It used to be that shocks were due to be replaced every 25K miles, but today’s units are much better.  I replaced my front shocks just shy of 70K to try to resolve some front-end vibration (which turned out to be a bad tie-rod end and a poorly balanced tire).  They were still “checking” and passing the fender-bounce test, but once I removed them and compared them to the new shocks, I could tell they were worn. 

After installing the new ones (Bilsteins), the ride was much improved.  There is one Interstate entrance ramp I take everyday where there’s a curve with a dip.  At 70mph on the old shocks, I’d feel a pretty good lifting of the front suspension, sometimes enough to activate ESP.  With the new shocks, there’s very little lifting.  Some people have complained that the Bilsteins are too harsh, but I would not say so.  They are more firm than the OEM’s, especially in cold temperatures, but then again, I’m comparing OEM shocks with nearly 70K miles to brand-new ones.  The ride is just fine to me.

Rodney, who has the best price on Bilsteins right now? Thanks, Clayton 

I’m not sure – it’s been several months since I bought mine.  Actually, I searched “the old forum” and found it was October when I did this!  Gee how time flies!  I ordered through eshocks.com and paid just over $200 delivered (I just checked and they are $102.05 each, with free shipping for orders over $200, so that’s about the same price I paid).

I gotten mine from the same place.  Good price and service.

I recently replaced my shocks (all 4), I had almost 80K, before the replacement whenever I hit rough road the ML wasn't handling the way it use to.  On sharp turns in the highway it took more effort to control the vehicle.  After the shock replacement, I noticed much better handling and reduced road noise.