I fixed your link as it was not clickable.

Those look correct for 98-05. You will know soon enough. If you want to know before your ML arrives just call a local dealer. They may still have the old accessory part number listings for them.

 

Oh, thanks!

So what about the fact that one cross bar is shorter than the other by 3.5 inches...? Is that correct?

 

The roof tapers from wide to narrow.

The roof is wider at the front than at the back. I never measured it, but it is at least 3".

 

Interesting. Never noticed that. I will check 'em out, thank you.

 

I have a pair of genuine MB roof bars, and I can tell you these aren't the same. My bars are held on by the rubber strap. However:

• They will fit your ML. The distance between the roof rails is shorter at the rear compared with the front.
• The key shape indicates they are made by Thule, who make the genuine MB ones. Technically they are bars produced by the OEM company, as the first eBay seller may have described them.
• It is possible that MBUSA approved these bars, and sold them through MB dealers. Has anyone else bought OEM roof bars in the US?

This is what the genuine ones look like: dachgepäckträger | eBay

 

Those were the official bars BahnStorm posted that the US dealers sold from 98-2000.
There are little labels on the end with an MB Logo and a number that is in the old accessory catalog. I had a set on a 98 320 and remember that tightening tool well.

 

Thanks Noodles, I can see the embossed MB logo in the last photo. So these are genuine as well.

 

I have a pair of genuine MB roof bars, and I can tell you these aren't the same. My bars are held on by the rubber strap. However:

• They will fit your ML. The distance between the roof rails is shorter at the rear compared with the front.
• The key shape indicates they are made by Thule, who make the genuine MB ones. Technically they are bars produced by the OEM company, as the first eBay seller may have described them.
• It is possible that MBUSA approved these bars, and sold them through MB dealers. Has anyone else bought OEM roof bars in the US?

Hello, I just got these used with no key. Could anyone help with finding a replacement key. There is no code on the lock, though I guess one can order Thule replacement key for these. Thanks.

 

You are welcome. BahnStorm should have no problems getting those on.

I did measure the ML this morning and the width decreases over 3" from front to back on the roof line.

 

Thanks DrX and Noodles! Good stuff.

So since we're all ML Dorks here, why did they change the cross bars for '01 onwards?

Are the '01+ bars the ones with the straps? Are these better or worse?

My ML (ETA one week!) is an '05. Did the roof railings change too? Same profile as the pre-'01 railings?

 

I have a 2005 ML350 and a 2004 ML350 in the driveway, and until a month ago I had a 2000 ML320 also. I have a set of Thule roof bars (not MB branded, but which look exactly the same as the MB branded) which were fitted by the UK MB dealer to the ML320 in 2000 when I took new delivery. The bars are the same length as each other, and fit all 3 cars (the car roof rails are the same profile and same spacing).

The locks are plenty strong enough - have lasted me 13 years.

The bar mounting brackets slide in the roof bars when the locks are slack to accommodate the rails tapering from front to rear.

 

I have the OEM bar for the 1st year 98, they are same length. The locks are joke that you can hand break loose them!

Maybe the new model fixed that problem.

 

Well how did they work out for you? Did they fit? I have some bars that look just like them. They came with an MB cargo carrier I bought. The seer thought they fit an e or c class but a little digging ruled that out. More digging leads me to believe they are ML bars. Hopefully you can confirm?

 

Yep, the bars I got are the correct ones, and they are great quality, I like them a lot.

 

Evening folks. Funny this topic should come up just a few days after I ordered a set of cross bars off of Amazon about a week ago. The ones I ordered are from an outfit called Cargoloc and the pair set me back $49.24 with free shipping via Amazon.
So , you've got to ask yourself ....are these cross bars any good ? Well the 4.5 stars from 654 previous purchasers made me feel pretty good about the quality and the price was phenomenal. Received them a few days ago and I am impressed !
Don't have a trip planned anytime soon, but I wanted to familiarize myself with them before I used them. Right out of the box they seem to be of excellent quality and construction. Good directions and warnings regarding the type of roof bars these are designed for and capacity limits.
So installation was straight-forward and took about fifteen minutes. Been driving with them for a few days and yes, they do create some wind noise but that was to be expected. Sunroof opens/closes with no issues and these babies appear to be rock solid. There are easy to install and are supplied with two keys and an allen hex key to adjust and tighten properly.
Now to find an appropriate box to mount on the crossbars. I'll be looking for something probably from Thule or Yakima.

Here are a few pictures of them mounted :

 

Evening folks. Funny this topic should come up just a few days after I ordered a set of cross bars off of Amazon about a week ago. The ones I ordered are from an outfit called Cargoloc and the pair set me back $49.24 with free shipping via Amazon.
So , you've got to ask yourself ....are these cross bars any good ? Well the 4.5 stars from 654 previous purchasers...

