[DETANE]

My rear suspension needs replacement, so you know I have to ask the ML Gods first before i choose Springs and Struts. From your experience with these two brands, what do you suggest I buy?
Thanks In adavance.

 

[porschenut]

I bought Eibachs simply because they claim to go lower than H&Rs, no other reason than that. FYI, the Eibachs only come in the round end spring which limits their application.

 

[DETANE]

I bought Eibachs simply because they claim to go lower than H&Rs, no other reason than that. FYI, the Eibachs only come in the round end spring which limits their application.

Whats the differnece between round and flat ends?

 

[Alex L]

Whats the differnece between round and flat ends?

Bilstein's shocks (as I guess you were looking at them in your other thread) don't come with top mounting plate. Unlike OEM, you only get shocks, top nuts and rubber stoppers, nothing else. Basically you re-use parts from your existing setup to assemble your new shocks, including top mounting plate. This top mounting plate comes in two flavours: for flat or round top spring.

Flat spring looks pretty much like pictured below:

It is cut, or machined if you like, across the top for flat surface fitment.

Now why above is important is because unless you have access to top mounting plates (rare case scenario), you want to know what type you've got before ordering springs, which also come in two flavours: flat- and round-top. I had flat top plate and ordered flat top H&R springs. IIRC I posted a message here somewhere with possibly all part numbers and types of springs available for ML. I will try to find that message and post a link here.

Probably the best way to determine what type, round or flat, you got is with rear wheel off. You then need to grab a torch light, get in the wheel well and find out how top of your shock assembly looks like. If you post pictures here many will be able to tell you straight away.

Feel free to ask you if you have any questions (you will).



EDIT: Here's the list of springs available for ML.


British made:
Spax p/n: SPX-S023047 (-35mm)

German made:
FK Automotive p/n: FKDB049 round top only (-35-40mm)
H&R p/n: 29497-1 flat top, 29497-2 round top (-35-40mm)
Eibach Pro-Kit p/n: 2558.120 round top only (-40mm)
Vogtland p/n: 952019 flat top, 952024 round top (-40mm)

Dutch made:
Cobra Suspension p/n: 4866 (-40mm)

 

[Alex L]

BTW, H&R and Bilstein combo lowered my ML by 2 inches. Ride sucked, went back to OEM shortly.

 

[DETANE]

Thanks everyone. I went with the Eibachs flat tops.

 

[Alex L]

You sure? Porschenut mentioned above that Eibach don't do flat top version. I didn't find one either.

 

[DETANE]

You sure? Porschenut mentioned above that Eibach don't do flat top version. I didn't find one either.

My guess is they made one. Here is what i received from coopscustoms dot com.
I paid $188.37 (total) w/Free Shipping via UPS.

 

[Alex L]

Interesting. 2558.120 is the only set of springs Eibach do/did for W163 and your pictures prove it is flat. I guess salesmen who misinformed me and Porschenut were looking at the other end of the spring.

 

[boardboy330]

I broke one of my springs off roading and I need to replace it. OEM Springs are EXSPENSIVE...and I cannot find aftermarket. Could you let me know what you feel the ride quality is when you install them? What shocks/struts you used...

Too many of these topics have arguing about one or the other.

Thanks!

 

[DETANE]

I broke one of my springs off roading and I need to replace it. OEM Springs are EXSPENSIVE...and I cannot find aftermarket. Could you let me know what you feel the ride quality is when you install them? What shocks/struts you used...

Too many of these topics have arguing about one or the other.

Thanks!

sure. No prob.

 

[porschenut]

Very confusing!

I bought my springs from tirerack.com part#2558.120 and tirerack says on their website that both ends of the spring are round!

I never opened the box prior to installation so I don't know what mine look like.

 

[DETANE]

Very confusing!

I bought my springs from tirerack.com part#2558.120 and tirerack says on their website that both ends of the spring are round!

I never opened the box prior to installation so I don't know what mine look like.

Send them back! Tirerack is expensive and doesn't price match, plus the service repp I spoke to was hella rude.

The picked up my flat ended set from www dot Coopscustoms dot Com. $188.37 (total) w/Free Shipping via UPS.

 

[[email protected]]

isnt eibach flat from one side n round from the other? im try to buy a set n thats the way those are too! i can post pics of them if u guys need. please help tho!!

 

[borna101]

Just to clear all confusions here, as me and so many others are confused about Eibach Pro-Kit [2558.120] for the 163 [98-05]. They have always been flat tops and round at the bottom! Tirerack has confused all of us by saying both ends are round. (its a website typo)

I called Eibach and spoke to a technician and from experience and the detailed visuals on their computers they have always been flat tops.

I called the dealer and the 163 back struts from 02-05 the springs are apparently flat tops as well.

I was told by Eibach that Installing an Eibach Pro-Kit 2558.120 (flat-top), hypothetically on a 163 strut that has round top (round both ends), also works well without a problem.

If i get a chance, I want to do a lowering using the 2558.120 Eibach kit on the stock shocks with the help of the "M-Class Outpost" website and i want to post a DIY with lots of pictures.

The M-Class Outpost - The M-Class Enthusiasts' Site