bha280

I've read a couple post with similar sounding issues and the culprit was the rear subframe, but I've been under the car a couple times and it doesn't look that rusty anywhere. That said, I've been wrong before. Issue very much like this: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-spin-out.html

The issue is when braking any way other than gently, the rear end swings out to the right. Harder braking makes it swing faster and further and you need to counter-steer to keep it in link. Scared my wife when she borrowed the car the other day. It is a 2012 E550 4-matic. Tires and brakes have like 5000 miles, car only has 85k. It drove perfectly straight with no vibrations and didn't have this issue until about a week ago. Now, it pulls a little to the right while driving straight and has the braking issue.

Could it be anything besides the subframe? Bushings or sway bars?

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

Have you scanned for codes?

Raj1471

That was the exact braking symptoms on my '11 S212 when the rear subframe gave out due to rust perforation while I was on the road about 2.5 hours from home. It began to crab sideways under anything but gentle braking inputs. It made for an interesting ride home. Get the vehicle on a lift and then inspect it. Better yet schedule a subframe inspection with your local MB dealer...MB warranty has been extended 20 years for the subframe from in service date of vehicle.

bha280

JettaRed. No codes.

Raj1471. Hoping it's not the subframe, but expecting it.

JettaRed

iTrader: (1)

This is highly dangerous, regardless of the cause. You should get it inspected before driving more.

Since you posted the problem here, it is now public information and you must consider your liability if you don't get it addressed right away.

rapidoxidation

One wheel's brake isn't doing its job. Your job is to find out which one.
Stuck caliper? Rusty pin? Brake pads got grease on 'em from a leaking seal/bearing or bad caliper piston seal? Get dirty, take off wheels, and see what's up.

Pauliefein

Sounds like the rear subframe to me. Had the identical symptoms, and looking at it you'll hardly see it. I had to use a prybar to find it. Thankfully Mercedes replaced it under an extended warranty on the sub-frame. They also told me my springs were rusted out too, so they offered to swap them out for the cost of the parts. My car had 65K miles when this happened, and the car has lived in the North East all its life.
Link to video: Link to bulletin: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...33780-0001.pdf