We Finished EVERYTHING On My ML55 AMG & Created The ULTIMATE Off-Road Euro SUV That’s Not A G-Wagon!

[@LegitStreetCars]

What kind of SUV do you drive? Any mods?

[@lukakrstic8576]

im 13 :(

[@agusorellana5551]

I drive a Volvo diesel. Not precisely an SUV

[@danielhurley7018]

2008 GL320. No mods, because they aren't necessary with this beast.

[@PedroMartinez-de3ne]

I DRIVE AN E55 ADN YOU ARE THE REASON WHY‼️‼️

[@PedroMartinez-de3ne]

and

[@anomamos9095]

Snorkels are generally not for water fording, they are for getting cooler dust free air in desert locations where the vehicles ahead may be leaving dust clouds. They also help with not getting an intake full of water during even shallow water fording as long as the AirBox doesn't have other openings as many factory ones do.

[@johnny02128]

No to the snorkel, but hopefully after your trip you can get those Bilsteins in and that roof mounted tire! Good luck and have fun!

[@jamesduhon1901]

@John Vo if you dont mind me asking why no to the snorkel?

[@MrYaxalot]

Roof mounted spare will cut your fuel economy in half

[@freepalestine7123]

@@MrYaxalot mounting it on the trunk is much better OR you take the plastic cover off the spare in the back and it will save a ton of space

[@jacobstein7179]

Smiley face for better approach angles on the sides. Also, you don't want a tire on the roof, you want weight down low. I'd make a tie down in the trunk and then build a false floor with plywood and carpet. Maybe build some drawers too. Also, snorkels are useful, you're not entirely correct. If you wade through water correctly you will push water around the car rather than up into the engine bay.

[@billyc931]

I agree, but the straight vote won.

[@FluidMotorUnion]

"That is definitely not nothing" - arguably the slogan of this build

[@petercantremember253]

OJ don't forget our secret plan...Mission - ML55 sabotage , remember 'make it look like an accident' :D BMW's rule!!

[@keithexum7312]

Hey Alex I lifted my W163. I ordered K-Mac bushings for the rear and gives you much more camber and tow adjustment. They’re at Australia. It’s a great park. Far superior than anything else have ever 9:19 seen.

[@emland123]

Are you not worried the camber mod is gonna cause more stress in that area with the heavy tires plus you shaved off metal didn’t it make that area a bit weaker?

[@CLVannoy]

No……not worried

[@MrNabmilf]

Who else has been waiting for this ?! Building an off-road rig with my 4WD Pilot and taking all the advice

[@HannibalACP82]

I am a huge Honda Fanboy but ditch the pilot and buy a used GX470. You will be much happier with that platform for offroading. 2005 Honda S2000 2016 Acura MDX Advance & RES Previously 2005 Honda Civic EX Special Edition 2006 Honda Civic EX w/ Navi 2007 Acura MDX Tech & RES

[@MaxHuth]

Lmao, a pilot

[@leepalmer1075]

I have a fully built ml320 and I love it

[@johnsmith5726]

My wife could do with a set of Rock Rings on her Nissan Juke, and outside airbags. :-)

[@JJsAutomotive]

Jane lives the destruction derby life?

[@asdf11389]

Just picked up a MY01 ML320, 128k on the odo, in frickin perfect condition, one owner. Only thing wrong is AC doesnt work, easy enough fix. I'm going the same route as you with 35's and will have a hell of a fun time building this thing. Really didn't know about the low-key cult following these things had. Super excited to get started.

[@basithph8958]

Now a Jurassic Park build of the ML55 would be so cool!

[@caseyhubbard4350]

Fun fact: All the W163 ML’s in Jurassic park are stick shift diesels

[@Menga213]

@@caseyhubbard4350 were they all diesel?

[@jacobhuff7524]

@@caseyhubbard4350 pretty sure it was a 320 they used?

