1993 300sd vibration...please help
 

hello all,

i am new to this site and am the new owner of the dreaded 1993 300sd...

purchased it online from a dealer...it is a pristine 1 owner car w/112,000 miles...not much problem w/oil consumption (1/3 quart per 600 miles)

i have had it for just a few days and put 600 miles on it to see how the oil consumption was and also to feel it out...it was described as perfect in every way and it is except for what i consider a major annoyance and problem...

***when driving between 45MPH and 60MPH there is a vibration felt and seems to be comming from the rear of the car...over 60 and under 45 smooth as silk...

since the tires were 50% and i thought this could be the cause, i had new tires put on the car and they were balanced...

still vibration between 45-60mph

....took the car to my shop (reputable mercedes repair facility)and they noticed both engine mounts are broken...my mechanic took it out on the freeway and feels the vibration problem is the drive shaft not in balance or the rear U joints....he didn't think the mounts were the reason for the vibration at the 45-60 mark but wasn't certain...obviously to make certain the engine mounts need replacing...he also inspected the drive shaft at both ends where they connect and didn't notice or feel any slop or paly at the connections..

since i am in negotiations with the seller to try and recover some money from the misrepresentation, i was wondering if anyone could please expand on possible causes or has anyone had a similar vibration experience..

regards,
jim in calif...

The 140's are very HEAVY and very tough on suspension parts, brakes and tires. The early pre-1994 140's all suffered from a "vibration problem." MB paid out in a class action lawsuit...you can findout more by searching the web. They replaced my ball joints twice on my 1992 500SEL, and as well as the tires.

I suggest you go to the larger P235-16's, they give more stability, a much better ride, and were standard on the V8 and V12 140's.

Does a 140 have the split dirveshaft?
 

Jim,

I have an 87 SDL ( an older body style from yours, but they carry over many design ideas). The driveshaft is in 2 parts with a CV type joint in the middle. There a bearing/holder that supports the half closer to the trans. I had a vibration at those speeds, a more rapid and smaller vibration than a wheel out of balance. It was the bearing and holder on the driveshaft.

Chuck