Taking The 2 Least Reliable Euro SUVs & My Off-Road ML55 AMG On A 1,000 Mile Adventure To An Island!

[@LegitStreetCars]

What the most reliable SUV with some decent off-road capabilities?

[@jamesherbert8391]

Land Cruiser.

[@armaan3843]

Cherokee

[@iowaland7658]

Toyota 4runner

[@kylesonsalla7620]

Bronco

[@uno-rg6is]

98 cherokee with the 5.9 300 dana

[@kingfisher2857]

OJ looks like a fast and furious villain

[@jeffr5053]

Should have stuck a second bolt in to fill in the gap to stop the control arm from moving.

[@3rdpartyU5er]

Probably didn't fit since the bushing was in the middle.

[@alincoman1270]

That seems to be the worst design I ever seen, that bolt will never stay in position!

[@michaelb2226]

Should weld washers in the position it needs to be at.

[@rxtuninginc8444]

Just weld the damn nut to the plate once you get it on an alignment rack and have it positioned perfect. That is kind of a stupid design tho.

[@lukasmeyer1992]

You should have lowered tire pressure more. With 10-15PSI a mud Terrain tire gets really capable in the winter forest. We drove our Jeep JK with 35" BFG MT KM3 in 40cm of snow, no problems with low pressure. With high pressure we wold get stuck in the first 50m.

[@paulthewall]

Air down son

[@Ottoaerial]

“ESP” on at all times helps with the traction

[@medmusic7977]

This is why all hummers have tire pressure control on board

[@DeusVolo]

Due to the ammo shortage they used sound effects of firing a shot gun instead of actually firing the shotgun.

[@molskimauler]

She almost muzzled the crowd so they at least had 1 live round.

[@joshuagibson2520]

@@molskimauler that's considered actually muzzling in my opinion.

[@Jeepinjd]

When you get it aligned, place thick washers on each side of your control arms. Once the alignment is perfect, weld the washers in place to keep the bolts from sliding out of position again.

[@mistermr6922]

I have an '18 AWD Flex -- nicest vehicle I've ever owned. If somebody would create a kit that would raise it up about 4", I'd do it and slap some fat tires on it. Not for anything crazy, but just getting to more remote campsites, etc. The first thing a buddy of mine said when I showed it off was "It's cool. If it was a few inches higher, that thing would look badass."

[@Slider68]

I know this is an old video but here are a few suggestions that would really help (I've been doing this stuff for almost 30 years): 1. Just like with drag racing, tire grip is best just before slipping. Instead of blipping the throttle hard when you want to move forwards a small distance, be as smooth as possible and try to do it without spinning. 2. The right amount of inertia is one of your best friends. When traveling through a tough section try to keep the speed fairly constant, with a smooth variation in throttle to maintain the speed. The right speed is just enough to get through without damage and try to build the necessary inertia (even at very low speeds over technical stuff) before your tires hit the obstacles. Most of the time that is about walking speed but sometimes, especially with muddy sections without boulders, etc higher speeds with lots of constant (or smoothly varying) throttle is needed. Remember you can always winch so don't make the mistake of getting the speeds up too high to cause damage. 3. With modern (~2005 up) 4wd systems, when you do have a wheel spin, allowing it to slowly spin will give the 4wd system a chance to use the ABS system to stop the spinning wheel and transfer power to the wheels with grip. 4. Lower tire pressure works extremely well, especially with trails where you have rocks and logs that your tires need to climb over. Lowing tire pressure does lower the ground clearance but not by much until your into the under ~15 psi range. I hope you have even more fun next time you go off-roading!

[@RichardVac]

Great video, I want to see more with the ML. The ML doesn't need any lockers because it has a great robust traction control system that can spin the correct wheels that are needed, you just have to give it some gas and hold it till the computer spines the needed wheels and with the ESP off to for hardest terrain, this MLs are amazing vehicles

[@RogerM88]

Add some limit slip lockers font and rear, weld the suspension adjustment grooves to fix the wheel adjustment in place, and call it a day.

[@KeithHinch]

They don’t need limited slip diffs. Some MLS did come with a locking rear diff. Only thing that could make them better would be if they had the traction control system Jeeps have. They are the best available at the moment.

