Brian47

My 2006 ML320CDI has suddenly developed a vibration under acceleration in 3rd or 4th gear. Local guy said to change the transmission oil, but I can't see what difference that will make. My concern from prior threads is that this could be an expensive problem.. any previous experience appreciated.

AudiA4Turbo22

How many miles are on your car?

Vibration under acceleration is typically caused by a bad axle joint or a bad engine/transmission mount.

They would be most evident in 3rd or 4th gear because the car is under the more load.

Are there any sounds associated with the vibration?

Brian47

sorry, should have shown mileage up front - 148,000 kms. Mostly freeway driving.
No other noise, just a noticeable shuddering

dgiturbo

Add to that a possibly bad drive shaft support coupling.
Not sure if oil change will do it, but the oil change is definitely recommended to prevent other expensive things from failing.

Brian47

Thanks Guys for the feedback. In all my years of MB's this is the first one I have had a problem with, so just wanted to understand possible causes before fronting up to the MB workshop.

AudiA4Turbo22

Absolutely correct! Drive shaft support bearing would do this.

Honestly, best thing would be to take it up on the hoist and have a mechanic look at it.

pvanbeek

My ML320 BlueTec was doing that when accelerating up to highway speed, but before it had a chance to really get warmed up. The dealer found a transmission control module update that was available to smooth out the up-shifting, and that seems to have fixed the problem.

AudiA4Turbo22

Just to clarify, are you 100% sure this isn't a wheel balance issue?

off balance wheels will vibrate only at certain speeds and seem like it's coming from the drivetrain as it transfers the vibration across the chassis.

I've seen wheel balance vibrations that appear ONLY at 49mph, 58mph, 72mph, 78mph, 86 mph, 103mph, etc.

Most of the time it's a combination of those.

06e320cdi

I have the vibration till about 40 MPH but only when cold, after it warms there is no vibration. Not sure what the cause is, I will take it in to have it checked.

AMGC60-3

You have it only when its cold and up to 40mph? Have you checked your tire pressure lately, if your tires are under serviced and the vehicle has been sitting for an extended period of time you may have "flat spots" till they warm up.

06e320cdi

I will check that. Vehicle only sat overnight. Thanks

BeenBroken

Ok I have searched all over the internet as to why my 2000 ml320 "was" shaking on accelerate. Symptoms included moderate shaking felt in steering wheel mostly in speeds between 10-45 while giving the gas, higher speeds the vibrations would smooth out. My fear was the worst, transmission, transfer case, etc. I proceeded to remove the front drive shaft, the one connecting to the front differential and discovered that the bearing connected to drive shaft (surrounded by a rubber boot was seized. Rather than just putting it back on I first sprayed it with wd40 and then oiled it very well with some lucas synthetic. My ml320 drives like a da** BRAND NEW ONE! GOSH WHAT A RELIEF... Not sure how long it will last so I am in the process of ordering a new drive shaft since it appears to be impossible for me to replace that bearing. Hope this helps some other.

iankayem

Expect it to last a week or so, then it might seize and damage the shaft.

In other words, replace it ASAP.

jwkennedy60

Did anyone find the problem with the GL 320 vibration under acceleration in 3rd or 4th gear?

richdd

I had a similar problem when the torque converter was locking up. I would get a vibration like driving over a rumble strip on the road. very intermittent. After many trips to the dealer and every other part other than a new torque converter they finally put a new one in and the problem was solved. This type of chatter also happens if the oil gets contaminated which mine was not. there is a test for that. I just had a bad torque converter.

Jerra

How do i change the diff oil on my 2008 ml 320 with 320000km on the clock

S430LUCKDRAGON

I had an ml once that had a tranny vibration when I accelerated
once I added fluid it went away , should also invest in a Mercedes transmission dipstick

johno7700

richdd ,is the torque converter job expensive ?

johno7700

Hi !
I`m new on here ,so bear with me,if i`m not going about this the correct way ?
I have got a 2005 55 plate ML W164 320 CDI SPORT .
It has got an annoying rumble/vibration ,sounds more like from the rear,and sometimes as someone else compared it to like driving over the rumble strips on the road hard shoulder .
Any pointers or previous similar experiences would be much appreciated
Also does anyone know the cheapest way for me to get a copy of the satnav dvd disc which is missing, cheers Jon .

poolmanEd

I have also experienced this rumbling starting last night. Under med to hard excelleration, which stops immediately if I let up on the gas. Also if downshift from paddle shift and manually go up the gears, I can avoid the rumble. Could it still be the torque converter. Or maybe the rear differential?? It does sound like rumble strips.

0000ML

I have a 2008 Mercedes ML320cdi with 273 000kms on the clock. Have also just experienced this vibration emanating from rear of the vehicle. Have taken SUV to my mechanic who has inspected under vehicle for loose or worn parts or lack of lubrication. All ok. Then took it for a test drive and replicated the problem. Not really noticeable around town, but on the highway when using cruise control in 10km intervals, say from 80-90kph or 90-110kph engine accelerates hard and vibration is very evident and annoying.

Vibration is alleviated if I use the paddle shift and shift from 7th to 5th gear - vibration reduces and even goes away. Not sure of a solution yet but have also had a 4-wheel balance and have elimated any vibration before paying for the 1st diagnosis.

Rear flex disc was replaced 18 months ago so that's also been eliminated as a possible cause. Still working on the freeway vibration problem. Will take vehicle to a Mercedes specialist for further investigation. Will keep this forum updated once a solution is found. Hope this helps other MB owners.