driveshaft on 190e-16v

I've started experiencing some heavy vibration between 55 and 85mph. I know it's not wheel balancing. I took it to a good mechanic i know, and who knows the car. He says the driveshaft needs replacing. The area by the u-joint where the two shafts meet is where the problem is and it's not a piece that can be purchased for example the bearing. I thought at first it might be such or even the rubber rings that bolt on the front and rear of the shaft.
While driving the car under throttle, or upon releasing it, the car seems to slightly float to one side (scary in the rain).
The car also sat (did receive courtesy start-ups) for a year while I was away with the military, however the problem already existed before.
So, any ideas my good fellas? I am somewhat reluctant to go out and purchase a new driveshaft, $$$ wise (not that she's not worth it )
Thanks everyone, as always I am greatfully appreciative of the time taken.

-Adam

[daveCT]

ya i would say driveshaft, all manual MB driveshafts seem to
lose there balance , i have replaced them in every man. MB so far,
190e 16v, 190e, 300e all shimmed around 80mph for me
395.00 for a rebiuld one with your core , from d.l.s of Atlanta
404 361 9111, well wroth the money to have a smooth ride,

First check to see if the hugh counter balancer on the front of the drive shaft is falling off, if so just cut it off , Mercedes told me
that they removed the balancer from the driveshafts for heavy vibration, it weights like 20 lbs too , mine is off on my 16v
hope this helps

Dave
86 190e 16v
Iroc replica 911

Dave,
Sweet hook, I'm gonna go for it. Thanks a bunch. Hows your cossy looking these days?
Adam
P.S.-I took off the counter balance 2 yrs. ago as well, good move, as well as the 20lb. resonator from the exhaust!

[daveCT]

the cossy is always covered in brake dust, passed the back doors lol , I like the Lemans24hr look on the MB
just got new 01 clk rims (13lbs Each)for it , they where so shinny the few first days , now they
are a nice dull black color, looks great !!!!
Good luck!

[jasondew]

how much is it going to cost to buy a new driveshaft? i had the same problem and my mechanic sent my shaft to CA and had all the parts replaced, except the metal tubes. it ended up being half the price of a new shaft.

A new drive-shaft goes for around $900. I received a price on a rebuild for about $350. The place is located in Georgia and sounds to be credible according to forum MB owners who have had work done there....sounds very reasonable.

[mbdoc]

"Most" of the time the rear section of the driveshaft is the problem. You can buy the rear section by itself. MB part number 201-410-23-02 with a list price of $595. wholesale price is $476.

I tried D/L/S service here in ATL & they did a TERRIBLE job. Had to go back 3 times as the balance was incorrect. R & R drive shaft 4 times to get correct balance isn't cost effective.

The front D/S balancer can be replaced, but on MY 3 cars the balancers are removed.

Thanks DOC! I almost sent it out to D.L.S.
Your advice and insights have always been a great help. I got the same recommendation from the parts/mastermechanic up here at a MercedesBenz Prestige that I go to when ever I have to. He also said it is usually the rear half section of the shaft.