NickW

I've searched and not been able to find good answers on this. I have two separate questions/issues.


First, I have a 13 2WD non-air suspension ML350. I'm not sure how the rest of you feel about how your ML drives, but mine feels very spongy. Which is fine for normal driving, it soaks up a lot of bumps and makes for a smooth ride. But when I go around a turn (especially a slow turn), the body rolls...a lot. On my Tundra I had a similar issue so I bought a TRD anti-roll/sway bar and it solved it quickly! Anyone know of any upgrades for this? I was thinking the ML63 might have upgraded sway bars, but I checked the part numbers online and they are the same as what's on the ML350.


My next question is about LED exterior lights. I did the HID upgrade for the headlights and it looks great. But when I put a LED bulb in the parking light socket, I get an error telling me that the light is working. Is there a good work-around for this? I've seen one place where they were selling 2 bulbs for roughly $70 that apparently wouldn't have this issue, but that's a huge price jump over the normal price of LED bulbs.


Thanks!
Nick

AZN Optics

You just need canbus enabled LEDs for your parking lights. We have plug and play canbus LEDs for you that will work error free for $19/set. Shoot us a PM or email us directly at aznoptics@gmail.com and we can get you set up.

shotgun_banjo

I have the same experience with the normal spring suspension of the ML which is the reason I went for an airmatic. As what AZN said you need those canbus enabled led lights.

NickW

Thanks AZN, I just ordered a set from your site!

pjw1967

Depends on what you want in a car. My wife went from a 2013 Infiniti M37 Sport to a 2014 ML350 2w. Night and day diff in the ride and handling. We like the "spongy" ride. It does not feel unsafe. The steering is very easy at slow speeds and tightens up as speed increases. I have a 2013 Dodge Durango R/T which is built on a Mercedes chassis from the short time that Mercedes owned Chrysler. Suspension is stiffer than other Durango models, and if it has variable ratio p/s I can't feel it. As they say in my old profession, "different ships, different long splices".

NickW

I'm not complaining about the ride quality of the suv. I'd just like to reduce some body roll and in my experience this is commonly done with anti-sway bars, which the vehicle already has.

pcy

Quality of tires and the correct air pressure (lack of) also contribute to body-roll.
Beefing-up anti-sway bars is an option.

pjw1967

Amen....

NickW

Yep, that's correct, which is why I checked to see if the ML63 had bigger sway bars...it doesn't. So does anybody know of a beefier sway bar for the W166? Tire pressure is correct of course. I saw someone local post ML63 wheels for sale for $1000. I went back to call them and the posting had expired!! Ugh. But I'm thinking the lower profile tires that come on those larger wheels could be a good solution. Nicer wheels and a little less roll, perfect! If only I could find them again!

pjw1967

I would humbly suggest that you do some more research before dropping a bundle on new wheels and tires. My wife's 2013 Infiniti Sport had low profile 20's, Great for going around corners but not that pleasant on straight concrete pavement with the usual seams. Less air makes the ride stiffer for all condits. A sway bar would only come into play for cornering or lane changing, which what you are most concerned about. Of course new wheels and shoes would look nice....

NickW

I should've thrown in a caveat about my vehicle/experience history. I've owned a lot of sports cars and have done some amateur racing, along with doing all of my own upkeep and maintenance/building.


My primary question was to see if anybody knew of a sway bar upgrade. There doesn't seem to be one that is widely known (if at all). So I'm thinking upgrading to some nice AMG wheels might be a good compromise for now.

Isawelvis

Recommend you search on this site, people who have used H&R lower springs/sport that reduce the height and tighten up the ride. I plan on doing this to my 2015ML350 . I agree the ride is too bounce and floats. I think even consumer reports mentions this as a minus but still recommends the ML.

NickW

Yeah that's a good suggestion, I saw that a few people had tried them. Please post up how you feel about them after you get them. My only concern would be the ride being too stiff, but maybe it'll actually be just right.