[kar don]

Looking at new Shocks for my 99 ML, whats the difference between 163-320-23-13 AND 163-320-24-13? I know the later chassis code vehicles call for the 163-320-23-13 but what is the difference between the two?

Different shock valving?
Different spring rate?
Different ride height?

The front shocks are also different by 1 number for the respective chassis codes. Would like to know the difference.

163-326-11-00 and 163-326-12-00 (called out for my 99)

 

[davegt]

Great timely question as I would like to know also!

 

[kar don]

I'm looking to improve the ride quality to that of a newer 2002+ ML as those ride signifcantly smoother.

 

[davegt]

bump

 

[kar don]

Dave,

I honestly think nobody on here knows the answer. I have a few resources I am tapping to try and get an answer... confident we should get one.

 

[bocabenz]

I don't know exactly what is different, I do however know there were some major changes made to the suspension in the 2002+ models... more than just the shocks. One of my first posts on this forum was about retrofitting the newer shocks onto my 2000. From what I learned then, there are differences in the shocks between the two and they are not interchangeable, however you will be pleased to know that the new replacement shocks for our years are now re-valved.

 

[kar don]

thanks bocabenz, so should i just get the one called out for my 99 then?

 

[bocabenz]

Yes, they are re-valved and should give you a better ride than the original ones did. From my understanding, the ones for the 2002+ would not fit our models and should be avoided.

 

[DETANE]

Go with Bilsteins. Much better ride than MB OEM shocks.

 

[kar don]

ok so the rear shock mystery has been solved now thanks to DETANE but what about the front shocks? Those also are different. Did those mounts change as well in 02? 163-326-11-00 vs 163-326-12-00

Also what was the purpose of changing the mount? Hmmmm.

 

[DETANE]

ok so the rear shock mystery has been solved now thanks to DETANE but what about the front shocks? Those also are different. Did those mounts change as well in 02? 163-326-11-00 vs 163-326-12-00

Also what was the purpose of changing the mount? Hmmmm.

Use Monroe Reflex shocks or Bilsteins for the front. Forget about all the MB over priced, bad ride shocks and struts. MB changes everything to keep making money off the replacement parts and service. But a lot of the things can be moded to fit.

 

[kar don]

I can get the MB shocks for a decent price... hate to mix match monroe and OEM rears.