[@caseyhubbard4350]

@@jacobhuff7524 your actually 100% right. They were M112 powered ML320s. But they were also all manual transmission. Fun fact only 50/50 accurate haha my bad

[@thelongranger55]

@@caseyhubbard4350ml270 cdi.

[@gysbertvanderwesthuizen8011]

In South Africa, snorkles are mostly used for dirt road driving, to ensure that you suck in clean air, specially when driving behind another vehicle, they re not strictly for river crossing.

[@targeterror4044]

That's one reason why I want one on ML. I head out to the dunes a lot

[@gysbertvanderwesthuizen8011]

@@targeterror4044 Great, and they look awesome, love your channel man!!

[@targeterror4044]

@@gysbertvanderwesthuizen8011 wait uh this isn't my channel and I don't have one. I am just a viewer like you

[@woweeeeeeeee]

😂😂

[@dominodoce]

I'm so excited about this I've been looking to build one since I've seen your videos, I just love the idea of the classy sitting next to the rowdy/offroad merc...

[@billyc931]

Awesome video Alex!! It was a pleasure working on this project with you!!

[@Dutch-vj2eg]

Way cool!!! Been checking for this video like four times a day :) ALEX: You need some wheel spacers man! Wheels are too far under the body work!

[@dude770725]

Hi, love the video!! Great mods to the ML! I had the exact same ML 55 in silver, same the model before the facelift. I same fitted 275/70/18 to the original AMG rims like you! I lifted the rear with 30mm distance plates(from ORC - German offroad tuner) on top of the shocks and lifted the front with adjusting the torsion bars. I had to fit 25 mm distance plates under the rear wheels to get the wheels to their original width due to the lift. Tires I had the Cooper Discoverer ST maxx. Great tires! I drove with it 6.000 kilometers through half Russia over the Baltikum back to Germany in 5 days... in the Russian winter! Was a great trip! Now I got No. 2, a facelift in perfect condition... let's see what I can do with that!

[@Thedaleb1]

I’m just amazed at how much work can be done in just 25 minutes

[@Rev.Match.Reviews]

That weird tube with the wires you put around the bolt and it super heats it is called a Bolt Buster. Some college kids and myself built their website a couple years back. Always neat to see one!

[@FluidMotorUnion]

It's definitely a handy tool, we use it here pretty often!

[@cpscps2679]

Range Rover vs. BMW for the Least Reliable Title...let's get ready to FUMBLE !!!

[@jamesalexander7540]

Thank you for the chuckle.

[@Carsongore]

If the Range Rover is pre 2006 they’re both BMW.

[@cpscps2679]

@@Carsongore BMW owned Land Rover 1994-2000.

[@Carsongore]

@@cpscps2679 The l322 had a BMW powertrain and electrics till 2006 when it was switched over to a Jaguar V8 and Denso electrics. The pre 06’ L322 is probably the most unreliable LR product ever built. The L322 was launched in 2001 the vehicle was designed under BMW.

[@istvanmeissler2238]

@@Carsongore I am somewhat familiar with what you saying. I know 07 and 08 are good. How about 06 and 09?

[@jameshester9936]

No thankyous from me here,gentlemen, for completing such a pro level build on the ml to point of being inspiring and potentially spendy for me on the beautiful and smooth stock ml I purchased a few days ago I could be happy for a long time just looking at its nice scratch free finish.Now my soccer mom status is doomed thanks to you as I have motocrossed every car I have owned in my life and completely beat the criminal piss out of every one of them to the point of peoples jaws dropping wide open when they see me going the other way on the highway.I thought I could break myself out of this habit,but then there was you.I look forward to the suppository to this video where you go on off and mosh pit and rock em sock robots to your vehicle on my behalf while I enjoy air conditioning because I know you are going to have to cut out some ac lines somewhere to clearance some aftermarket component or to clear some vital component reroute or if thats not the case a big stick you run over will break under the tire,cantilever on a rock and get wedged between lower control arm and tie rod,spin 90 degrees while moving the front of the vehicle over a few inches now in a pogo stick position parallel with the vehicle slowing you down and to counter the effect of your face lunging toward the steering wheel and the annoying proximity of the wheel to you face causes you to punch the throttle to break free as you commence to center punch the stick through every ac line,component,ac line mount between the engine and fenderwell and possibly through the firewall and ac condeser,fan,and ducting assembly in the cab.My rant is in good nature and is meant as a compliment.Its my first time how did I do?