Springer you got it backwards actual it is 3946 reviewers! I looked at these a while back and have them in my Amazon list. Let us know if you get any excessive wind noise at highway speed on the ml? Every model of car is different when it comes to that. Was also wondering if I can adapt a Yakima ski rack to them?

https://www.amazon.com/CargoLoc-2-Piece-Aluminum-Roof-Cross/dp/B00GA2HKAU/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=cross+bars+for+roof+rack&qid=1581376998&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&s=automotive&sr=1-4

 

If your keys are supposed to look like the ones in the photo then they are Thule. Is there a code on the cylinder?

Thule 544: 4-Pack One-Key Lock Cylinders | JEGS

Buy Thule 544 at JEGS: Thule 4-Pack One-Key Lock Cylinders. Guaranteed lowest price!

www.jegs.com

 

Thanks wallyo, no code on the cylinder. I wouldn't be asking if there was one. I've no idea how the key should look like, I can only deduct that from photos found. If someone has the rack and can check the key, we'd get the answer.

Regards,

 

With out a key code you will need to try pick your self, drill out, or have a lock smith pick it. I passed up 3 sets of cross bars for a ml at the pick apart because no keys. They had codes but were locked to the car, by the time I order a key and had it sent the car could of been crushed.

I take it you thought you were getting keys?

 

With out a key code you will need to try pick your self, drill out, or have a lock smith pick it. I passed up 3 sets of cross bars for a ml at the pick apart because no keys. They had codes but were locked to the car, by the time I order a key and had it sent the car could of been crushed.

I take it you thought you were getting keys?

One word: hacksaw. My local self-service yard charges by sub-assembly. If you want to buy a whole roof rack for $20 but only cut part of it off of the roof, they don’t care. I got a Thule rack off of a Ford Expedition that way - cut the factory rails on either side of each lock assembly. Once the parts were home I could order the keys at my leisure.

 

Yep, my bad !! 3946 happy campers !! I don't think it would be difficult to install a Yakima ski rack to them, but you would probably want to check with Yakima.
I'm afraid my snow skiing days are over...right knee replacement I I would be using one of the low profile containers for other items.. To me, the wind noise is really not that noticeable , particularly with the sunroof closed.

For the money, these puppies are hard to beat !!

 

Perhaps you can drill out the lock on these?
And then replace the lock portion.
Front and back view. There is a part # on the end pieces.
The front end lock assemblies have a metal safety strap that attaches to the crossbar - the rear ones do not.

EDIT:
more info

 

Ostracuseme:

Our locksmith charged us just $10 to break into a locked security box.
Cheap because we set it on his counter.

He asked: want in only or need keys made too ?
$25 extra to make 2 keys.

So, perhaps a local locksmith can help you....

David in Texas

 

Mercedes used Thule lock cores in the OEM racks, but unlike Thule the locks do not have the key number on them, either on the outside or on the inside. I think a locksmith is expensive, but I have not gotten an estimate. When I come across these racks and they are locked, I stick a large flat head screw driver in the lock and turn it. Voila, unlocked. To remove the core, you then need to have the Thule change key, which is essentially a key without teeth. While this is inside the cylinder, you need to use a small screwdriver on the back of the cylinder to close one of the teeth in the back. To access, you may have to disassemble the black piece on the back that inserts into the metal cross bar. I've done this about 15 times and it's still kind of a hassle, so you may want to check with a lock smith. If you need a set of Thule locks, there are Volvo resellers that sell the Volvo roof locks, which are made by Thule and exactly the same. You actually get six cores for $17, which is a lot cheaper than anywhere else. 2005-2019 Volvo Lock Kit 6-keyed alike locks 31330898 | Volvo Wholesale Parts
If you plan on trying to remove the cores I can shoot a video of how to do it and post it on youtube, so let me know if this would help.

 

Mercedes used Thule lock cores in the OEM racks ...

Minor correction: Merc don’t make roof racks. They contract Thule to make them, then Merc package them and mark them up 100-200% compared to the Thule equivalent.

There are no Thule markings of any kind on the bars, box or documentation. We only know they are Thule because the keys match, and the elliptical bar profile is patent protected. (That, and we read it somewhere on the internet.)

Where did the OP go? To his locksmith, I hope.

 

Question for you regulars at the Pick-and-Pulls.......

So I often get a text from three local (within 30 miles) Pull-a-Part locations in the Atlanta area stating they have received a W163 ML on their lot with the location and some basic information. I'm retired now, so it makes a good road trip to hopefully find some decent parts.

Sooo...after getting to the PAP and finding the vehicle.....IT is usually just a shell that has already been stripped of anything of use to me. Plus as mentioned earlier, a previous picker would have destroyed a useable part to get to something else. It's like the PAP's just swap out inventory to get pickers to come look !

Just curious...is this practice done on a regular basis ?

