Mercedes Benz M-Class ML270 W163 Off Road. Tires - BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

Taking my 2004 Mercedes Benz M-Class ML270 CDi W163 on moderate to challenging sections on various tracks surrounding Possum Brush, NSW Australia. W163 Mercedes has 10mm alloy spacers on rear coils with heavy duty extended springs (kingsprings). Tyres are 265/70/R17's BFGoodrich KO2. Front torsion bar tightened up to maximum. Rear swaybar/stabilizer removed. Low range enabled, ESP on and off depending on the scene (still experimenting with both options).

[@Jonesec1]

I think thats the best w163 off road footage on the tube there bud.

[@stephaneleblanc5468]

Reminds me of the lost world jurassic park! Jungle setting ...mercedes ml.... haha its awesome!

[@Gunwoo]

Great video! Love seeing the W163 in action, especially the 4WD system at work

[@Potatofarmer1898]

Yep…. Buying one after seeing this vid!

[@osimnod]

Rather impressive display of the vehicle's capability and the driver's skill.

[@FolkRoots]

Wow! What a badass little truck. Great little off-roader!

[@mukwanofred9147]

From this inspiration video, I too acquired an ml 270cdi with 6 speed manual transmission. Preparing to take it off-road

[@jurassicperth6764]

🦖 The trusty ML270 taking on a real Jurassic Rainforest in Australia 👍🏻 🌿🦕

[@backinthehighlifeagain5468]

Good to see someone else off roading the ML in this part of the world. I'm currently installing an lsd rear diff setup. Should make a world of difference on the trails. Looks like you have the same rear lift setup as me. With 30mm king springs and spacers. I've cranked up the torsion bars all the way and also re-indexed them by 1 spline and longer HD shocks. Also done a 1" front swaybay drop and rear swaybar delete. 33 x 12.5 17 on custom 17x9 wheels. ET 30 so no rubbing. Also looking at front end rear tube bumpers when I can find some time. looking at some front and rear skid plates and fuel tank protection also.

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Sounds rad. I haven't indexed my front splines, so that may help level it out. I hadn't heard of front sway droop, so i'll look into that. I will be adding a front winch somehow.

[@backinthehighlifeagain5468]

@@RogerEssigArtist yeah looking at a winch myself, but not sure I'll really use it that often. When we head out we normally travel in a group, and my mates have land cruiser's and Vitaras with winches so we're set up pretty good if we do get stuck. Hoping to put up some videos up once the lockdown is over. Check out some of the Macetown 4wd river crossing videos on KZbin to see where we like to go. Hope you guys are all safe across the pond 🤘

[@mikesievers1482]

@@backinthehighlifeagain5468 Hi mate. Ran into you heading into Macetown track over new year's with that monster Hilux. That ML of yours is bad ass !. Hopefully I can get some money together to do the same mods you have done. Was going to flick you a text, to maybe get out on some tracks but lost your phone number.. You can get hold of me through Kevin also.

[@thia1963]

I am in the UK. My 270cdi doesn't even know what a blade of glass looks like lol. Still going strong after 19 yrs.

[@metalmicky]

This driver will if he bangs a hole in the plastic fuel tank !

[@dit.p2598]

W163 ML 270 CDI GREAT CAR

[@RogerEssigArtist]

So much more potential with a few more mods!

[@holeephuk]

This video made me buy one,got ml320 2002 with only 97000km 😊 you may see it in Geelong..

[@kiskiller3]

my friend has a 2005 ml500 lifted like yours spacers and king springs running 34inch ko2s. its pretty crazy the ground clearance hes got. goot video. love our mls.

[@RogerEssigArtist]

It's certainly fun. Just needs custom bar work, spare wheel carrier, snorkel, a winch and underbody protection for some extra risky videos!

[@kiskiller3]

@@RogerEssigArtist good. were building it for overlanding. should be super fun

[@jonathans9537]

Little Merc does well!

[@skylerwaite]

Awesome video, great driving technique.

[@coastalpwrtr88]

Proudly Mercedes-Benz

[@keeshenarul4554]

Nice videography and editing mate, we have a ML270 manual in SA.

[@riyadelmesbahi8370]

ML is de best

[@piotrek200v]

recently bought ML350 from 2005 with 3.7 v6 and really want to take her out for some off road testing cause never tried it :) peace :)

[@Countrysideboy247]

These were made for work ,not as a status symbol!

