Driveshaft issues etc
I own a 99 E320 that I bought a year or so ago with 190k and it has been an absolute tank until just recently...As I was attempting to accelerate moderately from a stop the car made a reasonably loud bang from underneath then lots of clatter from the transmission area afterward...Long story short it ended up being a failed U-joint which also damaged the yoke beyond repair so I had a craigslist mobile mechanic (I know, I know) come out and swap the driveshaft with a used one I got from a local reputable MB shop...Too much money and two weeks later I now have 6 CELS (will list below) and dwindling funds/patience...The car is now making a clattering noise/shaking mainly when in D and at a stop with foot on brake but also makes the noise sometime when the car is moving...Whats weird is sometimes I'll hit a bump and it'll stop the noise/shimmy for awhile and the car drives fine...Any suggestions? Should I start by somehow inspecting the flex disc/center support bearing? The CELS are as follows:
P0455 Evap Emission Control Leak
P0136 O2 sensor
P0141 O2 sensor
P0161 O2 sensor heater circuit bank 2 sensor 2
P0700 Trans Control System Malfunction
P0715 Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Circuit Malfunction
The car now has 205k or so and is still in actually pretty good shape(holds a little sentimental value)
Matt




When it is possible that the driveshaft adventure got O2 sensors wires messed up, it will not go anywhere till you get qualify person under the car and inspect.
What you can do on this forum is taking detailed picture and paste them here.
Swap the gas cap gasket in the mean time.




O2 sensors are about a meter from driveshaft, so can't imagine need to touch them on the job. You are not having 4M and not talking about front DS by a chance?
Looks like you have several issues accumulating, so you need sort it out.
You do have transmission codes as well. How old is pilot bushing?
This is DIY forum, so we can help YOU to troubleshoot, but that only works when we have feedback.
Did you flip the gasket?




Yes, I am talking gas cap gasket. When it age, it leaks and triggers P0455 code.
For O2 sensors you need to call the mechanic back. He should know what he messed up.
Now for transmission, you might want to do better service. Buy dipstick, new pilot bushing, gasket and filter with 4l of ATF. Add can of MAF cleaner
When you drop the pan, wipe it dry and let the transmission drip for several hr.
Measure what you drained, what suppose to be in the range 3.5l.
Wash the plug very well and replace pilot bushing.
Put everything together and hopefully that will be it.
Codes should go to stored codes, where you need SD to clear them.
When the u-joint went it apparently knicked the starter and also dislodged a trans fluid line..I took it to local qualified MB mechanic and had him reattach trans line and refill w fluid to MB spec w MB dipstick..Should I still drop the pan and what not? If so do you know where I could find a somewhat detailed writeup? Helms manual maybe? I've done the basics (change oil, spark plugs, brake jobs, adjust valves, etc) but not sure that I'm qualified to go about this blindly.
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Regardless - if you did not replace pilot bushing in last 5 years and did not refresh ATF - now is good time to do it.
How old are O2 sensors?
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Broken ATF lane and transmission working could mean sucking all the dirt from bottom of the pan into the working parts.
But once again, you do have a problem and you need to focus how to fix it, not focus on how to avoid the work.





Try to be precise.
Talking about driveshaft, while not indicating it is 4M, pushes the dispute into wrong direction.
You will find answers to your question in forum, so to some degrees it is all about using search function.
I think the best way to approach with question is separate engine problems from transmission problems.
Lastly $10 pilot bushing and few more bucks that cleaning bottom of transmission pan will cost is not end of the World.




Pilot bushing is an adapter that goes between transmission electrical prongs and harness plug. Well known wear out item that when start leaking -create short in wires and whole bunch of issues.


