Does anyone know where one can find off roading equipment for the ML?
My 1999 ML320 is running LT265/75R16's and have the Manik brush guard with Hella 500's and rear light guards and OE black side steps.
I want to upgrade to improve off road capability. Equipment for the ML seem to be extremely rare, but I know GreenM3 has a sweet setup complete with a Warn winch.
Currently, I am looking for rock sliders and an expedition type roof rack. I'd like to add higher clearance bumpers, a lift, and skid plates and possibly a winch in the future.
Does anyone know where I can find rock sliders and a roof rack for the ML? Also, how did you (GreenM3) mount a winch?
I've read Wolfgang's awesome ML page top to bottom, many ML times over, but it doesn't mention any retailers for rock sliders. I did not know that the Yakima Load Warrior had universal mounting hardware, so it looks like that'll work perfectly. Still, I'd like some rock sliders. I have no experience in welding or fabricating, so if anyone knows where I can find some after market bolt on sliders for the ML (or any other off-road hardware), please let me know!
I've read Wolfgang's awesome ML page top to bottom, many ML times over, but it doesn't mention any retailers for rock sliders. I did not know that the Yakima Load Warrior had universal mounting hardware, so it looks like that'll work perfectly. Still, I'd like some rock sliders. I have no experience in welding or fabricating, so if anyone knows where I can find some after market bolt on sliders for the ML (or any other off-road hardware), please let me know!
Chia,
some folks use the M-Class side tubes as rock sliders. Currently on sale at Potomac German Auto http://www.pgauto.com or http://www.mbpartsonline.com
Thanks, Wolfgang. I don't know if running boards would be durable enough to support the weight of the ML over rocks. I currently have the black OE tubular side steps, but they are way out away from the sill to provide protection from vertical impacts right under the door sill. I like the look of GreenM3's chrome tubes, and I just saw (and heard) how they were a necessity on his desert expedition video.
My side rail things are great for protecting the sides of the ML from damage, but if you notice in the pic, they actually knock about 2 inches from my ground clearance immediately behind each tire where they curve back. I am trading more body protection for less rock crawling capability.
For the Desert Challenge, a couple of guys told me before that I should take them off because I would "end up losing them on the rocks anyway".
In fact, they did their job pretty well. I can see why you might leave them off, though. Mine are not steps. They are pretty flush with the side of the body, and they are slippery. They were on the ML when I bought it and I assumed they were OEM from 99.
I have a WARN 8000i winch in a "multi-mount" carrier. It plugs into the receiver hitch in the rear and has a solenoid/switched 12V lead. There is a receiver for the front that is available from one of the German sites Wolfgang has linked. I have not installed the front receiver because I can't figure out how to fit it with my underbody protection installed. (Not in that picture) I also have never had to winch past something. Every time I have been stuck I have wanted to go BACK. :-)
I really love my ML, but there are definitely limits to what you can do.
Best money I spent was on BFG AT tires. They completely change the vehicle by themselves.
Look at both the Mega Warrior and the Load Warrior before you buy a rack. You may like the wider "Mega" better than my "Load". Yakima makes great attachments for mounting a full size spare in the rack, as well as axe/shovel brackets/Hi-Lift Jack brackets.
If you garage your ML, measure your door clearance. Mine has about 1/4 inch to spare pulling in.
Just some thoughts.
-Dave aka GreenM3
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