M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Side skirts on the ML550

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 1, 2014 | 01:48 PM
  #1  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Side skirts on the ML550

easy swap with factory running boards. except that need new jack points for new side skirts. the running boards ones are a lot thicker than the ones I need to fit into the side skirts. people who have already done the swap be aware, you could really mess up the car with the wrong ones in place when on a hoist.
Attached Thumbnails Side skirts on the ML550-photo-3.jpg   Side skirts on the ML550-photo-2.jpg   Side skirts on the ML550-photo-1.jpg   Side skirts on the ML550-photo-4.jpg   Side skirts on the ML550-photo-5.jpg  

Side skirts on the ML550-front.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2014 | 02:52 PM
  #2  
Pntblnk's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 24
From: Nashville
2017 S550 Iridium / Black Nappa, 2015 GL 550 Paladium Silver
Wow...that's looks fantastic and I wouldn't have thought a such minor change would have such an impact. Nicely done!
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2014 | 03:20 PM
  #3  
threeMBs's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,530
Likes: 387
Only MBs - the best or nothing
Originally Posted by jtorrebl
easy swap with factory running boards. except that need new jack points for new side skirts. the running boards ones are a lot thicker than the ones I need to fit into the side skirts. people who have already done the swap be aware, you could really mess up the car with the wrong ones in place when on a hoist.
If you do not mind, what was the cost to replace (labor only, not the parts)? And who did the work (MB dealer or a body shop)? TIA
Reply
Old Jan 1, 2014 | 05:58 PM
  #4  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Originally Posted by threeMBs
If you do not mind, what was the cost to replace (labor only, not the parts)? And who did the work (MB dealer or a body shop)? TIA
body shop owned by neighbor did paint and install. install took 40 min. He hasn't charged me yet since we're waiting for the new plastic block lift blocks to come in.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2014 | 07:45 PM
  #5  
Owlet's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Montana
2018 GLS550
Hey, that's AWESOME! This is exactly what I need! Can you tell the part number for those side skirts? I assume they are from ML63 AMG.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2014 | 01:48 AM
  #6  
gplank's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 246
Likes: 0
2013 ML550: Paladium Silver, Brown Satin Ash
Originally Posted by threeMBs
If you do not mind, what was the cost to replace (labor only, not the parts)? And who did the work (MB dealer or a body shop)? TIA
I did the same to my MY13 ML550 even before I drove it off the lot. Was not happy I couldn't order it without the running boards that reminded me of training wheels. MB of Portland changed me $1500 (with the Costco 15% discount) for parts, painting and install, including the smaller lift pucks.

Then sold the boards for $800.

Of course, now for MY14 you can order this look on the ML 350.
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2014 | 05:24 PM
  #7  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Originally Posted by gplank
I did the same to my MY13 ML550 even before I drove it off the lot. Was not happy I couldn't order it without the running boards that reminded me of training wheels. MB of Portland changed me $1500 (with the Costco 15% discount) for parts, painting and install, including the smaller lift pucks.

Then sold the boards for $800.

Of course, now for MY14 you can order this look on the ML 350.
But it won't drove like the ml550!
Reply
Old Mar 27, 2014 | 05:24 PM
  #8  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Originally Posted by Owlet
Hey, that's AWESOME! This is exactly what I need! Can you tell the part number for those side skirts? I assume they are from ML63 AMG.
Working on it. Asked the parts guy to give me the actual numbers
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 27, 2014 | 05:57 PM
  #9  
Owlet's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Montana
2018 GLS550
Originally Posted by jtorrebl
Working on it. Asked the parts guy to give me the actual numbers
Thanks! I'm still a little confused though, what all the other parts I need in addition to the side panels themselves. I've found this diagram, but no MB part numbers on it. So, when I buy the side panels, will they come with all the parts from this diagram?





It looks like I need 2 side panels, 2 mountain rails for them and 4 moldings (which I don't know what they are for???)...
Reply
Old Mar 28, 2014 | 05:08 AM
  #10  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Originally Posted by Owlet
Thanks! I'm still a little confused though, what all the other parts I need in addition to the side panels themselves. I've found this diagram, but no MB part numbers on it. So, when I buy the side panels, will they come with all the parts from this diagram?





