E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

Vibrations at idle (And low speed) W211 4Matic

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Aug 2, 2021 | 09:35 AM
  #1  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Vibrations at idle (And low speed) W211 4Matic

Needing help for this tricky one...

Just bought a 2005-model E280 CDI 4Matic with a vibration coming from underneath the car. The vibrations usually occurs at idle in reverse and drive, and decreases when the RPM is rising (sometimes worse in drive, and sometimes in reverse). Both of the engine mounts and the transmission mounts has been replaced (OEM parts), with no change. The left CV axle (inner boot) was torn, and replaced with another OEM CV axle with no improvement here too. Sometimes when the car is parked without parking brake in a slight hill (with the engine downwards) the vibrations increases and can be felt through the steering wheel when the transmission is hitting the pawl. No vibrations can be felt when in normal speed. Besides this the vibrations also can be felt through the steering wheel when im turning in low speed.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Reply
Old Aug 2, 2021 | 10:49 AM
  #2  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,631
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by stianlundell
Besides this the vibrations also can be felt through the steering wheel when im turning in low speed.
Transfer case try oil change remedy in attached bulletin if this fails TC may need replacement.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
28.50_11.pdf (75.4 KB, 344 views)
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2021 | 11:37 AM
  #3  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Originally Posted by konigstiger
Transfer case try oil change remedy in attached bulletin if this fails TC may need replacement.
I’ll try that, thank you!!

But will the transfer case make the vibrations at idle too? Can’t understand the context between transfer case and vibration of the tawl?
Reply
Old Aug 2, 2021 | 11:44 AM
  #4  
konigstiger's Avatar
Out Of Control!!
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,631
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
May have multiple problems posted bulletin going on your “turning at slow speed” lead.
Reply
Old Aug 3, 2021 | 10:52 PM
  #5  
ps2cho's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 29
E
1) Did the issue begin after the CV axle was replaced?
2) Does it do it in park, or only drive/reverse? aka when load is provided.
3) If it did, what is "OEM". If it is ANYTHING but a BRAND NEW Genuine Mercedes part from the dealer its likely the issue if 1) and 2) are true.

I documented the issue with aftermarket cv axles and vibrations at idle a few months ago. Everybody told me it wasn't the axle and it wasn't possible, but I was convinced it was and it did fix my vibration issue. The problem is suspected to be caused by a lack of free float of the inner axle, likely due to the boot being incorrectly installed by aftermarket manufacturers which shortens the length of the axle. Because the front transfer case is mounted to the oil pan without any rubber, it transfers the vibrations straight over.
Your description is identical to what I was experiencing after I had a shop reboot my OE axle after the boot split. I then replaced the axle with a GKN aftermarket and the vibration got worse which made me further question it. Coughed up the big bucks for the MB part and problem solved. Buttery smooth again.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/e3...#post-18203054

Last edited by ps2cho; Aug 3, 2021 at 11:00 PM.
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2021 | 03:27 AM
  #6  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Originally Posted by ps2cho
1) Did the issue begin after the CV axle was replaced?
2) Does it do it in park, or only drive/reverse? aka when load is provided.
3) If it did, what is "OEM". If it is ANYTHING but a BRAND NEW Genuine Mercedes part from the dealer its likely the issue if 1) and 2) are true.

I documented the issue with aftermarket cv axles and vibrations at idle a few months ago. Everybody told me it wasn't the axle and it wasn't possible, but I was convinced it was and it did fix my vibration issue. The problem is suspected to be caused by a lack of free float of the inner axle, likely due to the boot being incorrectly installed by aftermarket manufacturers which shortens the length of the axle. Because the front transfer case is mounted to the oil pan without any rubber, it transfers the vibrations straight over.
Your description is identical to what I was experiencing after I had a shop reboot my OE axle after the boot split. I then replaced the axle with a GKN aftermarket and the vibration got worse which made me further question it. Coughed up the big bucks for the MB part and problem solved. Buttery smooth again.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/e3...#post-18203054
1) When I bought the car, the vibrations was already there… Therefore I started with replacing the engine and transmission mount which didn’t help at all. (the engine mount were complitely broken)

2) Yes, it occurs in park too when load is provided, espesially when parked incline or in reverse/drive incline

3) The engine and transmission mounts were Lemforder and bought from dealer. The LEFT cv Axle was bought from a used car, but was a orginally OEM part, in good condition (Also same lenght). I have not tried yet to replace the right CV axle, wanting to know if that can possible be the problem first..
Reply
Old Aug 5, 2021 | 12:56 PM
  #7  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Originally Posted by ps2cho
1) Did the issue begin after the CV axle was replaced?
2) Does it do it in park, or only drive/reverse? aka when load is provided.
3) If it did, what is "OEM". If it is ANYTHING but a BRAND NEW Genuine Mercedes part from the dealer its likely the issue if 1) and 2) are true.

