W166 lift kits and general off-road info mods
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
ML
W166 lift kits and general off-road info mods
I've been trying to get some information on the www and have been taken aback by the sheer lack of available knowledge concerning mods to make the W166 an off-roader.
Lift kits...have found NONE and seriously contemplating working with a CNC machinist to fabricate my own. Anyone interested in a group buy?
This is what I'm looking to do..but with a W166. Any point in the right direction appreciated.
Lift kits...have found NONE and seriously contemplating working with a CNC machinist to fabricate my own. Anyone interested in a group buy?
This is what I'm looking to do..but with a W166. Any point in the right direction appreciated.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 442
Likes: 29
From: Ohio/Florida
'10 C300, '15 ML250BT, '22 M850i Vert
You probably should have given your first post at least five minute of thought before posting. My guess is, maybe one in a thousand ML/GLE owners are interested in off roading. Just saying. Back in the seventies I did a Bronco and a CJ-7. What are the buyer demographics.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
ML
You probably should have given your first post at least five minute of thought before posting. My guess is, maybe one in a thousand ML/GLE owners are interested in off roading. Just saying. Back in the seventies I did a Bronco and a CJ-7. What are the buyer demographics.
I know there are plenty of krauts that like having fun using the full potential of these cars.
Maybe you're too old to appreciate a Benz can do what a poorer younger you did with a bronco and jeep. Or, maybe I'm a newer and better version of you as I wanna treat my ML like my bronco/jeep.
Either way, you are right about one thing...looks like I've wasted my time on here with this thought.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
Some of the W/X166 structure is shared with the current Jeep GC/Durango so perhaps you can jury rig a kit from a Chrysler?
A unibody vehicle isn't going to make much of an off-roader as I'm sure you know. Most of these kits seem to be "for show" anyway.
A unibody vehicle isn't going to make much of an off-roader as I'm sure you know. Most of these kits seem to be "for show" anyway.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2015
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ML
I think a unibody will be fine for the trails I'd be trying to tackle...not gonna be doing rubicon or anything.
Last edited by Shogunade; Nov 4, 2015 at 01:42 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 20
From: Toronto
MY17 E43 Matte Selenite/Macchiato Beige, MY16 GLE350d Tenorite/Crystal Grey, MY17 B250
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...ml#post4958095
Only the following parts are common to the GC and the ML:
Parts integral to the concept (not common parts): front end structure and main floor (not rear floor), but different materials, own tooling and separate production units
Front axle/rear axle subframe (excluding axle kinematic components)
Seat structure, front (steel structural components only, not elements which determine comfort such as foam or cover)
Only the following parts are common to the GC and the ML:
Parts integral to the concept (not common parts): front end structure and main floor (not rear floor), but different materials, own tooling and separate production units
Front axle/rear axle subframe (excluding axle kinematic components)
Seat structure, front (steel structural components only, not elements which determine comfort such as foam or cover)
Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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2013 ML550
Shogun, nobody is being rude to you, just realistic. I've had my ML550 for over three years and been on the forum longer than that. I only recall coming across one other person with the on/off road package. I use it and often. It's outstanding and worth every penny it cost but the reality is, if you need more than 11.5" of ground clearance and a 2.93 crawl ratio then this isn't the vehicle you're looking for. There's very little market for it so aftermarket companies don't develop parts.
Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 102
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From: Chicago
2020 GLE450 / 2003 BMW M5
I have the On/Off Road Pkg with an ML550, and I agree w/ Kenn1926. The few bought with off road in mind came with Airmatic and Active Curve - ripping out the entire suspension and removing hydraulic sway bars to gain a few inches of lift is a pretty serious cost outlay for W166 MLs.
I had an '11 GC with Off Road Adventure 2, and the ML with On/Off Road will go just as far...except a few high approach angle areas where the GC's lower fascia could be removed. I accept the limitations for better on road manners in the ML. The Jeep and ML share a few platform pieces, but are very different vehicles - owned both and it's immediately apparent when driven back to back. I don't even think the bushings are the same.
Even the Jeep GC with Quadra-Lift is challenging to deal with - most GC mods start with a steel sprung GC to avoid all the expense of ripping out QuadraLift for modifications.
MLs without the On/Off Road Pkg will not have a low range transfer case - so it's still a costly proposition to go with a steel sprung ML if you're serious about basic capability beyond Traction Control braking a slipping wheel.
I'd honestly consider an older G550 with its 3-locking diffs before diving into custom machining for an ML. Either that, or just pick up a GC without QL2 and have at it.
I had an '11 GC with Off Road Adventure 2, and the ML with On/Off Road will go just as far...except a few high approach angle areas where the GC's lower fascia could be removed. I accept the limitations for better on road manners in the ML. The Jeep and ML share a few platform pieces, but are very different vehicles - owned both and it's immediately apparent when driven back to back. I don't even think the bushings are the same.
Even the Jeep GC with Quadra-Lift is challenging to deal with - most GC mods start with a steel sprung GC to avoid all the expense of ripping out QuadraLift for modifications.
MLs without the On/Off Road Pkg will not have a low range transfer case - so it's still a costly proposition to go with a steel sprung ML if you're serious about basic capability beyond Traction Control braking a slipping wheel.
I'd honestly consider an older G550 with its 3-locking diffs before diving into custom machining for an ML. Either that, or just pick up a GC without QL2 and have at it.
