C320
 

Hello all, I just purchased a 2001 C320 last week. Well, I noticed a slight vibration in the car when driving 30-45 mph. It is not tire balance. The vibration feels like a drive train vibration. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance, John

My 2002 c320 has a similar vibration, at 35 to 45 mph, more noticeable when coasting, and completely gone at highway speeds. Started at about 10k miles, now car has 45k. Some days are much better than others.

Last month I had the four tires replaced - I had the oem mxv4+ installed. No change in the vibration. I've asked the dealer to fix it the last three times the car has been in, once they rotated the tires (no help), this last time they blamed it on the worn-out tires, but it is unchanged with the new tires.

I have about three more months of warranty, so I'd really like to get this fixed.

Is your vibration similar - gets much better when accelerating, and has better/worse days?

It sounds like we have the identical vibration. My car has 35k miles. I purchased a good extended warrenty, so if the problem gets worse, I will take it to the dealer for investigation. To me, it feels like a driveshaft, or axle out-of-round. Could be something in the rear end. It also could be a characteristic of the car?

Thanks for the reply, John

I agree - it feels like driveshaft or an axle shaft. I definitely do not think they all do it. I had 04 and 05 loaners (I think they were both 4matics) and they were flawless - absolutely no vibration.

Please post back if you find anything, and I'll be sure to post if I get mine fixed.

thanks,
dan

Tell them to drop the heat shielding and look near the center bearing for spray. there is a 'u-joint' right near it that is part of the driveshaft that can go bad. I've had two with the exact same problem in the last few months and replacing the driveshaft fixed it.

Thanks for the reply, I will have the driveshaft checked when my extended warranty goes into effect. :D

problem fixed!
 

Well Johnhef, you were absolutely right! Dealer removed driveshaft, noted that the u-joint was binding, and replaced entire driveshaft (including center carrier bearing).

Car was at the tail end of the warranty, so it was covered.

No more vibration - it is SO nice to have a problem that has dragged on (literally for several years) completely fixed!

Thanks Johnhef for the great diag!