ML 350 handling?????

[Davel]

Right, bought an ML350 BlueTECH earlier this week - 63 plate with 8,000 miles off a main dealer.

Lovely car, great engine and all seemed well but took the family out today in it for the first time and some of the roads were twisty B roads - big mistake.

Within 10 minutes everyone was complaining about how it went round corners even at pretty low speeds.

I didn't notice this on the brief test ride but these were on A roads with few tight turns - so yes my fault really.

It doesn't have any adjustable suspension and the car is still under warranty but is there anything that I can do to improve the ride please?

[matty200]

I'd try the tyre pressures to start with, standard is quite low I've inflated mine to 39psi all round and it wallows less but then ride suffers a little. Mines on 19" wheels.

[RBrown]

matty200 said:

I'd try the tyre pressures to start with, standard is quite low I've inflated mine to 39psi all round and it wallows less but then ride suffers a little. Mines on 19" wheels.

I agree. Mine is on 19" wheels and ride is ok, a lot better than previous ML. Is it on big tyres or winters?

Enjoy the car!

[Davel]

Mine on 20s.

Apart from the cornering, it's brilliant...

[OldBuoy]

Davel said:

Mine on 20s.

Apart from the cornering, it's brilliant...

I think physics comes into play here.

[Davel]

I'm sure you're right but is there any easy fix to reduce the roll effect?

[matty200]

Have you tried the tyre pressures? mine have a huge range available and Merc default is the lowest (soft ride but rolls badly).

Next thing I've found is to go slow into a corner and throttle through it, the car doesn't really roll at all then, only problem is that passengers need to be happy with this driving method and very tight corners are still an issue.

This doesn't help your current position but I'm going to try the air suspension option before getting my next one to see if that helps ride and cornering.

[Ranger 6]

OldBuoy said:

Davel said:

Mine on 20s.

Apart from the cornering, it's brilliant...

I think physics comes into play here.

I agree with the physics element, I had the previous model ML and it was awful in the corners, soft, floaty and generally unpleasant.

I think it's purely a case of you've bought an SUV which isn't well known for it's handling. Since the ML I've had BMWs and the compromise with handling is quite a firm ride.

[51mes]

matty200 said:

Have you tried the tyre pressures? mine have a huge range available and Merc default is the lowest (soft ride but rolls badly).

Next thing I've found is to go slow into a corner and throttle through it, the car doesn't really roll at all then, only problem is that passengers need to be happy with this driving method and very tight corners are still an issue.

This doesn't help your current position but I'm going to try the air suspension option before getting my next one to see if that helps ride and cornering.

Air suspension helps, I've this on my 62plate ML250 - wouldn't have bought the car without.... the sport setting makes the ride firm, comfort does soak up most of the bumps, but it does wallow a bit (great for long distance comfort tho)..

[Davel]

matty200 said:

Next thing I've found is to go slow into a corner and throttle through it, the car doesn't really roll at all then, only problem is that passengers need to be happy with this driving method and very tight corners are still an issue.

I do that with my Harley, so will give it a go...

[Davel]

I have noticed a clunking sound at the back of the car and when driving over small potholes or even the cats eyes in the middle of the road, so I'm going to get it checked out.

Somehow, it just doesn't feel right on cornering either.

[anonymous-user]

One of my managers has a new ML, it handles like it's on rails compared to my Landcruiser

Go back to the dealer and ask to take an identical car for a spin would be my advice?

[Davel]

Great idea!

Ta