[@zonta71]

i too got the ml 270 cdi for greenlaning. now am upgrading to 33" tyres with a 3 inch body lift. i intend to leave the suspension as standard but disconnect the sway bars

[@kawa4]

Good! 👍🏼

[@MLCLUBGEORGIAOFFICIAL]

Kawa44 subscribe our channel if u like ml

[@hilltop521]

There a hardy beast lon g lasting a good as you would get. On the market can't understand why they were such a slow seller

[@josephleister9198]

Impressed....thank you

[@peterhosenfeld4225]

Top Video .

[@Sludgee9]

Very Nice! High Five!

[@svenfox2660]

yep, right, it's a 5 cylinder; ) great car, I own one myself. he is like a faithful dog on 4 wheels, but he also needs care. even if it is a mercedes. complex technology needs care, if not by your own action then by the mercedes partner. finding a real good used one is difficult even here in Germany (but even the worst ones are easy and cheap to fix if you know how) . a good one can be a real alternative to the w463 G class for most people. It combines many sensible qualities in itself. especially against new cars in this class. important: I recommend the 5 cylinder 270 cdi. if it should be a diesel.

[@markmcgrath9098]

Pull the rear mud flaps off! If/when they get snagged good n proper they’ll rip off your entire rear bumper breaking the little sacrificial mounting lugs. Then the whole thing is toast. Oh, and if you’ve not already done it, read up on building a little egr delete. The EGR and crank case ventilation really eff up the intake manifold. Ask me how I know. 😂

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Yep, Thought I'd risk it for that excursion. plan is to get custom barwork front and rear. Cheers for the EGR info.

[@markmcgrath9098]

Roger Essig no probs mate, I live in SA. My 270 was sold a while back but I’ve always missed the big bugga. Took it to the Murray mouth a couple of times and it just seemed to float over the sand. Never really bogged down. The intake manifold stuff is a right royal pita if it goes bad. That said, your vid triggered me to go back to Carsales and check them out. I’ll have to watch your dmt vids too. Another interest. Not been there yet, been making friends with fun guys this season 👍.

[@finn324]

ML рулит.. 👍

[@kredone1]

У вас такой же?

[@finn324]

@@kredone1 Еще нет , но думаю.Уж очень гармонично и бюджетно получается. Только бенз 3.2 хочу...2.7 дизель дорого и нет их почти.

[@kredone1]

@@finn324 тоже самое, я определился, хочу именно его. Прийдется искать по России, в моем регионе дрова, буду искать по выше средней цены. Бери тогда уже 3.7. Буду смотреть 2004г.3.7

[@finn324]

@@kredone1 В 3.7 нет смысла. Цена 3.7 и 2.7 D одинаковая. Только дизель тянет лучше. 3.2 мой бюджет...Туарег тоже так может , но дороже.

[@kredone1]

@@finn324 я дизель не рассматриваю вообще, потому что потом и хапнуть можно дороже чем с3. 2 и 3.7,да и у меня в городе дизелисты рукожопы какие то, когда видят старую машину, видимо отношение такое. 3.7 бодрее чем 3.2,а расход не многим больше. Туарег конечно современнее, но и с запчастями будет по дороже. А вообще просмотрев на поводку у туарега, которая ломается, чего то не хочется связываться с этим. Как то так. Я думаю за 550 вариант нормальный.

[@excessivecabbage7350]

Great video highlighting the potential of the ML mate. Will be getting one myself soon and your video has given me more confidence in my future purchase. Has your ML been lifted? What mods if any? Do you have any drama with approach angle? Was thinking of going for modded front as nd rear bars with wheel and jerry carrier. Again, thanks for sharing. Cheers

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Hi, yes. 10mm alloy spacers on rear coils (creates 20mm of lift due to suspension geometry). Heavy duty extended springs (kingsprings) Creates a further 30mm of lift (i think) if car is fully unloaded . Tyres are 265/70/R17's BFGoodrich KO2. Front torsion bar tightened up to maximum. Rear swaybar/stabilizer removed. I hope to have fully customized front and rear barwork for better approach angles and winch support. You'll need the upgraded rear springs if adding wheel carrier. More video to come, I have since sprayed the merc two tone, with dark brown raptor liner.

[@excessivecabbage7350]

@@RogerEssigArtist outstanding mate. Have subscribed and will keep a look out on more vids. You going to do any under body plates? Look forward to hearing more and will share my own ML experience when it happens.

