Due to the inherent issues with the rear shock and spring assembly and ease of replacement using OEM, has anyone used Bilstein fronts and OEM rears in replacement on an ML320? I am concerened about varying shock rates and performance related issues.

Any experience?
Thanks,
Chris

I did that on my ML over a year ago. No problems. Check post #32 in link below.

ML320 Shock replacement installation help needed

will those $53 rears work on a 2000 as well under that part number??

btw, who makes the stock rears?

chris

Mixing shocks can cause problems BUT have seen many ML's that way & no adverse effects.

Arvin-Mentor makes the original shocks here in the US or Mexico

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I kind of doubt they are $53. each anymore. As for the part number you'll have to check with Phil at Fastlane or an MB dealer.

Also I have actually been running the setup I described in above post for almost two years.

i am mostly concerned with mismatching damping rates and altering performance.
Since I know the Bilstein HD are stiffer than normal, I am concerend the rear may be too soft.

I did mine on my 98 ML 320 about 18 months ago, using Bilsteins up front, they were marked F4-BE5-6456-HO, and Sachs in the rear. The Sachs were on sale and came with the springs installed for $151, shipping paid. Biltsteins with springs were over $400. Check ***************, sku L4000-146715.

the ride is firm but both ends now feel in control. The Arvins were totally worn out and would bottom out over a speed hump at 15 MPH. The Arvins must have been low bidder for the US built MLs, but I would NEVER use them on anything I drive. My 47 Chev had Arvins!!!

I expected to find Bilsteins on my ML as they are the standard fair for many OEM Mercedes. My 79 300SD still has good working Bilsteins at 263,000 miles! No leaks, good control!

'Nuff said,

Jim in Phoenix

I concur with Jim. Installed Bilsteins front and Sachs rear on ML430 with over 100,000 mile. No regrets and no notable issues. Very pleased with the result...and thanks to others on this forum, was able to do it all by myself.

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Jim

was the $151 for the sachs per assembly or for the pair? I had seen some previous posts stating it was closer to a pair price.
Chris

Yup, that $151 price for the Sachs was for the pair, with new springs installed, and free shipping. I doubt if anyone is meeting that price today.

Jim in Phoenix

jim, where did you get the sachs at that time? i cant find anyone that has the prebuilt shock and spring combo with sachs.
chris

I purchased my Sachs shock & spring assemblies from *************** for $75 each in December. MB 163 320 11 13, Sachs 290-055, MBZ079525. I presume you have seen the write ups www.whnet.com/4x4/ml_springs.html and do a search for sdanville and ML320 shock replacement installation help needed. Both provide a wealth of information.

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Jim

I went with the Bilsteins front/ Sachs rear back when the price was right and noticed huge improvement in handling. Very satisfied and saved a bundle !

I got mine from Rusty @***************. He has free shipping for orders over $75

Jim in Phoenix