looking at the car in person, I didn't think a bull bar would look right. I just wanted extra protection when parking on the street.
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Old Aug 23, 2012 | 09:55 PM
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Might look better if it followed the angle of the chrome insert in the bumper...

...but even then it'd still be hideous!
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Old Aug 24, 2012 | 08:36 AM
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Don't like it at all...
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Old Aug 27, 2012 | 02:26 AM
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Thats not a bull bar - Looks more like a puppy bar to me.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 06:51 PM
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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.
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Old Aug 29, 2012 | 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by frtdog
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.
That's how they park in Brooklyn. It's better than these bumper guards?

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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 03:58 AM
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Originally Posted by GTscrub
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.
Bullbar is not a very good idea in terms of safety.
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.
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 08:55 AM
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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.
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Old Aug 30, 2012 | 01:07 PM
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MB made an OEM accessory for the W164 as well: http://www.srqcustoms.com/Images/ML_Brush.JPG
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 10:28 AM
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Once again - that's not a bull bar, just a puppy bar!
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Old Aug 31, 2012 | 12:42 PM
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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
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Old Sep 1, 2012 | 10:33 AM
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Bull bar 101

Originally Posted by xxGenericSNxx
I don't understand your point.
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.
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Old Sep 1, 2012 | 11:03 AM
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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!
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Old Apr 4, 2013 | 02:54 PM
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Looks like the Ml has braces
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