Monroe Shocks For ML320 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-08-2003, 01:55 PM

Hi!

Please help.
I want change front shocks on my ML320 - Monroe - Reflex.
110 000 Ml.I dont know if this is good products.
Part # 911 219.
If some one know please tell me yours opinion.

Regards.

TedG · #2 10-22-2003, 11:18 PM

It's probably too late because this is an old post, but the Monroes are good shocks.
I have to be honest and say that I work for the exhaust side of Tenneco Automotive (sister division to Monroe).
Anyway, did you buy them? Do you like them?

#3 10-23-2003, 12:50 AM

Thanks TedG

I order 2 fronts Reflex from Monroe. The rear is not available from Monroe.
Tomorrow I'm getting them. Saturday I can see how perform.
So far I love my ML.I Get this car end of July.
I install new Goodyear Fortera, very quiet.
Engine - Amsoil 10W30 and differentials Amsoil 75W90.
The engine is not burning the oil.

Regards

richard28 · #4 10-23-2003, 11:36 AM

TEd,
This is off topic, but how does the Tenneco/Walker(?) brand mufflers compare to the other brands, in your opinion.

TedG · #5 10-23-2003, 05:55 PM

ML320,
You will like the Reflex.
If the old shocks were worn out, it will be hard to get an idea of how much better the Reflex is, since any new shock will feel much better than a worn one.
But they are very good.
Do you know what the OE shock is? Boge? Bilstein? other?

Richard,
I went to our aftermarket engineering facility for the first time Wednesday (I work on the OE side). I was very impressed with the operation. I work on the hot end, so mufflers are not my field of expertise, but I can say that Walker does not cut corners anywhere, in materials, design, or mfg. As for comparison to the competition, I can only say that I have installed a non-Walker muffler (before I worked there) on my wife's Oldsmobile, which was, well, less than long-lived (about 2 years, 20k miles, which is bad even in salty Michigan).
I was most impressed with the DynoMax products. One guy who works there has a pretty awesome F250 Super Duty Power Stroke with Rancho suspension (another Tenneco brand), very large chrome-tipped DynoMax exhaust, and a performance chip plus other horsepower stuff. I didn't see or hear it run, but it sure looked good and fast. They said he lights up all four wheels very nicely, if you're into that kind of stuff.
Thrush (classic hot rod glass-pack stuff) and DNX (Fast & Furious small car type stuff) are the other brands.
They had a Ford Focus there that they were getting ready for the SEMA show. It had Recaro seats, DNX exhaust and a supercharger (rotary compressor), plus a bunch of other go-fast hdwe. They said it was making 190+ bhp without the NOS system turned on.

TedG · #6 10-23-2003, 05:57 PM

I forgot to mention that I looked throught the Walker Europe catalog. They have a lot of Mercedes stuff.

#7 10-23-2003, 09:13 PM

TedG

Thanks for replay.
I get the Monroe.
Saturday I'm going to install them.
The Mercedes shocks are over priced.
I know the other manufactures making good staff to.
The Monroe doesn’t have rear shocks for ML.
I know Koni, KYB have.
Compeers to Monroe, how is Koni and KYB.
You are grate man.

Regards

TedG · #8 10-23-2003, 09:37 PM

Koni, KYB, Bilstein make good products; I won't knock them here.
For my money I would buy Monroe.
Every car and every driver is different; what's best for one is not best for others.
Unlike a lot of M-B owners, I don't insist on all German or all original stuff for my cars. There is reputation and then there is reality.
A good example is bearings. I have seen some bad quality issues with SKF, FAG, etc.; in most cases you cannot beat Timken.
Have fun working on and driving your ML.

#9 10-23-2003, 10:05 PM

TedG

Do I can ask you?
You know the Bering’s.
On my ML when I drive 30 - 40 ml/h I heard noise, dry no hamming noise.
Sounds like Bering whit out lubrication.
This is the noise from the wheels or other think?

Regards

richard28 · #10 10-24-2003, 08:52 AM

Thanks Ted. BTW, at about how many miles would you think ml320 front shocks should be replaced. My 1998 has 86,000 & the ride has always been a bit bouncy. Also, should shocks be replaced in sets of 4 ( front & rear) or just fronts alone?
Richard

TedG · #11 10-24-2003, 10:33 PM

For the technical questions on bearings & shock replacement I am no expert. Ask a good M-B technician, either on this site or in person.
Even if I were an expert, I think that the noise would be best diagnosed by a good, experienced chassis/drivetrain technician in person.
I had bad front wheel bearings on my 240D, and I thought it was loud tread design on my tires. It was a humming/thrumming that increased in volume with speed.
But that was a 240D and you have a 4WD Ml model.
Had a bad front-wheel drive front hub go south on our Olds, also. It was a similar noise, but I could only hear it on smooth pavement. It was insignificant and even hardly perceptible to my wife, but I knew something was wrong. I took it to a very good transmission guy and he drove it. The first thing he did was say "it's not the trans". Then he steered it hard left & right at about 40 mph. The noise got louder going left. He said " Your right hub has gone bad". He was right.
Take the ML to a good chassis or front-end shop and have them drive it.

#12 10-28-2003, 08:46 PM

Hi!

Saturday I replaced front shocks on my ML320.
I installed Monroe Reflex,exelent.
The old shocks were made by ARVIN Part. # 163 326 00 00.
I never know that name.
I’m looking for rear shocks, Monroe qualities.
If someone knows please let me knows.
(Monroe doesn’t have rear shocks for ML).
We have so many good products, which we can replace.
And be very satisfied. Safe a lots of money.

Regards.

richard28 · #13 10-29-2003, 10:14 AM

What year ml & how many miles?

#14 10-29-2003, 02:05 PM

Hi!

My ML320 - 1999 -110 000 ml.
Very good shape.

Regards

Fast Robert · #15 10-29-2003, 02:10 PM

Do a quick search for Bilstein and my username.

Lots of info...