Just bought a 2006 E350 AWD. It has relatively new tires and the car has 41,000 miles.

I took it ot my friendly independent service guy to check a varible thumping noise when it drives. It is pronounced at low speeds and at certain higher speeds but it seems like it is not always there.

He took a look and a drive and said all four tires were chopping, that is uneven wear usually caused by the sespension. But he siad the car did not have enough miles on it to suspect the struts and shocks.\

Any ideas what I should do?

 

you not to buy a w211

No,really call the dealer.There might be a TSB for that problem.I know that they had some complaints of early failure of the shocks on the W211.087
chassis,so maybe you qualify if there was a recall.At least I hope you do because at 41K miles it is possible they are worn out from some kind of abuse or accident that the PO did not inform you existed.
Did you follow the cardinal rule.Have it inspected by a professional before you buy it?That comes right before don't buy a W211