I purchase new Bilsteins for the Front of my 99 ml. They came with bumpstops in the package and the old shocks had these as well. Some posts say not to use these, that the Bilsteins have them internally. Is this true?? It seems that I feel quite a bit of the road through the front with the stops on.

I just did my 98 ML with Bilsteins and after careful measurements of travel, I left them off. It would seem they would severely limit the range of the front suspension if they were installed

Jim in Phoenix

Severely? Arent they only half inch thick?

More like an inch and three quarters.......

Here is a picture of the bump stop I found under the dust shield on the OEM Arvin front shocks of my 98 ML320. They are the reddish knobs on the right end of the two front shocks, and are almost 1 1/2 inches tall and when you figure the mechanical leverage, they would limit travel over 2 inches!

Do not put these on the Bilsteins as they have internal bump stops.

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As I mentioned, the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for my front and rear shocks (98 ML 320 with 138,000 miles) was Arvin. The shocks were junk and would let the ML bottom out over speed humps at any speed above 5 mph. I used Bilsteins in front and went with Sachs in the back because they came with springs mounted for half the price of Bilsteins. I paid $151 for the pair with no sales tax and free shipping. ***************

In the picture I put in my previous reply, you will note that I have removed the springs from the old rear struts. I did not reuse the springs, I merely wanted to feel the old shock's resistance, which was zilch!

I bought the car about 18 months ago and drove it about 15,000 miles with those crappy shocks. I can't believe the ML rode as well as it did.

Now, those same speed humps can be taken at 30 mph plus with complete control. Cruising at 80 is smoooooth and easy, with the Michelin Cross Terains mounted. Tire wear has never been a problem but I run about 36 PSI cold at all four corners.

Regards,

Jim in Phoenix

So how is your ride now?