I documented the issue with aftermarket cv axles and vibrations at idle a few months ago. Everybody told me it wasn't the axle and it wasn't possible, but I was convinced it was and it did fix my vibration issue. The problem is suspected to be caused by a lack of free float of the inner axle, likely due to the boot being incorrectly installed by aftermarket manufacturers which shortens the length of the axle. Because the front transfer case is mounted to the oil pan without any rubber, it transfers the vibrations straight over.
Your description is identical to what I was experiencing after I had a shop reboot my OE axle after the boot split. I then replaced the axle with a GKN aftermarket and the vibration got worse which made me further question it. Coughed up the big bucks for the MB part and problem solved. Buttery smooth again.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/e3...#post-18203054
1) The vibrations was already there when I bought the car, so I started with the most common fails, engine and transmission mounts with no difference

2) Yes, it occurs sometimes in park too, but most when parked inclined. Also most in reverse and drive when standing inclined. So basically when load is provided yes.

3) I bought the CV Axle from a used car, but this was the same lenght as the one on the car. I have not replaced the one on the right side yet, hoping for some more answers before buying it.. I also tried to disconnect the one on the left side when at idle, with no difference..
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2021 | 09:09 AM
  #8  
ps2cho's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 29
E
Originally Posted by stianlundell
1) The vibrations was already there when I bought the car, so I started with the most common fails, engine and transmission mounts with no difference

2) Yes, it occurs sometimes in park too, but most when parked inclined. Also most in reverse and drive when standing inclined. So basically when load is provided yes.

3) I bought the CV Axle from a used car, but this was the same lenght as the one on the car. I have not replaced the one on the right side yet, hoping for some more answers before buying it.. I also tried to disconnect the one on the left side when at idle, with no difference..
turn the wheel to full lock (counterclockwise) have a helper leave it in drive hold the brakes and step out and feel the driver tire. Do you feel the vibrations in the driver tire more than the passenger tire?

when it was my driver CV axle the vibrations were 5x worse on the bad side.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 10, 2021 | 10:07 AM
  #9  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Originally Posted by ps2cho
turn the wheel to full lock (counterclockwise) have a helper leave it in drive hold the brakes and step out and feel the driver tire. Do you feel the vibrations in the driver tire more than the passenger tire?

when it was my driver CV axle the vibrations were 5x worse on the bad side.
Yes, absolutely more vibrations at the driver side… Can it related to play in The grove ball bearing in the oil pan, or do you think the left CV Axle is all to blame?
Reply
Old Aug 11, 2021 | 09:17 AM
  #10  
ps2cho's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,381
Likes: 29
E
Originally Posted by stianlundell
Yes, absolutely more vibrations at the driver side… Can it related to play in The grove ball bearing in the oil pan, or do you think the left CV Axle is all to blame?
possible, hard to know. Issue to me sounds like it’s more likely the CV over the bearing.

up to you what you want to do. New MB axle fixed it for me, but it’s $800. I tried the GKN brand and it made the vibration worse that’s when I went and got the genuine and problem solved.

shop around for the axle on dealer online part sites to find a good deal since they can vary wildly.
Reply
Old Aug 12, 2021 | 01:56 PM
  #11  
cetialpha5's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 1,550
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Originally Posted by ps2cho
possible, hard to know. Issue to me sounds like it’s more likely the CV over the bearing.

up to you what you want to do. New MB axle fixed it for me, but it’s $800. I tried the GKN brand and it made the vibration worse that’s when I went and got the genuine and problem solved.

shop around for the axle on dealer online part sites to find a good deal since they can vary wildly.
If OP doesn't want to spend the money, I'd suggest a junkyard axle. Should still be fine as long as the boot is intact. And also assuming that it's the original axle and not an aftermarket one that someone put in. Might want to search around for a reman axle instead of a new one.
Reply
Old Aug 16, 2021 | 06:48 AM
  #12  
stianlundell's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
W211 E280 4Matic
Originally Posted by ps2cho
possible, hard to know. Issue to me sounds like it’s more likely the CV over the bearing.

up to you what you want to do. New MB axle fixed it for me, but it’s $800. I tried the GKN brand and it made the vibration worse that’s when I went and got the genuine and problem solved.

shop around for the axle on dealer online part sites to find a good deal since they can vary wildly.
Hmmm okay. But the vibrations still occured when removing the left CV axle. Isn`t that strange?
Reply
Old Oct 11, 2024 | 03:26 AM
  #13  
xsever's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,364
Likes: 149
2012 C300 4MATIC Sport
Originally Posted by stianlundell
Hmmm okay. But the vibrations still occured when removing the left CV axle. Isn`t that strange?
Did you end up solving this problem? Please update us.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:14 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE