Have a 2001 ML320 with standard tyres and no modifications.
Our roadways down here (Melbourne, Australia) are deteriorating to the point where the ML is working very hard to give a smooth ride.
In fact, getting a smooth ride just does not happen.

QUESTION: Please, what options do I have to get a smoother ride in my ML?

Surely there MUST be SOMETHING I can do.
(I do not do off-road)

Your advice will be forever appreciated.

Andrew.

Being 01, your shocks may be gone by now.

I tried the 1 1/2 bounce test on each of the 4 sides and seemed to pass ok.
Although I must say the suspension does tend to hit the rubber pads when I go into a drop bounce in the road....

Please, are there no worthy ideas or suggestions

Is there an aftermarket product worthy of giving a smoother drive on bumby bitumen ??????????

Andrew.

it has torsion bars and a truck frame. It wasn't designed to be comfy. That is why they came out with the 164 Chassis...on a unibody frame and softer suspension...so the soccer mom's stop whining.
My ML isn't comfy, but gets used like a work truck...like it was built for.
Dave

If the truck used to ride well, but no longer does - I'd start at replacing the shocks/struts, and checking every joint and bushing in the suspension for play.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Another thought - what's the air pressure in the tires? Check it with a second gage as well- maybe your usual one is off?

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

l'm pretty sure, the shocks came with some different valving, which helped the ride for the most part........l would look into that.........

What does "shocks with different valving" mean?

I have tyre pressure set at 32psi

Come on guys.... are you all getting a rough ride and just love the bumps and happy about it or are you all getting such a great ride that you want it kept secret......forgive me.. I do not mean to be flippant.

Andrew - the only items that can provide a rough ride is the suspension and the tires.
My 98 ML rides fine. Like a car. My rear struts have the creak/squeek that is common and am replacing them as soon as it gets warm out again. I know I have a bad upper ball joint at the right rear, and I'll change the part at the same time. But it still rides nice.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport

Thank you, Waybomb. I am very appreciative for your sincere comment.

what do you mean by rough ride??? My ML runs nice and smooth-for a ML.
Compared to a BMW X5...it runs like a tank. BUT I can enter a on ramp at 80mph with the traction light flashing at me...not exactly the smartest thing to do, but it is 100x better than anything Detroit put out. I agree with the tire issue. I've seen stiff tires drastically change the ride quality on a few ML's. I run Michellin's, but they get expensive.
Basically, take it to a dealership or an indy shop that knows Mercedes. Get his opinion of your ride. Then take things from there. The shock quality greatly depreciates after 50,000 miles. They may not leak or show signs of wear, but they are worn.
Just my opinion.
Dave

FWIW - I have 285/60 x 16 Eagles on mine. And I like the ride. Yes, they are oversize, but I haven't replaced them in over 60,000 miles, and probably still have 10,000 to go.

__________________
Thank You!
Fred
2009 ML350
2004 SL600
2004 SL500
1996 SL600
2002 SLK32
2005 CLK320 cabrio
2003 ML350
1997 C280 Sport