[@mattduffy2023]

Fluid and AJ are so cool to help you with this. Need those suspension upgrades with lockers front and rear from ARB. ARB air compressor for tire air down and up. All those snap straps...lol. best of luck

[@garethedwards2883]

The welding is top quality by an expert but with regards to the Range Rover it is one of the most capable off road vehicles ever made and also I would have fitted a winch to the front of it

[@megarafjogos]

Yeah, nah. The range rover isn't capable at all, an old range rover classic will go to places that newer range rooney could only dream.

[@youngtimersgarage]

Its was awesome being a part of this build . Love the led lights and the winch !

[@michaelwelschmidt9338]

Nice job! So impressive! That spare tire carrier looks very wobbly and noisy.

[@shanet7511]

Id angle the bottom of the bumper, it should make the approach angle at the corner better to make it easier to climb over stuff diagonally. That's why the hummer H2 has the corners of the bumper angled.

[@evoemperor3776]

I thought this build is like a budget crap car build but damn that welds on the bumper alone is top dollar

[@2ningmarket]

Coolest front bumper on a ML! Only add a rock ring to the spare tire and shes perfect!

[@pkt1213]

My understanding for the use of a snorkel is to try to put the air intake up above the dust. You won't have that problem on this trip though. Like you said, if you have water up that high on your car, you are going to have some other problems. Also they look sick.

[@TheDirtyBirchTrails]

Very nice, hope we see the entire offroad video !! I wheeled a few heavily modified Suzuki sidekicks with D44 front and Ford 9inch axles for many years with 35" tires and locked front and rear diffs. Last one was a yellow Chevy Tracker 4 door ZR2 with V6 and Auto , with Calmini 6" lift, 33" tires and locked rear diff. Snorkels on all of them. Best little offroad machines made !! Love your MERC !!

[@endall39]

Your content is so good, I can't believe you still have to work another job. People need to get on board with this channel so that you don't have to burn the candle at both ends to bring us this great product!

[@brandonbman5921]

Definitely need some spacers on those front wheels. They’re so tucked they look like you’re gonna stance the thing. 😂

[@Novagunner]

yeah! for sure, when you do a torsion lift you loose track width.

[@piotrek200v]

Or wider rims with lower et. I have 9,5J et26 brabus rims and don't need spacers.

[@jvsyoutube3298]

that extra bigger lightbar, just connect it to the original "fullbeam switch" . You dont use them when facing trafic anyway because they blind meeting traffic. Atleast here in sweden, but we maybe most often use stronger lights on all our cars up here in the north. 55w standard fullbeam on every mopedcar and car/truck

[@derrickg5612]

Those snorkelers are good for more than just deep water. Since they pull air from higher up the engine will suck in much less dust from trail running.

[@bmwrepaircrew8848]

Thanks a lot ALEX!!! I was casually looking to add an ml55 to my v8 w163 turd fleet and now I’m sure the prices will rise 😳😂 Kidding, you’re a great guy and actually humble and helpful unlike all the posers out there, keep up the amazing work 👍👍

[@brianpeters4486]

Hope you brought a hacksaw 😉 The lower bars on that bumper should have angled up to give you better access to the tire for better approach angle. You also run the risk of shoving it into the tire. Cool video. Looking forward to seeing the off road footage.

[@TekkiesIncBartlett]

love the video, it awesome! we had fun with the ML and Ford Flex!

[@LegitStreetCars]

I can't wait to show you flexing in the Flex

[@CRT1031]

Man been waiting for the vid to drop! This is really cool and all totally necessary! Shout out to the sponsors for the awesome support, thanks.

