Rough Engine Idle on S600
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1
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From: Los Angeles
S600, M3
Rough Engine Idle on S600
Does any other S600 owner notice that the car shakes or vibrates a little when the car is idling? When I am sitting in the car, I notice a little shaking that is transmitted from the engine.
I'm just wondering if this is normal. This is our first V12 and it makes some different sounds than V8s.
Thanks.
I'm just wondering if this is normal. This is our first V12 and it makes some different sounds than V8s.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 306
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From: Atlanta
2004 S 600
I've had my 2001 S600 since August of 2000, it now has 18,000 miles on it. There should never be any vibration of any type....especially in idle.......that's what is so cool about a V12.
Never have I had any vibration. The sound of your engine should be that of a smooth turbine...nothing else, even in full throttle.
You could have a bad engine mount somewhere or a software glitch that needs to be reloaded in the engine management system...these would be the simplest things to fix. Insist that your dealer fix it perfectly
Never have I had any vibration. The sound of your engine should be that of a smooth turbine...nothing else, even in full throttle.
You could have a bad engine mount somewhere or a software glitch that needs to be reloaded in the engine management system...these would be the simplest things to fix. Insist that your dealer fix it perfectly
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
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From: UK
S600L-2000-w220
Hi, I am based in the Uk and purchased a S600 last year, model year 2000.
I have exactly the same problem as you describe.
Please can you let me know how you managed to fix the 'vibration on idle' problem.
Thanks.
I have exactly the same problem as you describe.
Please can you let me know how you managed to fix the 'vibration on idle' problem.
Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 306
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From: Atlanta
2004 S 600
The dealer did three things. First, for safety measure even though computer diagnostics said it was fine .....they replaced the MAF Mass Airflow Sensor. They then reset idle rpm setting at the highest allowed by engine computer. The last thing (one they could actually tell was worn and had seen happen before on other V12's) was to replace all the engine mounts......evidently MB was using stock engine mounts on V12's that were used on the S430 and S500 which had much lighter engines. Ask the dealer to spec new upgraded engine mounts.
Also, have them look at the two modular ignition/coil racks (actually don't remember exactly what they called them...), they went out twice on mine and had to be replaced. Their failure also caused heavy engine vibration.
All in all, the V12 engine you have is one of the finest engines ever built.....so don't get down when things go wrong every so often.....remember it's a super high performance engine that breaks down a lot less than other comparable engines.
Also, have them look at the two modular ignition/coil racks (actually don't remember exactly what they called them...), they went out twice on mine and had to be replaced. Their failure also caused heavy engine vibration.
All in all, the V12 engine you have is one of the finest engines ever built.....so don't get down when things go wrong every so often.....remember it's a super high performance engine that breaks down a lot less than other comparable engines.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
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From: UK
S600L-2000-w220
Thanks for your reply.
My S600 has only done 28000 miles.
I had one dealer replace two ignition coils last October and it did make a very slight improvement, which lasted around a week.
They did check the MAF (but did not replace it) and engine idle settings. I don't know whether they made any electronic changes though.
So, it looks like the engine mounts may need to be replaced.
Can these mounts be seen visually from the V12 engine bay?
Would you know how many mounts need to be replaced and how long it will take the dealer to do this?
My S600 has only done 28000 miles.
I had one dealer replace two ignition coils last October and it did make a very slight improvement, which lasted around a week.
They did check the MAF (but did not replace it) and engine idle settings. I don't know whether they made any electronic changes though.
So, it looks like the engine mounts may need to be replaced.
Can these mounts be seen visually from the V12 engine bay?
Would you know how many mounts need to be replaced and how long it will take the dealer to do this?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
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From: UK
S600L-2000-w220
Another thought, could the vibration be due to the type of fuel being used?
I use normal unleaded petrol. In the car manual of the S600 it says this and/or super unleaded petrol can be used.
The MB dealer who sold the car to me, said there was no need to use super unleaded, as it was simply a waste of money and a sales technique by MB.
I use normal unleaded petrol. In the car manual of the S600 it says this and/or super unleaded petrol can be used.
The MB dealer who sold the car to me, said there was no need to use super unleaded, as it was simply a waste of money and a sales technique by MB.
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From: Moon
marta
Originally posted by s600owner
Another thought, could the vibration be due to the type of fuel being used?
I use normal unleaded petrol. In the car manual of the S600 it says this and/or super unleaded petrol can be used.
The MB dealer who sold the car to me, said there was no need to use super unleaded, as it was simply a waste of money and a sales technique by MB.
Another thought, could the vibration be due to the type of fuel being used?
I use normal unleaded petrol. In the car manual of the S600 it says this and/or super unleaded petrol can be used.
The MB dealer who sold the car to me, said there was no need to use super unleaded, as it was simply a waste of money and a sales technique by MB.
I think that could be the reason. I've heard higher octanes of fuel prevent engine knocking and rough idle.
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From: Vancouver, B.C.
2002 E55 AMG
Does it do when the engine is cold or hot or both? I drive a 600SEL (I know it's not the same V12) but it does this when it cold if I rev it and it does it when it it warm sometimes. Very rare though.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 17
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From: UK
S600L-2000-w220
It does not make any difference if the engine is hot or cold. Even after a long run and the car is stationary e.g.traffic lights, it will vibrate! Wierd!
I'll fill up with Super Unleaded petrol next time and see if it makes any difference.
I'll fill up with Super Unleaded petrol next time and see if it makes any difference.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 306
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From: Atlanta
2004 S 600
Don't know how many mounts there are.....sorry. Just have them replace them "all"!
I would run super octane all of the time. Yes, the computer can calibrate for less octane but it sets the car on a different air mixture which will give you vibration. The ECU will just allow the car not to "knock" when using regular octane....not vibrate.
I have twin turbo V12 now and I always run 93 or better octane. When I go to Drag Strip I fill up on 105 octane racing fuel.
Cheers and good luck.
I would run super octane all of the time. Yes, the computer can calibrate for less octane but it sets the car on a different air mixture which will give you vibration. The ECU will just allow the car not to "knock" when using regular octane....not vibrate.
I have twin turbo V12 now and I always run 93 or better octane. When I go to Drag Strip I fill up on 105 octane racing fuel.
Cheers and good luck.
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 103
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From: OC/Vegas
'08 S550 '09 C350 '06 C280
Octane...
You shouldn't be using any less than 91 octane...
I accidently filled up on 87 octane in my '91 190E (my beloved first car which I smashed into pieces) and it was bad, everything from vibrations to horrible downshifts.
In fact it should say in the instrument panel to use "premium unleaded only.... use of anything less should be illegal and punishable by death....
Enjoy,
TB
I accidently filled up on 87 octane in my '91 190E (my beloved first car which I smashed into pieces) and it was bad, everything from vibrations to horrible downshifts.
In fact it should say in the instrument panel to use "premium unleaded only.... use of anything less should be illegal and punishable by death....
Enjoy,
TB
