How to Replace Front Shock Absorbers on Mercedes W163 ML320, ML350, ML430 and ML500

Replacing the front shock absorbers is one of the easiest tasks you can tackle on your ML. These instructions apply to the Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class models listed. The 1998-2005 ML320, ML430, ML350, ML500, and W163 models. Below you will find step-by-step instructions, a video at the end of the article, related part numbers, plus torque specifications. The shocks are relatively inexpensive and will dramatically improve ride quality. No more bouncing all over the place or floating like a boat on the highway.

Applicable Part Numbers

• 163 326 11 00, 163 326 1100, 1633261100
  • Chassis (years) Model note 163.154 (1998-2003) ml320 from ch# A 145273
  • 163.154 (1998-2003) Ml320from chassis X 707756
  • 163.157 (2003-2005) Ml350
  • 163.172 (1999-2001) Ml430 from chassis A 145273
  • 163.172 (1999-2001) Ml430 from chassis X 707756
  • 163.174 (1999-2001) Ml55 amg
  • 163.175 (2002-2005) Ml500
• 163 326 12 00, 163 326 1200, 1633261200
  • 163.154: 1998-2003: Ml320: through chassis A 145272
  • 163.154: 1998-2003: Ml320: through chassis X 707756
  • 163.172: 1999-2001: Ml430: through chassis A 145272
  • 163.172: 1999-2001: Ml430: through chassis X 707756

Step-by-step instructions on how to replace the front shock absorber on a 1998-2005 ML W163.

1. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the fender liner. You can also access the upper shock nut from the engine compartment. On the passenger side, remove the air filter housing for access
   
   
3. You don’t need to raise the car. When you do this, it needs to be with the wheel on the ground. Once you remove the intake air housing, you will see the nut, as shown below.
4. Remove the nut at the top. You will need to counterhold the shaft of the shock.
   
5. Remove the bolt that holds the shock absorber to the lower transverse control arm.
6. Remove the old shock and install the new one in reverse order. Finally, tighten the lower shock absorber bolt only with the vehicle resting on its wheels at normal ride height. See how easy that was!
   Note:  The passenger side upper mount is easier to access after removing the air filter housing. The driver’s side can be replaced by accessing it from the engine bay without removing the wheel fender liner. There is less space to access the nut at the top of the shock for the driver’s side, but it can be done. Keep the car with the wheel on the ground when you replace your shocks.

Video: Mercedes-Benz W163 M-Class Front Shock Absorber Replacement

Torque Specifications

• Bolt connecting front shock absorber to the lower control arm: 130 Nm 
• Bolt at the top of the shock absorber, aka self-locking nut, connecting to SUV frame: 30 Nm

Instructions apply to:

	2005	Mercedes-Benz	ML350	All	All
	2005	Mercedes-Benz	ML500	All	All
	2004	Mercedes-Benz	ML350	All	All
	2004	Mercedes-Benz	ML500	All	All
	2003	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All
	2003	Mercedes-Benz	ML350	All	All
	2003	Mercedes-Benz	ML500	All	All
	2003	Mercedes-Benz	ML55 AMG	All	All
	2002	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All
	2002	Mercedes-Benz	ML500	All	All
	2002	Mercedes-Benz	ML55 AMG	All	All
	2001	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All
	2001	Mercedes-Benz	ML430	All	All
	2001	Mercedes-Benz	ML55 AMG	All	All
	2000	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All
	2000	Mercedes-Benz	ML430	All	All
	2000	Mercedes-Benz	ML55 AMG	All	All
	1999	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All
	1999	Mercedes-Benz	ML430	All	All
	1998	Mercedes-Benz	ML320	All	All