I replaced the original OEM front shocks on my ML55 after 23-years and 75,000 miles. Both were leaking and one no longer would return after being compressed. Because of this awesome video and the corresponding write-up on the forum I had planned on buying the KYB monomax shocks. For some reason at the time I couldn't find the KYB monomax shocks less than $109/ea. At the time (February 2024) I was able to buy the Bilstein B6 shocks (24-126649) for $120/ea. I just checked today and the KYB monomax are now only $70.24/ea and the Bilstein B6 are $148/ea. If you are doing the front shocks its a good time to consider replacing the front swaybar bushings as well.
A few notes as just did this on mine. I notice before and after the new shocks have raised the front 10mm or so. They feel really good firm but not a crazy difference front and rear thats extremely noticeable (im on stock rear shocks still) everything I hear about the bilstein b6 rear says they are probably too stiff. So im thinking when I do the rear i'll just get some b4's or a kyb factory shock.... wish kyb made a monomax for the rear tho. I notice these are a fair bit longer than the stock shock which nearly goes to the limit of the headlight level sensor thats on the front right control arm. Even with the original bump stop off the old shock thats a shit ton more travel in the shock before its hitting the bump stop. I havent shimmed the bolt at the bottom but I did slightly machine a step into the original conical washer you have to cut off the bottom of the stock shock so with the torque of the bolt and the rubber isolating it from shock I doubt its going anywhere. But will go back and have a look at making a shim in my lathe in a few weeks.
So no Info now that time has gone by as to how they held up ? How about a current Sunshine Update ? are they any good or did they Fail in a few months or a Year and 1/2 perhaps Thank You for your post a update would be great
Haha, love the decal on the rear. How true. My ML55 sits a little lower than standard (about 30") and I'd like to retain that. Would you suggest these KYB MonoMax or the KYB KG5782 Gas-a-Just for my case? I'm thinking because the MonoMax are firmer, it may be a bit too firm at a lower height vs the Gas-a-Just.
I got the KYB Gas a Strut like u recommended on Benzworld, however the original Mercedes’ shocks come with a conical type press fitted shape, at the bottom , my new shocks don’t have this shape .how did u work around the new shocks not having that piece ?
On lower bolt / shock interface I didn't notice any conflict / ill fit. It seemed this new MonoMax was identical construction on lower eyelet end, save the small diameter discrepancy - which the plastic shim resolves. Did you see my post #1 on the BenzWorld thread with shim picture ? Please clarify if I misunderstood your comment. You could post a picture to me on the BenzWorld thread if need be. Cheers - David in Texas
Tried this but the lower shock mount bolt (21mm) needs the cone shaped washer adapter. Were you able to remove that washer? Without it, the lower shock bolt does not full tighten.
I really can't as I've not tried the Bilsteins on ML. I did use them on Dodge Ram Van (1996 2500) with success. A set blew out & Bilstein honored their warranty / sent a new set for my Van. The advantage here is that only the KYB MonoMax & Bilstein B6 are Monotube choices for w163 yet KYB is less than half price of Bilstein due to fact that KYB is choice for Chevy 2500 / Hummer H2 Trucks so more are produced vs rarer Bilstein B6 HD for w163.
I replaced the original OEM front shocks on my ML55 after 23-years and 75,000 miles. Both were leaking and one no longer would return after being compressed. Because of this awesome video and the corresponding write-up on the forum I had planned on buying the KYB monomax shocks. For some reason at the time I couldn't find the KYB monomax shocks less than $109/ea. At the time (February 2024) I was able to buy the Bilstein B6 shocks (24-126649) for $120/ea. I just checked today and the KYB monomax are now only $70.24/ea and the Bilstein B6 are $148/ea. If you are doing the front shocks its a good time to consider replacing the front swaybar bushings as well.
A few notes as just did this on mine. I notice before and after the new shocks have raised the front 10mm or so. They feel really good firm but not a crazy difference front and rear thats extremely noticeable (im on stock rear shocks still) everything I hear about the bilstein b6 rear says they are probably too stiff. So im thinking when I do the rear i'll just get some b4's or a kyb factory shock.... wish kyb made a monomax for the rear tho. I notice these are a fair bit longer than the stock shock which nearly goes to the limit of the headlight level sensor thats on the front right control arm. Even with the original bump stop off the old shock thats a shit ton more travel in the shock before its hitting the bump stop. I havent shimmed the bolt at the bottom but I did slightly machine a step into the original conical washer you have to cut off the bottom of the stock shock so with the torque of the bolt and the rubber isolating it from shock I doubt its going anywhere. But will go back and have a look at making a shim in my lathe in a few weeks.
Got these on my 04 Denali by passed the ride control
I love them
So no Info now that time has gone by as to how they held up ? How about a current Sunshine Update ? are they any good or did they Fail in a few months or a Year and 1/2 perhaps Thank You for your post a update would be great
Haha, love the decal on the rear. How true.
My ML55 sits a little lower than standard (about 30") and I'd like to retain that. Would you suggest these KYB MonoMax or the KYB KG5782 Gas-a-Just for my case? I'm thinking because the MonoMax are firmer, it may be a bit too firm at a lower height vs the Gas-a-Just.
Hey so I replace my upper control arms and I’m not sure if I put something on wrong,my front end is bouncy. It wasn’t doing this before.
I got the KYB Gas a Strut like u recommended on Benzworld, however the original Mercedes’ shocks come with a conical type press fitted shape, at the bottom , my new shocks don’t have this shape .how did u work around the new shocks not having that piece ?
I am about to change these out but need rear Shock-Spring combination. What do you suggest?
Very cool. What did you do about the convex bushing on the stock shock?
On lower bolt / shock interface I didn't notice any conflict / ill fit.
It seemed this new MonoMax was identical construction on lower eyelet end, save the small diameter discrepancy - which the plastic shim resolves.
Did you see my post #1 on the BenzWorld thread with shim picture ?
Please clarify if I misunderstood your comment.
You could post a picture to me on the BenzWorld thread if need be.
Cheers - David in Texas
Now I recall there is a dished washer it can get stuck to shock eyelet. Wack it w hammer from old shock & put it back on with new one.
Tried this but the lower shock mount bolt (21mm) needs the cone shaped washer adapter. Were you able to remove that washer? Without it, the lower shock bolt does not full tighten.
I have the same question . Did u find the answer ?
@@ride748 you have to cut the washer off from the previous shock
@@randypayawal9642 great! I didn’t think of that
would you say these are better than bilsteins?
I really can't as I've not tried the Bilsteins on ML.
I did use them on Dodge Ram Van (1996 2500) with success.
A set blew out & Bilstein honored their warranty / sent a new set for my Van.
The advantage here is that only the KYB MonoMax & Bilstein B6
are Monotube choices for w163 yet KYB is less than half price of Bilstein due to fact that KYB is choice for Chevy 2500 / Hummer H2 Trucks so more are produced vs rarer Bilstein B6 HD for w163.