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Has anyone investigated replacing their W166 bushings with Polyurethane bushings? I've had good luck on previous vehicles with Powerflex and Prothane bushings; but haven't found many MB related vendors in the US.
Looks like Siberian Bushing has a near complete set of bushing replacements for the W166, specifically that will fit my 2013. I'm currently getting a quote from them for a full set replacement for front and rear suspension and body components that they already make.
Anyone have any experience with Siberian Bushing polyurethane bushing replacements here?
I know Lemforder makes decent parts, so I'll probably use those for engine mounts, and the ball joint parts that Siberian Bushing doesn't have.
This is for a full suspension project on a 2013 ML350 W166 w/ 80k on the odometer. Likely going to use H&R springs, and Bilstein Eibach B12 Kit (Eibach Spring and Bilstein B8’s) and replace 'all the rubber things' in the drive line with polyurethane bushings I can. Will likely replace the factory 19” wheels with wider 20x10’s and wider tires.
This particular ML350 has the full Command/W system and the P01 package with a factory tow bar. Also looking to do a Command 5S1 facelift as well to get Apple Carplay and maybe replace the steering wheel or at least the trim on it, as the plastic plate on it has some flakes that look kind of bad.
Last edited by SatireWolf; May 10, 2020 at 05:37 PM.
28 polyurethane bushing packs combined with the Billstein Eibach B12 setup, and some wider tires this should bring the handling and suspension closer to BMW / Audi sport territory without the problems that MB air suspension on these brings. Granted I fully expect most of the floaty, sea sick suspension feel to go away, that's intended. I tend to prefer to know my tires are firmly planted on the ground at all times, vs partially 'afloat'. Now before anyone gets all crazy with (then just buy a XYZ), in this model year class, the competition is actually quite far behind in interior, electronics, and build quality from what I've seen.
Other project goals, replace steering wheel with sport wheel, and perform Command 5s1 upgrade to get Airplay etc. I'll likely also replace both batteries with Exide AGM.
Other parts :EIBACH B12 PRO-KIT SUSPENSION KIT: MERCEDES-BENZ GLE/GLE COUPE/M-CLASS
"Granted I fully expect most of the floaty, sea sick suspension feel to go away, that's intended. I tend to prefer to know my tires are firmly planted on the ground at all times, vs partially 'afloat'. "
Hilarious. You've described the ML to a tee LOL.
I'm running 20 x 10.5 rims and 295/40R20's. That alone brought back some joy to driving this vehicle. Also dropped the rear with H&R springs, the rear end looked like a gorilla in heat, waiting to be mounted.
Do point out KMAC - longest established (1964), most experienced manufacturer of "Performance bushings", along with front and rear Camber, Caster, Toe adjuster kits ... .
For the W166 (and every model Mercedes Benz 1968 to 2020) not only uprated replacement bushings for the 6 front and the 4 rear highest wearing bushings, but also Camber and Caster adjustable.
OEM there is no front Camber or Caster to adjust tire contact angles, spread load more evenly. To prevent costly, premature edge tire wear.
Catering for day to day commuting encountering high cambered roads, altered height through load carrying or lowering, fitting wide profile tires, curb knock damage.
Front kit #504016 M $595 replaces the lower arm, highest wearing front and rear wishbone inner bushings - especially the rear bushes which are subject to premature failure and OEM are expensive to replace.
Providing Camber and Caster - up to 2 degrees Pos or Neg.
While separate kit #5074016 -1 N $695 provides up to 2.75 degrees (if lowered vehicle).
Also for front #504016-3 J $380. This kit - replaces the upper wishbone inner bushings providing also (or additional) 1.5 degrees extra Pos. or Neg.
FOR THE REAR #504026 K $480
This kit replaces the 4 lower arm, highest wearing inner bushings, doubling the existing adjustment range of Camber and Toe.
ALL KMAC FRONT & REAR KITS SUPPLIED WITH BUSH EXTRACTION TOOLS - SO NO NEED FOR ARM REMOVAL (OR SPECIAL TOOLS)
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