2000 E320 shaking at 40 MPH
 

Hi,
When my car has sat for a while and then i drive it to approxamatily 40 MPH the steering wheel shakes and then the shaking stops at around 43 MPH. When it warms up the shaking stops all together. I tried tires, wheels and amd then brought it to a mechanic who could not diagnose. Any help would be aprecieated.

Phil:)

My 260e behaved like that when the motor mounts were shot ,,, might be a good cheap (ish) place to start if it's not tyres or wheels.

steering
 

Hi Phil Have any repairs been done on the front end ,it does at first sound like a tire problem ,you may want to check the p/s pump and belt for proper operation.Joeym

Hi Joey, Just bought the car and dont know too much about the history. Maybe i should have done a car fax report.

Really motor mounts can do this?

no, my first thought was an out of round tire. This happened on mine when I bought it (Starmark-certified)

The tires wouldn't be dealer/factory-issue Continentals would they? Notorious for defects

My 260e shook like crazy at low speeds,,, replaced motor mounts,,, it drove fine,, so YES,, motor mounts can do this.

Tyres & wheels are most likely culprits though,,, but you say it's not the tyres/wheels so,,,,?

Phil, the tires on your car probably develop a slight "flat spot" when the car sits for an extended period in bitterly cold weather. Once you drive for a while and heat up the tires the ride smooths out.

Good observation Ferdman. My Michelin Pilot Sports (A/S) do this when cold. They're very pliable, and give the sensation of having to "re-shape" themselves when starting out on cold mornings