You know.... on my way over there, I was thinking the same thing. Steering damper is for vibrations! Well I bought one anyway, and will swap it out just for the sake of it. Thanks Mike, in any event.

But boy did I do some damage, $ 320 worth!! I bought 3 new keys plus a valet key, new floor mats, new steering shock, one key chain, power steering fluid + filter, brake fluid, and 2 underbody panels that were totally scarred!

Looks like I've got some work ahead of me.

And thanks for the insight, "ILUVMILS." I will have my shop check all those components.

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)