In a serious lapse of judgment yesterday, I took my 1992 300TE 4matic to a quick lube joint for an oil change. As soon as I got the car back, the engine didn't run right. I went back inside and complained, but they said they did nothing other than change the oil and the MB filter I supplied.

The problem is, when I'm in neutral or park, the engine visibly rocks a bit and sitting in the driver's seat, the car feels like it's moving in an up and down motion, but it feels fine at speed. But, when I'm at a stop and am idling in drive, (on a level or dowhill surface), and release the brake, or just tap the gas to get started, the engine mini-surges/revs which rock the car in a back and forth motion. At first I thought it was a transmission problem, that maybe they topped off the transmission fluid with a different type than was in there, and the transmission was slipping and grabbing, but now I think maybe a cylinder is misfiring, but I don't know. Any ideas what could have been done accidentily or incompetently to cause this problem? Or could it simply be a freak of nature, purely coincidental and unrelated to the oil change?? I checked all the plug wires and they are fine. I've sure learned my lesson, now I really need help. Thanks.

1962 MB 220SEb "Fintail' Sedan
1992 MB 300TE 4Matic Wagon
1995 Subaru Legacy AWD Wagon

I think on that engine near the oil filter there is a vacuum line, I have knocked mine loose from the manifold twice now and my 96 sl320 did the same, would barely run, surging and jumping. I bet they knocked a vacuum line loose and that is what is causing your problem. Take a look near the oil filter and anywhere they have been and make sure you have no leaks. One that bad you could hear, start the engine and open the hood, you should hear the hissing sound. Good luck!

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Brian W. Heitman

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. . . though not due to Iffy Lube places. On the M116 motor there is a vacuum line *under the air cleaner assembly* -- a little rubber hose that can come loose from a nipple on the manifold and cause the rocking and rough idling you describe. I watched my regular mechanic fit it back into place.

Three months later, on Christmas Eve, yet, the same symptoms recurred, but the car was drivable. This time, after taking off the air cleaner, I used a stereo wire cable to snug the hose back into place. Problem solved.

I dunno if your 300TE would have its vacuum line in the same place, and they wouldn't have had to remove the air cleaner to change your oil (at least, I hope not). Look for a vacuum line near the filter, would be my guess.

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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino

I wouldn't consider it a lapse in judgement to use a quick lube. I use one myself because it's a hassle dealing with the fluids in a responsible way. BUT I go to the same place and they know my rules; Don't look at my coolant, transmission or airfilter.

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ok i recently had my cylinder misfiring and now its been fixed due to warranty ( rebuilt engine ) and the symptoms i was getting was stuttering while only in drive. in neutral that didn't do anything and when starting off, there was a stuttering start. so i don't think that is your problem. and neither might be engine mounts. hmm... this is weird.. check all the hoses and connections. im not exactly sure

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