[@weneakhborzable]

From my little experience with w163 MLs,keeping the throttle steady helps the esc control slippage better thus you are out of icky situations easier. The on/off throttle action seems to make the esc take longer to start helping.

[@timbrown9731]

Finally you’re back I can only take so many Doug DeMuro videos!

[@boogboog8097]

Aaaand thi🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍 is not the comment you were looking for

[@EFFEZE]

A couple of hundred more adverts and this would be a great video

[@brettwhitla4425]

NORD-LOCK washers on any bolts that you don't want to come loose. Used them in the mining industry for years on high impact/vibration drilling rigs, so they can take a pounding without coming loose.. They do a fantastic job.

[@MS-hd8yq]

Looks like everyone had a great time 👍 RIP Flex Muffler 🙏

[@Keirdo69r]

Drinking Game: Take a shot every time Alex says "I have a winch" 😂

[@jcbonly]

Or "dude" in this video :D

[@IkKe243]

This was the exact thing I was going to post! Ps: Alex buy hoovies car

[@yuriyavdeev1105]

@@IkKe243 which one😂

[@1986krazy]

I was thinking he should have put a counter of how many times he said winch 😆

[@diegomorse97]

I moved from Michigan a year ago and now live in the desert for my career. i used to party and camp up in the U.P. and your video made me feel so good. Thank you Alex.

[@justhes]

The flex is a beast for sure. You can get around on snow and ice with balding street tires and it’ll be fine, I know from experience.

[@NuMooX]

Every time he says OJ, I keep thinking of a White Bronco! 😂

[@aztecducky]

#1 rule of offroading is don't completely stop, next time you take it out make sure to air down your tires to 10-15 PSI and if you're going to do anything difficult in low traction situations, make sure to plan it out and most importantly commit!! Looks like you had a blast Alex, glad you had a great off-road experience and glad the ML made it!!

[@janmartens7954]

I know there are gonna be a lot of reactions about they’re lack of driving technique, but the first time off-roading woth all the faults you make are the most fun! Unfortunately that’s just the first drives..... it seems you had al lot of fun hahaha

[@ztwntyn8]

Yeah you got it. I was trying not to leave a negative comment. It will get better with practice and a few tips. Glad to see it in action either way. Just like hotrodding, offroading you will end up working on it. That’s all there is to it.

[@StephenButlerOne]

It's all about having fun. The trip looked a ball.

[@pyric]

Spacers, roof rack, rock sliders. Also that Flex is a beast 💪

[@johnbarrido8246]

Reduce the air for a while More traction yeah.. i used to have ml55 2000 SUV i loved the power..i loved the video thx Alex and O.J. mr Jhn

[@SandyNickk]

As a proud Yooper, and having done it probably over a hundred times, going over the Mackinac bridge is always special. You hit it at the right time!

[@mikelyons9971]

Way to play it safe. That beemer would for sure be the first to bite the dust.

[@johnbarrido8246]

I agreeeee bro. 100%

[@Vr6.christos]

You should try Volkswagen Touareg next time I heard those are great off road

[@ThEASbO]

The culmination of all the ML videos resulted in this amazing one. I enjoyed it Alex. And OJ is a machine!

[@tipsofme]

Let some air out of those tires! Damn. Lol

[@cryptickhi2510]

The Ford Flex was always a great suv/wagon especially with the 3.5 ecoboost Ford made a monster

[@HunterCivilianPlays]

4:10 its called a Ford WRaptor

[@TheDirtyBirchTrails]

Can you imagine where it would go with a Lincoln locker in the rear !! The locker allows you to relax and not BEAT on your vehicle all day !

[@alexanderthomas8593]

That Flex is a beast

[@michael_graper]

I have a awd flex and it definitely gets down

[@tintruder224]

My AWD Flex EcoBoost kicks my Expedition's ass in the snow.

[@max_edits_stuff]

Dear Alex, I'll get my car stuck, so you can finally use your winch! 🤣

[@zikzein]

Yooo this is dope! You couldve milked at least 3 episodes from the trip!! We need more footage pls

[@cheryldavison9759]

The range rover is a great off road car,you just need to get rid of the air bags and lift it if you want to do stuff like this,here in UK a lot of people use the range rover discovery as they have higher road clearance and you can get them with man gearbox.The main reason that people think range rovers are unreliable is because people do not look after them like they should.My husbands ML is the same,they spent money on it for the first half of it's life now it needs too much money to put it right

[@Captain-Awesome]

I watched and subscribed just because of this series!! Great Job! I like seeing the luxury Offroad crew out on the trails.