[@excessivecabbage7350]

@@RogerEssigArtist Hi again Roger. Well my ML arrives later this week. Have sourced and ordered some parts, rear coils, service gear etc. Now looking at tyres. Can you advise if the 70 series tyres rub at all? Im tossing up between 275/65/17s or 265/70/17s but unsure if ill get any body rub. Ill have an overall lift of 30mm front and back at this stage. Cheers

[@SpenserRoger]

@@excessivecabbage7350 go with 37x13.5 and cut and bang the shit till it fits.

[@excessivecabbage7350]

@@RogerEssigArtist hey mate. What shocks are you running? Cheers

[@AutobahnVault]

Jurassic Park beast!

[@jonnylivesinbr]

Be careful, you can't really see that far on that bush, you might hit t-rex after a turn!

[@tedhibbard7110]

Hey, loved the video, how do the 31' tires go? is acceleration still tolerable or have you had any rubbing issues?

[@unballisticr.i.pdadloveand7055]

Has the M Class got low range gears great video

[@mikejuelg1290]

Yes, the W163 models came with constant 4WD with low range transmission

[@michelkyriasis2135]

Bravo merci

[@turokturok2623]

👍👍👍

[@MLCLUBGEORGIAOFFICIAL]

Turok Turok subscribe our channel if u like ml

[@Knochensplitter]

Jeep WJ/WG 2.7- Done

[@EspiritoTT]

Nice man. More vids

[@hughgoh]

Nice job, I have an ML350 cranked the front up all the way, still have to do the back yet. I have gone several times off road and no problems. How do you turn off the ESP? Was thinking of this for doing donuts.

[@RogerEssigArtist]

There's a button in the ML270, you can see it below the air conditioner dial .. postimg.cc/94nWFYWJ

[@hughgoh]

@@RogerEssigArtist I found it, thats funny I never noticed it before!!!

[@rikkatheconure2395]

is it unsquatted yet? it kinda hurts my soul to imagine a squatted 320 but its the only way to fit good sized meats on one without spending money lifting it so i can understand

[@hughgoh]

@@rikkatheconure2395 well, it sits higher than stock. after taking the back seat out, and cranking the torsion bars up all the way, with Michelin LTX A/S tires, and plastic bumpers removed. I want to raise the back up next.

[@hughgoh]

@@rikkatheconure2395 should I get the spacers for the rear lift? What do you recommend?

[@farleyjack2510]

Just acquired a 2003 270 and intend to modifying it for offroad use👍🏻 Are those 17” rims?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Yep. Hope you video your offroad adventuring!

[@mladensavic1370]

Baest ML

[@МихаилМорозов-х2н]

У меня тоже w163.

[@blackcumin5742]

2.7 дизель?

[@МихаилМорозов-х2н]

@@blackcumin5742 3,2 бензин. Очень нравится. Хорошие съёмки.

[@excessivecabbage7350]

@@blackcumin5742 2.7

[@MLCLUBGEORGIAOFFICIAL]

Михаил Морозов subscribe our channel if u like ml

[@bitcoin9658]

У меня 2 таких же 2.7 CDI. Сам езжу уже 4 года, жене в этом году весной купил. Классные машинки. Хоть по городу, хоть по бездорожью. Универсальные.

[@komandor44]

Hello, What benefits with stabilizer removed?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

more flex, which means more tyre contact with the ground while off-road.

[@rondetorres3842]

I had MY2001 ML320 years ago and I'm thinking of picking another one up to and overland build. What shocks are u running? Thanks for the inspiration! Great video!

[@RogerEssigArtist]

cool! yes, I'm certainly having fun with it and will be hopefully adding custom front and rear bars sometime. Front shocks are 'KYB EXCEL-G', rear are 'SACHS Shock Absorber Rear Axle 311 995'.

[@MLCLUBGEORGIAOFFICIAL]

Ron De Torres subscribe our channel if u like ml

[@MLCLUBGEORGIAOFFICIAL]

Roger Essig subscribe our channel if u like ml

[@unballisticr.i.pdadloveand7055]

There is some one on KZbin who has fitted Toyota thunder Hilux shocks easy to fit I am thinking 💭 about fitting the pedder rough tracks I had them on my Hilux ln 167 👍

[@markmcgrath9098]

Have you still got the ML Roger? If yes, how’s it been going?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Great 4WD still. Haven't taken it offroad much lately though. I can't see any reason to sell or upgrade it. Solid vehicle in all ways.

