KYB 349226 Shock Absorber - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Shock Absorber for Mercedes-Benz ML

The KYB Excel-G shock absorber, part number 349226, is an OE-style replacement built to restore original ride control on select Mercedes-Benz ML models. It is designed for front suspension service on the ML320, ML430, ML500, ML55 AMG, and ML350 applications listed below.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock absorber
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design for consistent damping
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves for controlled tire contact and steering response
• Triple lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Strong strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• R-stop design included
• OE-quality construction made on KYB OE assembly lines

Excel-G Product Line Details

KYB Excel-G is the brand’s OE replacement line focused on restoring factory ride characteristics rather than changing suspension behavior. For Mercedes-Benz ML front suspension service, this line is calibrated to return the vehicle’s original control, stability, and handling balance while supporting the operation of electronic safety systems that rely on proper suspension performance.

Detailed Description

Part number 349226 is a front suspension shock absorber for Mercedes-Benz ML applications. It uses KYB’s Excel-G design with OE-quality components and application-specific valving to help maintain steering response, body control, and tire contact under normal driving conditions. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 172286) for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive front-end bounce or oscillation
• Reduced steering response during lane changes
• Unstable braking feel caused by worn damping
• Uneven tire contact from weak suspension control
• Front suspension noise or handling looseness associated with worn shock components

Installation Notes and Fitment

• Fits 2003-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML350, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 2002-2005 Mercedes-Benz ML500, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1998-2003 Mercedes-Benz ML320, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 2000-2003 Mercedes-Benz ML55 AMG, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1999-2001 Mercedes-Benz ML430, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G

Verify compressed length 12.32, extended length 14.88, and stroke length 2.56 against the original unit before installation. Upper mount type is S1 and lower mount type is E2(14X37). Dust cover, internal rebound spring, and B-stop are not included.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a global OE supplier, and the Excel-G line is produced on the same KYB assembly lines used for original equipment applications. The part is built to OE standards with application-specific damping to support factory-style ride control on Mercedes-Benz ML front suspension systems.