[@ericluebbers4415]

I’m currently building a VW Vanagon Syncro just for this kind of trip. When I’m finished would love to meet up and show it to you. It would be another unreliable euro but a Van. Looked like fun.

[@vladvega9005]

This makes me want to get an ML! Alex, please continue to work on and create content on this project. Love all your videos.

[@seanhershey3390]

The ML & X5 look great.

[@jamesherbert8391]

I anticipate no problems whatsoever on this trip 👌🏻

[@bobwazzuman4275]

I see a new channel legitoffroaders in the future. Loving the channel.

[@Rolo_McFlurry]

Summertime Colorado trip with that monster

[@thecarsectionthecarsection6420]

The Mercedes look good in Jurassic park and Oj had a bronco lol

[@marioarchuleta8723]

Yeah they had lockers an it was all tricked out then 2

[@sat_sonic]

I used to have a 99 ML430 these things are quite capable on the trail (stock). Remain hyper aware of your momentum!

[@Στέφ-θ3ζ]

My dad in Greece has a bunch of Willys Jeep from WWII... He would take me as a kid on these mountains with no roads and just run over small trees and driving through any obstacle... You should do a video over there I would let you borrow the jeep and show you around the best footage places you can get from anywhere in the world. And I guarantee this.

[@SPW812]

Anything beginning with ML gets an instant like.

[@MisterrJmark]

I go to Mackinaw Island every year for my Anniversary. In the summer it feels like being on a tropical island

[@spring6meow]

Might be able to fit a electric rear diff lock from a GL320 / GL500..

[@markplenty2631]

This looked so much fun! Great work on the ML it did amazing l! Looking forward to the next episode.

[@flyingpeter]

the ml needs at least a rear locker, just that and could be a jeep killer

[@goosedeathable]

So the ml can join the Jeeps upside down, just a little further down in the ditch? 😂

[@flyingpeter]

@@goosedeathable hey, as long as it reaches further

[@1960cool1]

Will Alex ever get to use his winch 😂

[@Brad.whatthe]

He did, he got to put a burn mark on the underside of his hood 👍

[@jamesmedina2062]

Did you notice how much easier it was to just walk through that forest in the snow?

[@MrButuz]

You'll get used to the traction control in the ML - it actually works very well but you gotta learn to keep on the throttle all the time and keep momentum rather than "idle crawl" start/stop like the locking diff guys, as in the ML, no throttle = no traction control = no "pretend" locking diffs = spinny wheels. Giving some Beans is key!!

[@KeithHinch]

God it was so frustrating seeing Alex stop, start. Just get going good and then off the gas and stop again. It was like he was trying to get stuck - maybe so he could use his winch.

[@White.Elemant]

To lock the camber, cut a piece of metal that fits into the bolt slot. The friction from the bolt just is not enough to keep it from slipping in the slot. It needs a physical stop.

[@lytemup76kaliakmanis55]

Had a great time with you guys. OJ at Fluid Motor Union is a class act and super knowledgeable. Alex, you rock bro.... can't wait for the next rally north

[@LegitStreetCars]

It's going to be epic!

[@TTRSEmotion]

Hoovie is selling his CL65, upvote for Alex to see this.

[@agusorellana5551]

You know Alex is freezing his ass off when the video is shaky

[@calistocm]

LOL, I was so excited to see the X5 perform. Maybe next time, love the video.

[@lukegilbert7985]

"Dude that was Legit!" put it on a t-shirt Alex!!

[@Jeckler]

That's one of Goonzquad's signature lines. Other notable taglines are duuuuude, dang son, whatnot and poleetz.

[@stephencresswell4760]

Shocker. The Range Rover shows how’s it’s done. As usual.

[@hydroxygen2000]

That's not what I saw, the ML seemed to go before the Defunder. Every time. No hate, the Flex was the star. As per usual, everyone says that the Toyoda will obviously never have a problem, but it also probably will only go through half the tracks as the rest of the Off Road Vehicles, knowing deep down it still has to prove a point for some reason. As usual it will claim: "See! You should have brought one of these." The Jeepeny will do it all, and then some. It will also break constantly, and often for no apparent reason. "Yes, we know. Jeep is the best...Now tell us how long we need to wait for you to jimmy the obviously already failing transmission and brakes that somehow became disconnected as you were parked."

