SW20S

If it goes away in neutral though it eliminates the wheels and suspension as a source of the vibration.

Denis Osullivan

As best as I can describe, the steering wheel begins to vibrate around high speeds greater than 65/70. The vibration is similar to holding your orbit palm sander. If I'm accelerating to a speed of 85 mph, there is no vibration. But if I maintain that speed then the vibration is there.

SW20S

My bet is on wheels...

MBNUT1

Agreed

Tom in Austin

Isn't vibration that comes and goes at different speeds traditionally considered a balance issue? Usually solved with tires and wheels, but could be from anything in the rotating assembly, the brake rotors, hubs, etc. In the old days you could get a 'spin balance' with the wheels on the car, so that everything was rotating together but I think that went out of fashion a while back.

MBNUT1

Are your wheels staggered? If not try swapping them from front to back one at a time to see if that changes anything.

Donnymac

Are the tires true round? An out of round tire can be balanced and still beat you up.

have you looked at the tires for any abnormal wear?

As others have made clear re-balancing by a pro is needed and hopefully it's not a bearing or suspension issue.

as.thompson

I had a similar situation years ago on an '86 300E that turned out to be a steering damper.

MBNUT1

I think that they are built into the steering rack now.

Denis Osullivan

Since the car is under warranty, I was disappointed that the solution from the dealer was to just buy 4 new rims. That’s unacceptable in my opinion. After the airmatic damper is replaced and the vibration still exists I will have the rims redone at a different rim shop and if that fails then I’ll bite the bullet and just buy the front rims.

DaveW68

Could be worn motor mounts.

Donnymac

He would feel those at idle in park. Plus mileage is too low for motor and trans mounts. Thought I saw it was less than 20k.

Dbrown672

Did you end up getting the rims replaced?

Denis Osullivan

I replaced the rims and the ride is smooth as silk even with RFs

Donnymac

Did you go back w OEM wheels or after mkt?

Dbrown672

I have been living the same exact story as yours. I thought the vibration issue was solved, but it has come back. I had 2 bent rims that were repaired. I’m wondering if they are still off. Might have to bite the bullet and buy new rims

Has anyone ever successfully had their severely bent rims repaired back to factory quality? Or will they never be the same? Seems like these big cars will bring any imperfection to light

Tom in Austin

I'm curious too how well straightened wheels hold up. Seems like we see a lot of posts about bent rims that were supposed to have been fixed but still create vibration.

One indication might be what kind of warranty (and warranty experience) one gets with the major wheel repair companies. They claim their refurbished wheels are carefully tested to ensure they're perfectly round and true.