usaims

Thanks for the tip. Today, I decided to listen very carefully while I was taking my daughter to the doctors and noticed a few things. The ‘noise’ that is similar to what others on this thread have been talking about may not be related to the tires or rims as I thought. One thing I did notice was that the noise did simulate the shifting pattern of the transmission. So if it would be the tires or rims, then the noise should be continuous and not change in pitch like a transmission shifting; correct me if I am wrong. The tranny seems to be working. I did notice, in stop and go traffic, as the car got hotter (after one hour of driving), performance did degrade about 15%. I didn’t notice degradation of performance when I drive it in the morning. Could it be related to the tranny, or maybe even the exhaust system or timing chain? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
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usaims

I have another thought, it could be the cat?? Maybe that explains the degradation of performance when the car has been running for an hour. But this car only has 38K. It use to belong to a 'snowbird' (I'm in South Florida) and it would sit for 10 months at a time with just somebody starting it once a week.

Anybody?

jroddublr69

I know this is an old thread, but as I didn't see that the issue had been resolved, I thought I would throw my two cents in. I have an 01 E320 4matic wagon, and had a vibration identical to what you have described, very tricky to track down, and had it through 2 MB shops who said everything was fine in the drivetrain. They suggested motor mounts, tuneup, and trans mounts, which I did, and it didn't resolve the issue. After months of frustration (driving 2500 miles a week in it), I put the car on stands and examined the drivetrain myself. As it turned out, the driveshaft from the transfer case to the front differential had a failed universal joint, which was causing the vibration. Smooth as silk now.

CHolmes

I can agree with that, I cant imagine where some of these guys get their ideas. "slightly bent rims"? how does that happen? Vibrations are caused by something that spins. Drivelines, usually. Rims don't bend overnight,

sleepysan

I have an older wagon and am interested to know how you were able to tell? What does a bad universal joint look like? Any pics?

FlatlineEF9

Yup it can and yes they do. happened to me. 2 potholes in SF did it. Vibration at 60mph after that.

MARK CUMMINS

We had one last week for the same concern,Found faulty wheel bearings...They didnt feel loose upon inspection..But after we used the remote microphones on all four corners to locate the noise we found faulty wheel bearings Lack of grease discolored roller bearings ..The noise also would not get louder when the vehicle was loaded left or right unlike most wheel bearing concerns......Might try a shop with the remote mics to see if this will help to locate the noise/vibration

MARK CUMMINS

Mercedes uses Flex Mounts ( Rubber Discs) not U Joints on Most of the vehicles..
They tend to crack and clunk when put into gear

MARK CUMMINS

If The cat converter was faulty..They start to rattle first when cold..Then break up inside and can plug the exhaust that will set a CEL Code for flow concern

sleepysan

the user above said he had a 2001 wagon and it had a u joint. mine is a 1999 and i suspect it having one two. just curious. i get some vibrations at 50-60 and at 72 it's smooth as butter. I'm thinking slightly worn rotors, but the u joint has me scared. i may just need to jack it up and take a look around.

crixus84

Hey I was wondering did you ever figure out that vibration cause?