S-Class (W140) 1991-1999: 300 SD, S 350TD, 300 SE 2.8, S280, 300 SE 3.2, 300 SEL 3.2, S320, S320L, 400 SE, S420, 400 SEL, S420L, 500 SE, S500, 500 SEL, S500L, 600 SE, S600, 600 SEL, S600L, 500 SEC, 600 SEC

S420 wobbles and shakes even at low speed. Seek advice.

Old Sep 22, 2018 | 10:46 AM
  #1  
SammyBenz's Avatar
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S420 (1995); SL500 (1999); CLK500 (2002)
S420 wobbles and shakes even at low speed. Seek advice.

Hi there, seeking advice on what could be causing my W140 (S420) to wobble and shake when driving even at low speeds.

My car has now travelled 155,000 kilometers (1995 model). One previous owner before me, fastidiously maintained by a wealthy businessman.

The shake and wobble is felt through the entire car (front and rear). It feels as if I am driving a marshmallow. The wobbly feeling is very obvious at above 40km/h and at 80km/h and above it’s embarrassing to have passengers in the car with me.

This is my second W140 (previously S320), and I know it should not feel so shaky. My S320 had covered almost 400,000 kilometers and it felt stable and solid on the road. A dream to drive.

I have tried several ways (unsuccessfully) to combat the problem, including checking engine mounts, transmission mounts, fitting new diff, new steering dampener fitted, new factory spec Michelins fitted and dynamic wheel balancing done.

I’ve invested too much in my S420 to let it go - new wiring harness, distributor, petrol pump, soft close doors and boot (several repairs), central locking, sunroof, air con motor blower (several replacements) and a lot more $$$.

Any tips and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.
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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 04:24 AM
  #2  
Rabbit1988's Avatar
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S320 W140
This might not be much use but I had the same issue with my S320. I battled A LOT with it until I found out (after changing everything else) it was just the track control arm that were broken. If it is that I highly suggest to steer clear from Febi ones. They do make very decent parts but for some reason their control arms are really bad (They tend to give up a lot)

Also try to check if these are still tight

Im sorry im not sure how its called in English. There are two of these, one is the long one and the short one. I'd change both, if you havent already.

And lastly, as Im sure you've already done it, be sure your break discs are still okay.
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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 09:23 AM
  #3  
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2007 S550 & 2009 CL63 AMG & 2009 BMW 328i Convertible
Originally Posted by SammyBenz
Hi there, seeking advice on what could be causing my W140 (S420) to wobble and shake when driving even at low speeds.

My car has now travelled 155,000 kilometers (1995 model). One previous owner before me, fastidiously maintained by a wealthy businessman.

The shake and wobble is felt through the entire car (front and rear). It feels as if I am driving a marshmallow. The wobbly feeling is very obvious at above 40km/h and at 80km/h and above it’s embarrassing to have passengers in the car with me.

This is my second W140 (previously S320), and I know it should not feel so shaky. My S320 had covered almost 400,000 kilometers and it felt stable and solid on the road. A dream to drive.

I have tried several ways (unsuccessfully) to combat the problem, including checking engine mounts, transmission mounts, fitting new diff, new steering dampener fitted, new factory spec Michelins fitted and dynamic wheel balancing done.

I’ve invested too much in my S420 to let it go - new wiring harness, distributor, petrol pump, soft close doors and boot (several repairs), central locking, sunroof, air con motor blower (several replacements) and a lot more $$$.

Any tips and advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

I had a simular issue on a later model. It was the drive shaft balancer/balance
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Old Apr 30, 2019 | 12:30 AM
  #4  
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From: Redding,CA
1997 Mercedes S500
Check for out of round tires. Especially if the car sits for long periods of time.
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