[@samurai4x483]

@@hydroxygen2000 even though the range rooney is garbage compared to real land rovers, it'still way better than the ML. The ML isn't even a 4x4, it's AWD. Front left was spinning, the other 3 didn't even move... 35s on an AWD that only spins one wheel... It would do better with stock sized tyres... You can dump all the money you want on that ML, it's still shit. As for the "Toyodas", an old Hilux or Land Cruiser with 1000$ in mods and good tyres will do any trail out there.

[@hydroxygen2000]

@@samurai4x483 Agree to disagree I guess. I've personally seen the old MyLanta's (Jurassic Park Versions) do pretty well off road, take a beating, and without needing to be rebuilt when done. And I agree with the Hilux stuff, I was referencing the newer Toyopets, which is what I saw here.

[@ashishpatel350]

That range rover 👌🏽

[@TheAwast2]

This build ML looks so much better than stock, i think for the w163 there was an offroad package from Mercedes with an middle differential lock but probably nobody ordered that

[@istvanmeissler2238]

Middle diff lock? Never heard of it.

[@LonTierney]

They make hitch pins that lock down so your tire rack won’t flop around...

[@Ren200Z_MotoringLife]

ML's are super troopers , i could not see my self with out my ML430 (towing my car to the track acasionally offroading, road tripping), would be nice to adapt some lockers

[@ikeo8666]

I think you're letting of the gas before you let the computer figure it out so it's all jerky and odd.

[@ltmedic3]

Drummond Island is a blast, been on several Jeep Jamborees up there. Drank a lot of beer at the lodge

[@mikesievers1482]

For the folks suggesting front and rear lockers for the w163, unfortunately there's nothing available off the shelf, so you're pretty much on your own there. I have an 05 w163 ML270 with almost the identical setup. Body lift, 2.5" suspension lift and 285/65/18 (33's). Rear diff is 5 series bmw LSD, with custom diff hanger brackets, custom inner CV's, custom machined drive flange to CV adapters. I've been researching alternatives off and on for the last 8 years I've owned the Ml, but in reality there's really nothing else available without a huge amount of engineering and expense. For now the rear LSD has made a huge difference off road, so for now it's staying. Although I'm toying with the idea of a GM IRS diff from something like a GTO so I can fit an E locker. We found the trick with the LSD was to set it up tight like a locker, but still usable on paved roads. Removing the front and rear sway bars also makes a huge difference off road as well. It's interesting your having trouble with the control arms going out of whack too. Generally its recommended you only go 20mm with the rear spacers or 30mm at very max. If you want to get really carried away, you can also do a front and rear subframe drop, which means you have to cut off the upper control arm brackets on the frame and weld them back on in a lowered position. This won't give you any more suspension articulation, but it will give a lot more lift for river crossings etc, without all the camber problems. It also retains the factory ride and the full range of suspension travel. I know a guy that's currently doing this so I'm interested to see how it turns out.

[@LegitStreetCars]

I've heard the Grand Cherokee LSD diff could work. I'm sure you've looked into that. What do you think?

[@mikesievers1482]

@@LegitStreetCars yeah, if your thinking something like the WK ? I think there something like 3.73 ratio ?? From memory.. so probably no go. All Ml's use the following diff ratios. 3.70:1 ML320 , 350 , 500. 3.46:1 ML430 , 270cdi , ML55 AMG. 3.09:1 400cdi 4.74:1 ML230 (M111) The other problem to consider is the physical size of the diff, particularly the input (or snout) protruding out to far or to high and fouling on the front half of the ML subframe. BMW diff is super close but doable and are available in 3.46:1 A GM IRS is also available in 3.46:1 with the option of fitting an E locker, and of course there inherent strength is also bonus. Although I have considered the GM diff, I don't currently have access to one to measure up, although looking at photos on line,and apart from the obvious engineering involved for the inner CV's etc, it looks like it would be physically close.

[@hellosunshine1090]

Its against the LAW in all 50 States to drive an ML without the CHECK ENGINE light on. In fact, on mine, I run a scan immediately if it goes off !

