Hi
I have a 2005 SL500 7 speed.
I am told by my mechanic that the engine mounts need replacing.
If I don't drive the car hard then don't worry about the mounts.
I do experience some engine vibration or rough running that I can hear and
feel through the steering wheel.
I was wondering if could this be because of the engine mounts being shot and need replacing.

Thanks.

 

Depending on how bad they are, it can make a huge difference in the ride again.
Also, as the engine has "shifted", so too have all the connections, hoses, etc...
Someone with more experience may chime in, but I am pretty sure you can view one or two from the bottom to get an idea of condition.
I have not done on my recently acquired, 06 SL600 (42,000 miles) yet, but it is on the short list for car updating.
Very curious to see what others have to say as well.

 

A collapsed engine due to engine mounts will end up doing more damage in the long run- like MJ mentioned- you're going to damage hoses, connections etc

Get them changed and use genuine mounts - when I did mine I want to stay it was $1200 for parts and labor

 

This is a DIY job of moderate difficulty. Jacking up the engine from the center lift point enables access. $120 for both mounts. YouTube has how-to videos.

 

The engine mounts on SL are with oil inside. If they fail - you definitely want to replace them. Considering the car is 15 years old - $500 for new engine mounts that will last another 15 years - tat's nothing. Better get it done. Usually you'd like to check with the transmission mount - there's only 1 right under the transmission - even easier to replace. Check that one too.