2011 ML350 (W164) ride quality

[mchoody]

Afternoon all.
I recently bought a 2011 ML350 Grand Edition. I've completed a few jobs already (A service, gearbox service and ABS sensor). I'm finding the ride quite harsh (it did come with the 20" alloys). Is this normal? I thought it would be a lot more compliant over bumpy surfaces. The car has only done 60000 miles with full Mercedes history so well looked after. Has anyone improved the ride quality with Bilstein shocks and/or springs or is this par for the course? Thanks.

[Miglia 888]

Heavy 20" alloys with 265/45 tyres adversely affect the ride quality, ime.

We switched from the heavy 20" wheels & 265/45 tyres that came with our W251 (shared platform with the W164) to much lighter 18" wheels with 255/55 tyres, and the ride was transformed.
17" wheels with 235/65 tyres are also available for more sidewall with less width if that's not enough improvement for you.

Selling the old heavy 20" wheels & tyres on eBay afterwards meant the cost to change to lighter & better riding 18" wheels & new tyres was negligible, unlike the improvement in ride quality. HTH.

[muchacho]

I would second what is said above regarding wheel and tyre sizes. OP, is your car on Airmatic? My experience is based on a 350 CDI with Airmatic..

[mchoody]

It's on standard springs. If I could find a set of Grand Edition 19" alloys I would definitely try that. Not sure if I'm just expecting too much from a nine year old car? Shame really as I like it and happy overall with the price I paid.

[muchacho]

19" "AMG" wheels with 255 50 19 tyres for ours.