[@medveds1]

Whats it like on road with the sway bar off? Has this got the off road package or is it just standard ie traction aids.?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

great with rear sway bar off, I drove around 2000 miles over the last holidays just after the modification at freeway speeds in rainy conditions, etc. No issues with handling. The W163 didn't have any offroad package, that started with the W164 I think. Standard traction aids.

[@joshrogers2275]

So how would you say this truck works off-road? Is it something you definitely could use, or do you think you should get another vehicle for it? Cause I think quite a few people would choose the Wrangler for that kinda stuff. But Wranglers are just a bit on the pricey side for some.

[@RogerEssigArtist]

For me it's a good all-round vehicle. Low enough that I can still go into small underground carparks in the city, and high enough off the ground so I can take it on fairly tough terrain. I have a Toyota Troop carrier for the real hardcore off-road stuff.

[@joshrogers2275]

@@RogerEssigArtist I own one, too. I'm trying to get mine where I can take it off road, without it getting damaged. Pretty much by the time I'm done, it's going to look like how it did in The Lost World. I just wanted to make sure it wasn't going to be a waste of money. I do appreciate the response, though. :D

[@thetetons744]

Poor travel but super robust and very very good at holding traction and putting power down seeing that you have good tires. Would absolutely reccomend them so long as you are okay with not a lot of travel

[@only4fun4x4]

Hello without lifting it with spacers these tires would rub the fenders?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Not exactly sure. I'll say no, i don't think so.

[@meinaccount7619]

mine sounds like a siren... and it's not the turbo... anyone knows what it could be?

[@BesiBesi416]

Transmission

[@meinaccount7619]

@@BesiBesi416 thx mate but it sounds like a blowing sound similar to a bird

[@bartoszbury8017]

sorry, but this track I can go with my opel corsa 1,2 without any problems - its not off road

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Apology accepted

[@sandoo22]

Opel corsa, lol!! I bet you would have a lot of views if such video would be posted. It would automatically fall into the comedy section….

[@bekabeka71]

Opel corsa my bollocks 😂 I wouldn’t even be able to go on that terrain in my w166! I’ve both w166 and w163! W163 is the king of all suburban SUVs !

[@KriMi_84]

1:13 to 1:56 your Corsa dies 😅

[@Gizmo8-c2m]

Yea ok dude

[@ovingtonprophete5464]

Hey Roger - Where did you my spacers? Did you also change the front suspension?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

bought thgem off ebay, they become available every now and then. I actually got them milled down from 20mm to 10mm, because of camber issues. 20mm spacer camber issues is solved by grinding out the camber slot area. (which i found out afterwards). 10mm spacers is more than acceptable for an all-round onroad/offroad machine.

[@ricllinares5929]

What tyre size?

[@twain1669]

do you still have the 270? how many Ks on the clock?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

yep, it's in garaged storage for a few years, I think about 360,000km. Never selling.

[@twain1669]

@@RogerEssigArtist wow never selling? is it that good? what sort of maintenance did you have to do aside the regular oil changes? What went wrong?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

@@twain1669 i've had it for 10 years. Ball joints need replacing. a replaced the alternator and diesel pump. i think i put bad diesel in it and it caused it to leak. an ABS sensor , basic stuff, nothing outragous. parts were cheap as i bought second hand, no issues really.

[@twain1669]

@@RogerEssigArtist sick! Thanks for the insights

[@चेतन_महाराष्ट्र]

Any damage underneath?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

no damage.

[@MrGuppy18]

Where do you get the rear shock spacers?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Ebay, occasionally people sell them. I had to get mine milled down to 10mm as I have extended rear springs.

[@riyadelmesbahi8370]

I have a ML400

[@cyronader]

did you add an e-locker?

[@RogerEssigArtist]

no, it's all standard.

[@nhkmaster]

Tire size? Thanks

[@RogerEssigArtist]

Because I knew lots of people would ask that exact question, I was diligent enough to put all the details of the tyres in the description. For me to remember all the details of the tyres, I had to go to my description of this video. I'm not typing it. You can go to the description of this video to see! 🤪

[@SS18-35]

Да это не офроуд лёгкое бездорожье

[@hajerzaxo2993]

SYBW7B1KRUN