[@Mrwilder2012]

Come over to the West, and cover some ground. Love the off-roading and watching you learn the techniques

[@MM_in_Havasu]

You could melt the ice & snow off the road with those lights on that M-B! @ 26:22- "A New Breakthrough"!

[@VJDM]

do not put a locker in the front, IFS rigs and front lockers will explode. id also leave the traction control on and let the computers try to help you. lock the rear, and you'll get better at lines and that ML will go decently far. also flex is the low key MVP of the vid.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Someone teach that lady about barrel sweeping. Glad to see y'all promoting 2A though! It's a sport like tennis or any other. Guns are not evil.

[@ashystyle]

Great one! Very brave to do such a trip with the most unreliable European suv's :D

[@thomasmurphy5906]

That looked like a lot of fun, thanks for taking us along with you ☮️

[@mpd42781]

Michigan is always beautiful covered in snow. When I was a teenager, I snowmobiled across the ice to the Island.

[@aaronhdz4872]

I knew that camber bolts where going to loosen because they have too much space for them to move

[@sadaaromin13]

They were slotted from the factory, I don’t see why that’s any different

[@aaronhdz4872]

@@sadaaromin13 they where probably slotted within tolerance

[@chriscarnage90]

Dude the egg mobile is killing it can’t be stopped lol love it

[@evotech_built]

Bring extra tie rods, lower tire pressure Atleast half and spot weld the camber arm nuts in place so if they come loose they don’t move unless bolt pops out.

[@chaoszombie9995]

the way the the ML55s 4wd drive works is by using the cars brakes, it can send power to the wheels that need the power (obviously)

[@Czechbound]

Ha ha, that "exhaust delete" was amazing ha ha

[@DominickNicolai]

Let’s see a lifted g55 next 😎 🔥

[@garyslentzii2796]

More Please, that was Freekin Awesome Guys! That Side-by-side was beautiful. Wish it was an hour long.

[@bigospig]

Love your excitement for the offroading!

[@AmericanxMetal]

been there several times when i was younger for family vacations. gorgeous place

[@TheRealAlpha2]

Dude... when I saw the thumbnail I was like "Legit Trek!" This was almost like watching the game SnowRunner, but IRL.

[@aldozampatti]

That "I have a winch" might very well become a meme :)

[@czarekaj1098]

Winter off roading without tire chains, that's brave.

[@cleveland53015]

I'm a Jeep guy...and I definitely enjoyed the content.

[@GRosa250]

So you’ve got the cooling fan hooked up to the fog light. Next you should hook up the blower motor to the directionals. Left high speed, right low speed.

[@michaelhawkins5530]

Need locking diffs and skid plates. That cooling fan seems to run all the time. Nice work on the vehicle. The Ford Flex was crazy!

[@ChiTownCarp5]

Someone probably already shared this, but if you air your tires down a bit more, your traction should go up a bit for some of those sections. Just not too much and pop a bead.

[@Sokoloff_channel]

Hi from Moscow Rusia !!! Thanks for that video ! all of that cars are popular in 2005-2010 years. But non of this cars really going off-road in my country...

[@fredericsavard8392]

Dude , i was amazed just day one ish of your channel . Lots of fans here in Quebec City. Keep it up.

[@007Knightjp]

Reminds me of watching the ML in the second Jurassic Park movie. Those Mercedes looked really cool. Been a fan of them ever since. The only reason that I didn't get one is because I heard that they had a lot of issues.

[@cesartoledo5621]

Great video Alex… the ML55 is a beast, and you couldn’t have done it better. I never saw the ML as an off roader , but I do now. You crack 🤣me up brother, funny , good times .

[@thedirtlifesupreame]

I drove over that bridge in September. Drove all the way out there from Utah. Awesome!

[@markela1313]

Great video, I think letting some air out of the tires would make it bit easier. Good luck to everyone. God bless us all.

[@jamesreyes4184]

One of my favorite series ever!! Super legit trail boss!!

[@FastlifeTodd]

Serrated washers would help keep your alignment bolts tight

[@rxtuninginc8444]

So would welding the nut to the plate lol.

[@ETR2k3]

LGS: "The radiator fans aren't working." Every W163 owner ever: "THAT GODDAMN FUSE AGAIN."