[@christopherlmartin25]

Love this series and this channel I really dig the ML content. I think you should do a snorkel. They're not just for water they also help the engine get cleaner air from higher up when traveling on dusty trails. They did an experiment on 4XOverland.

[@lukakrstic8576]

13 yr old me watching this people having fun and working on cars knowing when when i grow up europe gas cars will already be dead cuz of all the restrictions 🙄🙄🙄

[@MrNabmilf]

I think about that all the time young man , my brother sells Mercedes at the dealer and they are going to be all electric in 10 years or less and you KNOW every car company will follow ! Sucks for us

[@standyourground9973]

the gas car will be alive forever in America, friend

[@ikocheratcr]

Electric has way higher torque at low speed than internal combustion. It will always be possible to do this kind of jobs, but not in the way they are done, it will be different. The aftermarket will start offering the parts as the needs arises, and if your need is not fulfilled, then create the part and maybe offer it to others, multiple parts are like that.

[@ahyaan2552]

Soon there will be emmision checks on farts

[@dafirnz]

Most people run snorkels so their intake doesn't eat too much dust.

[@withinb7268]

A snorkel will take on nearly the same amount of dust

[@haldoglife]

People say that but in reality there is hardly any difference at all.

[@megarafjogos]

And the ones that actually use the snorkel do stuff soo hard water and mud would destroy the ML drivetrain.

[@Daermos]

I really like the Rock Rings, if you plan to run this after your trip maybe see if you can get some shorter length bolts for those. I would think they might snag and or snap off causing even more damage to t hose sexy rims.

[@gregrn779]

I concur, cut the bolts down and use acorn nuts 🌰 🔩 . Ftw 🙌

[@kevinStyler6299]

Looks good! Can't wait for the trip video. Hey but one last thing: Seatbelts are there for a reason..

[@kraignadjkovic5494]

The bumper is awesome! Great looking welds.

[@H.A.T.E_C.H.I.N.K_Lyncher_SB]

Good choice for using Amsoil oil! Also, for OEM brake disc I prefer Zimmerman over Texter.

[@-smp-scientificmethodpersp838]

This channel is turning into the top 10 best KZbin channels yet again

[@Legacy200STI]

Snorkels basic idea is not for amfibious use. In safari conditions dust circles and stays at wheel arch heights where the stock intake is. That's why a snorkel is in roof height where the air is clear. Think like the safari rally in Africa, theres no deep rivers to cross but only dry desert and dust. Basically you dont need a snorkel if not living close to the equator or going fender deep in water elsewhere.

[@davehatzakorzian6994]

This thing has come a long way love the progress brother can't wait to see the next video

[@eliasnuno4039]

MB ML have good stock water fording capacity if you will not cross a pond you dont need it but if you want to splash in deep hole you better change air intake position cause its in front behind grill,.... Trust me I got the experience 😂

[@ikocheratcr]

Right in the front, as many other MB.

[@willb3018]

I have a 2008 ML350 that was bought new back in 2008. I had the car in for service in 2018 (10 years old but only 64k miles) and got a call that I had a broken rear passenger spring. Weird. I don't use it like a truck. I did some follow up research and this is not an uncommon problem for the ML of that era. Never had a spring break on anything, including a truck that I did abuse.

[@neilmurphy845]

I think I'd take the ML anyday over a BMW and Range rover for reliably and parts that wouldn't cost as much to fix.

[@ethanc6638]

Same. That m113 and 5 speed auto are a bulletproof combination

[@jamesalexander7540]

The main reason to have a snorkel is to raise the air intake into clean dust free air. A fording kit is used for water crossings. As you know, the raised air intake is just a small part of making the vehicle waterproof.

[@Johnathan_Waters]

Hey Alex! If you want to add some modern features to that MCS (Comand) head unit, let me know! I can add Bluetooth audio, calling, etc.

[@DeusVolo]

Let’s try some standard stuff, this thing was built in Alabama you know. PRICELESS!!!