 

Just curious...is this practice done on a regular basis

I am very lucky the same company has 4 yards in the valley one is across the state highway from my subdivision another just about the same except it is on the other side of the river and 2 miles upstream to the bridge. But no and yes.

My yard does not state condition but I can check inventory online. I have seen something listed in inventory to get their and only find a frame (GMC pickup). But that is usually when I don't pay attention to what the inventory is at the yards further away. The local yards though have regulars that make a living pulling parts and reselling. A new ML was dropped I got over right before closing second day. A regular (I have seen many times) had a wheel barrow of unrelated parts, but the most sellable radio, headlights tail lights, etc. But I have never seen an ml stripped down as bad as you state, my yard usually crushes them too soon!

I think your yard is phishing for customers don't rely on their emails check on line or call, sounds like they are sending out emails only before crush time to see if they can get a few move $$ out on last ditch effort.

 

Good nest egg for a young fellow and his family I would think.

 

The land has gotten so valuable there was talk of taking the golf course and turning it from 18 holes to 9 and building on the other 9 fairways.

But we have digressed back to roof rack cross bars.

 

Sorry guys, my bad. Resuming back to the topic of oem crossbars...

 

Can someone help me with part numbers for OEM roof rail cross bars for 02 ML 500? I’m looking for OEM primarily if not I’ll consider oem. I know it’s hard since the last ones made are probably 15 years old.

Thank You

 

Can someone help me with part numbers for OEM roof rail cross bars for 02 ML 500? I’m looking for OEM primarily if not I’ll consider oem. I know it’s hard since the last ones made are probably 15 years old.

Thank You

i would just go with the cargoloc from amazon, i did. I have never located an OEM set at a pick and pull 2 Thule's. yes. Seems even those with cash to burn scoffed at the MB price.

 

Would w164 cross rails fit?

OEM Basic Carrier Roof Rack Cross Rail Bar Pair for 06-11 Mercedes Benz ML-Class | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for OEM Basic Carrier Roof Rack Cross Rail Bar Pair for 06-11 Mercedes Benz ML-Class at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Thanks

 

I found the “Hen’s Teeth”) for $175, would I need anything else to install it? Does anyone have instructions or is it pretty straight forward?

OEM GENUINE MERCEDES BENZ ROOF RACK CROSS BAR RAILS BASIC CARRIER ML ML320 | eBay

<p>OEM GENUINE MERCEDES BENZ ROOF RACK CROSS BAR RAILS BASIC CARRIER ML ML320. </p><br><p>I am unsure of what Mercedes these roof racks were used on but I do believe they will fit a 98-05 ML class. Please make sure these are the roof racks you need prior to purchasing as there will be no...

www.ebay.com

 

I found the “Hen’s Teeth”) for $175, would I need anything else to install it? Does anyone have instructions or is it pretty straight forward?

OEM GENUINE MERCEDES BENZ ROOF RACK CROSS BAR RAILS BASIC CARRIER ML ML320 | eBay

<p>OEM GENUINE MERCEDES BENZ ROOF RACK CROSS BAR RAILS BASIC CARRIER ML ML320. </p><br><p>I am unsure of what Mercedes these roof racks were used on but I do believe they will fit a 98-05 ML class. Please make sure these are the roof racks you need prior to purchasing as there will be no...

www.ebay.com

lol - do I need to eat crow now?
but $250??

Straight forward install, just make sure you have the keys.

 

CargoLoc roof rails?

 

Yes, that's them.

I'll measure mine - might even post a pic if I can of them on my Cargo Car Top Carrier.

I will lay a tape on them but I'm sure Wallyo & Khomer and I have the same width. They'll fit a certain span but some are longer for wider roofs so some matching is required size wise.

Keep in mind these fit both our ML500 & E320 and the widths between rails isn't the same.

I will agree with Demichae on this: the OEM rails, if in perfect condition, with locks etc is probably best bet.

BUT many do not have that and no yard nearby to search - and what are the chances of you finding a set of nice condition crossrails for YOUR MB model.

Biden has a better chance !

On our w210 I got the nice oem crossrails. They fit only it. NO Dice on them fitting the ML - factory rails are totally different shape.

But the CargoLocs fit both.

They're just as strong. If you read the 6,500 reviews there's Tradesmen putting huge ladders on them with no issues.

I've it 90 mph in a passing situation with my 22 CU Fit Roof Top Carrier full with luggage.
(Bad idea - I had forgotten it was up there....)

Anyhow, you have options.

OEM is great. But may be only a theory to be able to locate them.

I leave my CargoLoc Bars attached to my Car Top Carrier as it's their main job, to attach that to the roof of either of our MB's

I have driven with them alone, nothing mounted. Noise was minimal - a little but not bad.

Hope that helps -

David in Texas

 

OEM is 52" wide, bottom edge.

 

Khomer is correct 52”, checked my amazon account and that is what I ordered.