high speed stability - Benzworld.org

phatml350 · 09-17-2005, 08:54 PM

The Title should have said "High Speed INstability"
I notice that if I'm driving at over 70MPH and there's a sweeping curve on the freeway, my ML350 does not track as well as I want it to. I have the OEM 19s.
Anybody else feel this, can I use wheel spacers to extend my wheel track?
Speaking of spacers, what would be the specs on the spacers to make it fit the ML350?
I know, I know, should have gotten the air suspension....
Thanks.

dimitriss · 09-17-2005, 09:33 PM

I don't have the 19" wheels, but rather the standard 17" ones.

My ML tracks just fine, both at slow speeds, while cornering and while on the freeway.

I feel like on train tracks. The four wheel drive works just fine and I haven't had any problems.

BrentG500 · 09-17-2005, 10:02 PM

ML testers noted problems with the W164 when they took sharp turns at high speeds. Their solution: airmatic.

But one must remember that the ML is not a sports car and cannot be driven as such. [;)] The ML63 AMG, yes; the ML350, no.

GregW / Oregon · 09-17-2005, 10:40 PM

I have no complaints, but I have the air suspension. The ML does not lack track width; I don't think adding spacers will change tracking for the better. Do you have the Bridgestone Potenzas?

GregW / Oregon · 09-18-2005, 10:54 AM

Also, check your tire pressure.

endodoc · 09-18-2005, 01:53 PM

No issues w/ mine. No air ride and I have 17's. I took a off ramp today at 75mph with recomended speed of 35, no prob.

Flipsonic · 09-18-2005, 06:25 PM

I had the stock 19s on mine with Pirellis. Never had a problem on curved ramps as well. However, even now that I have 20s with 295/40 Pirellis, there is still roll when at high speeds. The only way to get rid of it is install sport suspensions.

GregW / Oregon · 09-18-2005, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Flipsonic - 9/18/2005 6:25 PM

I had the stock 19s on mine with Pirellis. Never had a problem on curved ramps as well. However, even now that I have 20s with 295/40 Pirellis, there is still roll when at high speeds. The only way to get rid of it is install sport suspensions.

Roll in itself is not instability, especially on constant curves like freeway onramps. The vehicle may feel less sporty, but it is very controllable. With Airmatic I still get a little more roll than I like, but it's not bad. Wish the ML had active roll bars, though (ideally that could be disconnected for offroad).

endodoc · 09-19-2005, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Flipsonic - 9/18/2005 9:25 PM

I had the stock 19s on mine with Pirellis. Never had a problem on curved ramps as well. However, even now that I have 20s with 295/40 Pirellis, there is still roll when at high speeds. The only way to get rid of it is install sport suspensions.

Might be cheaper and fit your needs more to get a 911 or Sl600. haha

Flipsonic · 09-19-2005, 08:24 AM

Quote:

endodoc - 9/19/2005 5:05 AM

Quote:

Flipsonic - 9/18/2005 9:25 PM

I had the stock 19s on mine with Pirellis. Never had a problem on curved ramps as well. However, even now that I have 20s with 295/40 Pirellis, there is still roll when at high speeds. The only way to get rid of it is install sport suspensions.

Might be cheaper and fit your needs more to get a 911 or Sl600. haha

What I meant by roll at high speeds is: When I'm going 65 or more on a straight path, if I jerk the steering wheel to the left, I can feel the back roll (or delayed reaction). Don't know if I used the word roll correctly. It feels that the car is loose. I don't have airmatic. I thought by widening the tires, that would've eliminated most of it. My tire pressure is fine. I'm sure the car will be controlable in an emergency. Just thought it would improve.