[@ja.935g67]

Another $1 tip, best automotive gloves I've ever used that don't rip easily are dollar tree heavy duty pink gloves. Super reusable and easy to remove from your hands. Buy the large.

[@DC1948p]

Great build bud!! I live not far from you and always follow your content. I would do the front bumper bottom bar at an angle to the top for, 1- clearance 2- structurally stronger. Please consider adding a winch fairlead to your front bumper and possibly a couple mounts for D-ring shackles for recovery purposes. Much love, keep up the good work brother! Oh! Let's go to the badlands sometime soon!!

[@Ericsaidful]

So if you recall, Jurassic Park: Lost World was essentially one massive infomercial for Mercedes. They begin in the garage readying their vehicles for a trip to "Island B". You miss a real opportunity here considering you are building a Mercedes to off-road with and are traveling to an island. Perhaps a second trip or a Part Deaux version should be done.

[@LTUSATV]

I had several ML's, I used to lower them (same with the X5's I've owned).

[@Menga213]

ADD a Utility Roof rack with a mini ladder. Make the fenders flare out. Add a storage compartment on the Hood. Make it the ULTIMATE UTILITY.. Give Jurassic PARK a good battle.

[@noway234]

OJ and his shop are badass at their jobs.

[@Chris-wo6gc]

Pls buy spacers for your ML55 so the tires matches the body lines :) it kinda looks a little funky with the back wheels being so inside

[@BuildTheSandbox]

Ml's are tanks, minus any of the accessory electrical devices, oh and the power steering pumps are garbage, and the fuel tank is pretty close to the ground.... They are a surprisingly great platform.

[@03kimlj30]

Bro, keep your back straight when lifting heavy stuff! no just kidding, love your content man!

[@jrfish007]

Snorkels aren’t for water, they are for dusty roads and keeping the air intake above the dust cloud in front of you. There are underwater snorkels like the ones on the H1 hummer, but that not what most snorkels are for.

[@therealcptslow]

That MK7 R behind you in the shop is cleannnnn. I miss mine

[@GRosa250]

You need to use either a six point box wrench or six point socket on those rusted nuts. The 12 point box wrench you were using will round the nuts/bolts when they’re seized on like that.

[@daviddoodle87]

That bumper is gunna grab everything I goes by.. should have connected them

[@JaredGti07]

My dodge dakota is basically a suv I have a custom cold air intake and a cat back dual exhaust I'm Gunna crank up the front torq bars like you did and get some bigger tires soon

[@peterlehmkuhl1985]

Needs diamond plate. Maybe on the lower rockers? It's just like cowbell you can never have enough 😆

[@rupertnathaniel7215]

Nice mods. Alex are you selling the Mercedes 55. ML front bumper?

[@LegitStreetCars]

Yes. Email me at [e-mail]

[@darinschnoor4091]

Yes to the snorkel. And maybe some rear spacers to get those tires out flush with the fender flares (or at least even with the fronts)

[@seanhershey3390]

Paint the wheels...( something bright).. to offset the bead locks.

[@davidfrank2824]

I'd like what you did with this Mercedes-Benz. I know they don't have the best reputation and they surely are not known for their off-road capability. I love watching someone take a starting point and improving it to make it better to do something it was not capable of performing. I love the sound of that buggy that you showed in the woods going through that frozen water. That thing sounded mean. Look forward to watching more

[@dimejishomade8964]

I think you should add a wheel spacer to make it look alittle bit mean

[@StephenFogarty2023]

This ML is mega cool Alex. Fantastic video. I would add beefy mudflaps and a snorkel. Those mono blocks wheels are so mint !! Looking fwd to the next video with u guys on the road trip and rally. 👍👍

[@brittneypatrick6558]

i88 I'm I fyy you can 6

[@bortsmithson]

This is such a kickass build. Can't wait to see it in the next video!

[@jrbbikerx3309]

the torsion bar to coilover conversion is AWESOME btw....torsion bars suck

[@kimokahikolekalihi]

You should get beadlock wheels inside and out and onboard air. Good for that snow.