It looks like I need 2 side panels, 2 mountain rails for them and 4 moldings (which I don't know what they are for???)...
Just need 2 side panels. 2 brackets to hold panels and 4 jack hoist blocks. All the same screws fit from your oem car. There are no weather strippings to get. Actually maybe there is weather strips. I don't have them though. Anyone with factory side skirts do you have rubber strips between a the panels and the car? Pics?
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 12:35 PM
  #11  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
This is the diagram I used for the dealer to get my parts. He got a vin from an ml63 to match it up. This sketch is missing the jack hoist plastic blocks that need to be changed though for of them. Be sure to order these too or the side skirts will get damaged when raised up.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 07:28 PM
  #12  
Owlet's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Montana
2018 GLS550
Originally Posted by jtorrebl
This is the diagram I used for the dealer to get my parts. He got a vin from an ml63 to match it up. This sketch is missing the jack hoist plastic blocks that need to be changed though for of them. Be sure to order these too or the side skirts will get damaged when raised up.
Are those 4 hoist blocks bigger or smaller than the existing ones? Do they go instead of, on top or what?
Thanks for your help and all the info, I really appreciate it. You know you have to tell those people how to do everything 😋
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 11:12 AM
  #13  
jtorrebl's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 10
From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
Originally Posted by Owlet
Are those 4 hoist blocks bigger or smaller than the existing ones? Do they go instead of, on top or what?
Thanks for your help and all the info, I really appreciate it. You know you have to tell those people how to do everything 😋
The new hoist blocks are thinner than the exhisting ones from the running boards. You will use your exhisting screws too. You don't need to order screws.
Reply
Old Apr 1, 2014 | 02:32 AM
  #14  
Owlet's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Montana
2018 GLS550
Originally Posted by jtorrebl
The new hoist blocks are thinner than the exhisting ones from the running boards. You will use your exhisting screws too. You don't need to order screws.
Got everything lined up now, thanks to your help. Really appreciate all the help, couldn't have done this without you and this forum.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2020 | 09:40 PM
  #15  
jclaus98's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 131
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
2012 ML63 AMG, 2015 RAM 2500, 1968 Charger
Has anyone been able to determine the part numbers for the smaller jack pads? I completed the change over to the side skirts from the running boards and absolutely love the look, but I'm missing jack pads right now because the old ones obviously don't work with the side skirts.

Would appreciate any updates from this 6 year old thread.

Thanks!
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2020 | 05:08 PM
  #16  
Isawelvis's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Air Force
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Jclaus98 - the original jack blocks that come on the car that has the running board is two pieced. :You can pry them apart and use only half. I did this when I replaced the running boards on my 2015 ML350 and put the standard rockers on ( ie I pained them white). (see my picture) Not as neat as the AMG rocker. Then The problem was that I could not mount them because the screw/bolt that held the two pieced jack would not fit. So what I did was glue the small block to the frame. I cleaned the frame off and put a epoxy glue and then jacked up that one position to keep pressure on the block so it would stick. Be working for over 4 years now. One reason mine does not look as neat is the lower panel behind the rear wheel is still black. Ive never gotten around to having it wrapped or painted.

Last edited by Isawelvis; Apr 8, 2020 at 05:11 PM. Reason: additional informationmation
Reply
Old Apr 8, 2020 | 10:29 PM
  #17  
jclaus98's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 131
Likes: 4
From: Reno, NV
2012 ML63 AMG, 2015 RAM 2500, 1968 Charger
Isawelvis - Thanks for the reply man, much appreciated. I did exactly what you did - painted the standard black plastic side skirts to match the metallic white. I got color matched 3 stage spray paint and it actually turned out really nice. Color is a little off, but with the chrome trim between the bottom of the doors and the side skirts, it's *less* noticeable - at least that's what I tell myself. If nothing else, it bugs me WAAAYYYYY less when I get out of the car, the back of my calf doesn't hit the stupid running boards anymore. My OCD is well-defined. At any rate, I know what you mean about the jack pads being two piece but without any mounting holes if those aren't attached to the mounting bracket, I guess the only way you could attach them to the car would be to do what you did. I've looked high and low on parts schematics looking for the parts that *should* replace those jack pads when using either the AMG side skirts or the regular side skirts and nary a result has emerged. I think I saw somewhere that there's a metal bracket that bolts in place of the large plastic mounting brackets that came with the running boards, but I have yet to re-stumble upon that bracket/pad setup. Would sure be nice if one of the fine gentlemen that came before us and were able to switch these out could chime in with part numbers, but if not, I fear I'll need to call the dreaded stealership. Cheers!
Reply
Old Apr 9, 2020 | 03:38 PM
  #18  
Isawelvis's Avatar
Super Member
Veteran: Air Force
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
 
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 889
Likes: 148
From: Southern Illinois
, 2023 BMW X4, 1991 190E
Just checked my pads today. They are still on and car has been serviced by MB dealer many times and no mention of being a problem or when I have someone rotate the tires. Good luck
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:54 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE