Wobbly Mercedes ML164

[RINMOS]

Hi,
I love my old Mercedes ML (2008 320CDi) but driving it on our now useless roads has become a challenge!
It wallows up and down and tramlines and basically gets thrown off-course by pot-holes and sags
in the road. Does anyone else suffer this problem? Ive had the wheels aligned, straightened, re-aligned,
changed tyres (Pirelli Sport Contacts now and no better than the cheaper Scorpions it had on before).
I met a lady with a similar year ML having her tyres changed and she said its like hanging on to a wayward
horse.
I'm going to send it to the knackers yard if it carries on misbehaving unless someone out there can
recommend remedial action?

Edited by RINMOS on Friday 2nd February 19:56

[RINMOS]

Thanks E90_M3Ross,
Would have replied earlier but as a "newbee" I was not allowed by the system
in case I increased the amount of "SPAM" on the site for established floks like yourself (yeah... I know).
Seems like a long and expensive haul to get back to where the car should be. Food for thought...
R.

[RINMOS]

Thanks Fiedka. This weekend I noticed the car did "crash" into some pot-holes and
that makes sense. The shocks will be replaced first!!
Fair comments about the age thing too G. That ML weighs over 3 tons so its certainly
time to call time on the suspension. R.

[RINMOS]

Point well taken H.
Thanks everyone with your positive encouragement to make some remedial changes. R.

[RINMOS]

"... a lot cheaper than scrapping the car and buying one ten years newer which handles better yet already is 5-6 years into the same cycle of eventually needing new suspension..."
Indeed Akirk.

[RINMOS]

OK, I will start with Shocks and Top Mounts and I will keep you guys informed!!
Cheers, R.

[RINMOS]

But why the tram-lining?
If there are longitudinal ruts in the road or "troughs" on the motorway... the car
will follow them. Crossing the white lines and the car will try to follow them too!!
Naughty thing it has become!

[RINMOS]

Thanks 8bit... yeah "Marine" describes it well !!
I did take it to a garage (Merc in Berkhamstead) and they pronounced it fit.
I took it to Merc in Reading for a full geometry check. They did their thing but it did
not solve anything. Hence my reaching out to you guys.
I will focus on a systematic remedial process... starting with Shocks, Springs and Top Mounts.
Will keep you posted! R.

[RINMOS]

Cool. Thanks J4cko, Hustle!!
I have built up a pretty clear picture of what needs to be done and in what order.
Thanks a mill. everyone for your sage advice! R.

[RINMOS]

And hey miserablegit ( ... that super helpful too! R.

[RINMOS]

Hi E-bmw, no I don't run run-flats. I have Conti Sport-Contact 5's on 20-inch Rims.
I had Pirellis on there before and same problem. I have to change the fronts very soon
so I am going to try Michelins with the herring-bone pattern so see if that helps with the
tramlining.
But first I am going to look at the suspension as per the advice I've been given. R.