[01ml320benzito]

This is the best my ML has felt since I got it!

Two days ago: I had a rough idle for a while and coil 5 finally let go. Changed out the coil and all spark plugs for good measure!

Last weekend: I also replaced my rear shock absorbers this past weekend using parts from the link in one of the other threads about the shock assembly sale ($240 a piece) with many thanks to 43sqd for his PDF's and to all other members who contributed pics and write-ups and didn't know it

Yesterday: Replaced my torsion bar bushings, courtesy of boschbrakes' excellent custom parts which restored my ride height, improved braking distance, stopped the hideous creaking and improved handling of the thing. I couldn't believe how much it was sagging before.

Suspension feels great and idle is smooth again! Just thought I'd share my satisfaction and extend my gratitude to all members of the forum :bowdown:

She's got 153k on her now and felt better than she did at 110k when I got her! Can't wait to hop in the ML now!
Cheers!

 

[Black3]

I just replaced my plugs and wires;

it was running OK but I didn't know how old they were and with winter coming on, I'm trying to do the little stuff. You know what they say: it's the little crap that gets you. Anyway, new plugs and wires made a really noticeable difference. It idles smoother, even sounds a little different, and the average mpg is up about a half a mile per gallon. In combined city and suburban driving it has been averageing 14.6 - 14.8. With the new plugs and wires it have averaged 15.3 - 15.4 for the last two or three weeks with only one "road trip" on open road of about 80 miles total. On that trip with the cruise control set at 65 it was staying between 19 and 22 mpg except on a couple of steep hills. That still ain't great mileage but it's the best it's ever had and every little bit helps with gas at $4.29 this week.

 

[01ml320benzito]

22 mpg with the 430 aint bad at all!

The ML is always gonna be wallowy. Its no sports truck, although FAR may disagree

For what its worth its very smooth and comfortable when working well and its nice to have a suspension refresh.

 

[pdxgrease]

Yeah I'm looking forward to redoing my suspension, bushings, ball joints, etc. my ml is a land barge compared to the cayenne. Hoping to turn it into, at the very least, a ski boat.

 

[01ml320benzito]

I highly recommend the rear shocks and torsion bar bushings be done especially if they're original. Big difference in handling.

I noticed (and my very critical GF confirmed) that holding the ML on a long curve on the highway is much easier now. Before, the wheel would exhibit a tick-tocking and make the car hard to stabilize. It is now 99% gone! Also there is much much less lean in the corners and the car --eherm truck-- grips better.