ML350 Suspension

[Christian65]

I have a 2003 ML350, I am disappointed with the suspension/handling. The car is 3 years old and has done 50K miles. Would the suspension need replacing this early?

We recently hired on of the last old shape ML's on holiday and the suspension was 10 times better is there an upgarade available? Mercedes says that there are two options of suspension available soft and firm - is there an upgrade kit available?
Thanks

Chris

 

[oigle]

You have the same problem I have written about. Presume you have an American produced ML and the one you hired was probably a Euro production vehicle. Americans LOVE soft bouncy suspensions!!
It is definitely a damper/shockabsorber problem. The springing is fine. Lack of travel in the front suspension adds to problem but can't be easily solved other than to elevate the vehicle, which in turn degrades the handling.
I believe there are Bilsteins that are made for the ML but have no experience with them. Not available in Oz. I made up some adjustable Konis which have pretty much solved the issue - nothing is ever perfect!! Big job though. Check out my little website http://members.optusnet.com.au/iananddesley/
I would reccommend you follow up on the Bilstein angle and see if they are available where you live. Perhaps the earlier model dampers may interchange. Worth asking about if you were happy with the earlier model's ride and handling.