Engine shivering at stop = misfire?
We bought a S320 few months ago knowing the ex-owner did not maintain it properly. Although the engine runs smooth, I still decided to change all filters and oil at a garage for long run.
1. Replaced the old leaky radiator w/ new and OEM fluid
2. Air/fuel/oil filter
3. Mobile 5w 40 (I live in Asia, this is what MB recommended)
4. OEM Tranny oil
5. Fixed some seals as I see several oil leaks
6. 12 Bosch platinum spark plugs (S320) OEM spec.
7. Tighten some exhaust bolts as it rattles during acceleration (it still rattles a bit nowaday)
8. OEM brake pads
When my dad drove it back home , he told me the car doesn't feel to be alright at stops. The engine starts shivering like an old engine, but runs fine at any speed. What could be the problem here?
Could it be the spark plugs or oil?


- The coil/plug wires could have been damaged during the plug change (or could have been damaged before).
- There might be a vacuum leak, perhaps from a brittle or loose hose. It is very easy to break an old hose when it is moved during repairs. You can sometimes find such a leak by using a 1,5 m rubber or plastic hose to listen for the hiss of a leak. One end in your best ear, the other end moved around the intake manifold and over the engine to pick up the hiss - stay away from moving and hot parts!
- Dirty, faulty or disconnected fuel injector.
There are other possible causes, but the oil is not at all likely to be a cause.
Now if it is rough idling I would 2nd the plug wires being replaced as well, but if it is more of a vibration issue then mounts would be my first suspect.
The car has 78000km on it, and NO Spark Plug wires were replaced as the mechanic said they are fine before handing us the key.
Also, 1/8 tank of the fuel just disappears after a week, I really need to bring the car back to the shop
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