Bilsteins for ML55
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
Bilsteins for ML55
I was told Bilstein doesn't make front shocks for the ML55. Good news; The Bilstein BE5-6456 designed for ’03 and earlier 320-430 fit and worked great on my '01!
I read somewhere that the suspension was totally different on the 55, but having my mothers '98 ML320 and my '01 ML55 side by side, it was clear that this is not the case. The brakes are different, but I can't see anything else different. At least nothing obvious.
Btw, I found them at importeccatalog.com. $105ea, no shipping, no tax outside TX.
Next step is to find or make a set for the rear. BE5-2985 fits the rear of ‘00-‘03 320 & 430. I’ll bet it fits the 55 to. I’ll post when I find out.
I read somewhere that the suspension was totally different on the 55, but having my mothers '98 ML320 and my '01 ML55 side by side, it was clear that this is not the case. The brakes are different, but I can't see anything else different. At least nothing obvious.
Btw, I found them at importeccatalog.com. $105ea, no shipping, no tax outside TX.
Next step is to find or make a set for the rear. BE5-2985 fits the rear of ‘00-‘03 320 & 430. I’ll bet it fits the 55 to. I’ll post when I find out.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati,Oh.
2000 AMG ML55
The damping rates are different. So now with you ML 320 shocks and AMG torsion bars, you car will not handle the same. Just because the shock fits the car, it does not mean that is right shock...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 954
Likes: 245
E550 Coupe 2wd (2016)
In this case it is right, same vehicle, but slightly heavier. The shocks are a little stiff on the 320, perfect on the 55.
Correct: It does not handle the same, it's much better now!!
"If" Bilstein made stiffer valving for it I probably would not like it.
As for using "the right shock":
The rear shocks on my clk320 are WAY too stiff. I think a Bilstein tech should've actually tested this shock before selling them.
One of these days I'll revalve them to my liking.
Correct: It does not handle the same, it's much better now!!
"If" Bilstein made stiffer valving for it I probably would not like it.
As for using "the right shock":
The rear shocks on my clk320 are WAY too stiff. I think a Bilstein tech should've actually tested this shock before selling them.
One of these days I'll revalve them to my liking.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Milton, GA
2006 ML500 w/ AMG body package
ML55- Bilstein BE5-2985 shocks don't work
Guess what, the Bilstein BE5-2985 rear shocks for the "other" ML's don't work on the rear or an ML55.
I have a 2000 and and was looking to do that this past weekend. The bottom part of the factory shock has a spring cradle platform(you can see it by looking up under the rear suspension). It does not come on the Bilstein units and there is no way to remove the factory cradle as it is welded on.
I tried to call Bilstein today, buthey were not answering. As soon as I have an answer to if they have an add on item, I'll post it.
If anybody else has had experience with this, please drop me a note and post the info for everybody else.
I have a 2000 and and was looking to do that this past weekend. The bottom part of the factory shock has a spring cradle platform(you can see it by looking up under the rear suspension). It does not come on the Bilstein units and there is no way to remove the factory cradle as it is welded on.
I tried to call Bilstein today, buthey were not answering. As soon as I have an answer to if they have an add on item, I'll post it.
If anybody else has had experience with this, please drop me a note and post the info for everybody else.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Milton, GA
2006 ML500 w/ AMG body package
Rear Shock update
Spoke to Karentoday at Bilstein in NC. She said the srpings that I got did not work because they were shipped without the "spring seat", She says they are goingto ship me out a set. I'll keep ya'll posted on the progress. 
