I hear a slight "klunk" (sounds like a u-joint sounding noise). I understand there is no u-joint. It only happns goint into gear from park.
What should I be looking for?

Thanks for the help.....

__________________
Schettini
1996 S420 (45,00O)
1994 SL320 (96,000)
1992 SL500 (82,000)
1990 300E (183,000)
1993 300E (99,000) sold
1988 190D (125,000) sold

Sounds to me like your differential mounting bushings are starting to go bad.

__________________
"It's not about how fast you can go, but how well you can go fast."

Bob in Richmond

'97 S320 (LWB), Ruby Red Metallic, 73k miles
'97 S420V, Smoke Silver Metallic, 155k miles

Thanks for the reply.
How can I verify it?
Is it a big job to replace?

Thanks again.....

__________________
Schettini
1996 S420 (45,00O)
1994 SL320 (96,000)
1992 SL500 (82,000)
1990 300E (183,000)
1993 300E (99,000) sold
1988 190D (125,000) sold

I'll let someone with a lot more experience than me verify the diagnosis. I'm still a bit of a Benz neophyte, so my advice is worth everything you paid for it.

The differential has two rubber bushings that secure it to the rear sub-frame. These will wear out after time and allow the differential case to rotate slightly when torque is applied or removed. Obviously, it can only go so far and the clunk your here is the metal parts smacking together. If that is indeed the case you should also be able to hear the clunk when you go on/off the gas.

Replacing them is a fairly involved job that requires some special tools, but totally out of the realm of the dedicated DIY mechanic. Search around this site a bit and you should find several articles on the subject.

__________________
"It's not about how fast you can go, but how well you can go fast."

Bob in Richmond

'97 S320 (LWB), Ruby Red Metallic, 73k miles
'97 S420V, Smoke Silver Metallic, 155k miles

I checked on the way into work this morning, and it does klunk slightly, when you get on, or get off the gas.

Any more input?
Thanks......

__________________
Schettini
1996 S420 (45,00O)
1994 SL320 (96,000)
1992 SL500 (82,000)
1990 300E (183,000)
1993 300E (99,000) sold
1988 190D (125,000) sold