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I'm looking at replacing the rear shocks on my 2015 ML63. I'm very confused on options. The OEM part on the AMG is different from the non-AMG with ADS, but many different aftermarket shocks with ADS list that they are fit for the AMG model as well as non-AMG airmatic models with ADS. Even Bilstein parts catalog lists the same part for the AMG or the ML550 with airmatic / ADS, as well as GLE63. Basically, the same rear shock for all ML/GLE with Airmatic/ADS from Bilstein, who I trust a little bit more than the random other aftermarket sellers.
The cheapest I can find the AMG OEM part of 1663202630 is about $800. - when I look up this number from an OEM online reseller, I see 21 vehicle fitments listed including 2012-2019 ML, GL, and GLE models, some AMG and non-AMG: 2012-2019 Mercedes-Benz Shock Absorber 166-320-26-30 | MB OEM Parts
To complicate things further, when I look up GLE models specifically they have completely different 292 part numbers from Mercedes (this would be the "coupe" or turtle as I call it). I thought the facelift GLE63 was essentially the same car with a little cosmetic update.
On the front struts, there seems to be a definitive difference in part numbers between the AMG and non-AMG airmatic struts. With the GLE63 having the same part numbers. Bilstein lists different replacement parts for the front struts, but Arnott lists the same part number for AMG and non-AMG air suspension ML, GL, GLE, GLS. I don't trust that Arnott is correct. I thought maybe there is a difference between ADS and ADS+. Maybe true on the front struts, but not the rear shocks?
There are tons of knock-off aftermarket rear shocks for as little as $100-ish each. The Bilstein is about $500.
Has anyone tried the Chinesium aftermarket rear shocks with ADS on their AMG? I feel like even if I try one and it is junk, I'm only out $100 and the labor is pretty easy. If I try the Bilstein, I might be in the same spot but a much more expensive part. I have looked for some low mileage used ones on Ebay, but nothing really coming up.
Hi jonUF02, Sticker shock, isn't it. Did you do the repair?
I own a 2014 ML63 and went through this same issue in Nov 2021. One of them was leaking.
Back then, my local dealer used my VIN to confirm the OE part for my car was 1663202630 - the same as yours. I elected to go with Bilstein replacement shocks who I believe was the OEM for the ML63. Part number 27-271001 for (at that time) about half the price. No issues so far and the ML drives great.
BTW. I still have the one that wasn't leaking in a box. We could figure out something if you're interested.
Good luck.
Last edited by lquesada; 12-09-2023 at 10:27 PM.
Reason: typo
I searched through parts diagrams for many different Ml, GL, and GLE models where I came upon one part number that showed fitment for basically every model with ADS / air suspension; AMG and non AMG. This was enough evidence for me to say that all of these models can use the same rear shocks. At this point I decided to go ahead and buy some cheap replacements from 1A Auto because they offer lifetime guarantee. I paid $200 for the pair and they seem to be good quality. I figured the labor is not too hard so even if they're junk I'm only out a little bit of money compared to the OEM parts. The brand is TRQ. Then as I was taking the old one off that is bad I found that they were not original either and were also cheap aftermarket but looked like worse quality than what I had bought. I will attach the picture and Link.
I've probably driven a few hundred miles on these and they seem to function just fine, but looks like I don't even have a reference for OEM.
10-09-2023, 12:05 AM