[@TheJeracuda]

usually we have WAY more snow up here than what was on the ground when you were on Drummond Island

[@caddydaddy9536]

Great build Alex, thank you for taking us along

[@Sir_Skank_Hunt42]

You guys should Fabricate that Front Bumper, & put it up For Sale... I'd buy one Right Now and have it shipped to me here in Arizona!

[@jamesreyes4184]

By far, one of my favorite builds. Can't wait for the next one. Fantastic work man, she looks amazing!! You name her yet?

[@Seeyou006]

Legit, I need help finding a factory head unit for 2010 vw touraeg TDI. Love it , still have warranty . You should use it for the channels content! Vw just put a whole new fuel system in. Good luck! 🍀

[@criticaljim1]

Alex, how does the car drive on the highway after the lift? Stiffer,softer? Comfortable? Any notes on that? My last truck rode like a wood plank after the lift. Thanks

[@rjh7070]

fyi..Hoovies Garage is selling his CL 65..needs some work.. could he a good project for you.

[@cesartoledo5621]

🧐If anyone is going to know what Mercedes models are unreliable , it’s gonna be you. The X5, I’ve never had. Range Rover’s , I’ve had two, and they both let me down a few times. My 2000 ML55 , has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned though. She has 167287 miles, and she has always been there for me. Mercedes knew what they were putting together was special. I think I abused her too , by driving back and forth from Los Angeles to Las Vegas , back and forth too many times. She is still running great😳. I try to keep up with the maintenance, that is the key to the reliability issue with , at least my ML55, I hope. Thank you Alex , for taking an ML 55 and doing something really awesome with her. You kicked a$$, 👏😺

[@mpkp2011]

this is an absolute dream build. What a BEAST of a benz

[@westsenkovec]

_"created the ultimate euro suv monster"_ Hahahaha They never seen a Lada.

[@JrgsGrg]

That is so true. 😄

[@marinmarusic5937]

da hahah

[@tostadorafuriosa69]

a friend has one and it took the beating like a champ

[@patallen5095]

Voting "no" to the snorkel, Alex! E55, C63.......now I have to add an ML 55 to my wish list! Another great vid!

[@mikemata623]

We should get an overview of that X5. Looks super cool!

[@brandonburchell8]

No snorkel. Get the headlights and taillights slightly tinted

[@gregrn779]

I agree with: no snorkel, tinted read taillights, but use x-pel thick protective film on the front in either yellow or pale blue, especially since you sanded the headlights and didn’t clearcoat them. Also, look at getting some spacers especially on the rear to fill out the wheel well/ fenders.

[@ja.935g67]

I've always had consistent good results with WD-40 Blue torch penetrant with heavy rusted fasteners.

[@SpyderTom1]

I have a 2004 ML320 CDI and would love to be able to carry my 2021 Honda Trail 125 on the front while pulling my pop up in the rear. I found help bags for the rear from airbagman but nothing for the front. I also don't have factory air suspension.

[@mladventures1104]

Could you please tell me what shocks you have put into your ML55 front and read. Ive done the same to mine all i need now is shocks!!! Badly!

[@RANDASH]

Love the content as always!

[@brianpeck697]

Snorkels aren't just for water - in a desert environment they help with reducing dust in the intake

[@camdenb6404]

just looking at the front suspension it probaly be so easy now to put longtubes on it you can see the whole side of the engine right there

[@STUNN312]

love the trucks that you guys brought.! AWESOME WATCH! Good catch on the muzzle sweep too =)

[@nitroxide17]

When you do drilling on frame components, do you also spray some paint on the bare metal to prevent corrosion?

[@ericluebbers4415]

Keep the spare on the hitch mount. Putting it on the roof will raise the center of gravity even more. That will make handling worse with a lifted vehicle.

[@jsr3793]

Hello. Does anyone know the part# of the Bilstein shocks that were used on this project? Were they the Mercedes application, or something meant for from a different manufacture?