Low harmonic vibration??? - E320
 

My 1997 E320 is developing a low harmonic type vibration which is driving my wife insane! I can't tell where it is coming from, but it goes vroom - vroom - vroom according to my wife's description. The vibration can be felt throuh the seat and steering wheel, but I can't tell if it is coming from the wheels, suspension, engine, transmission, driveshaft, rearend, or anywhere. There is a definite low pitched intermittent hum, that someone (other than my wife) may not even notice, but it is there. If anyone has experienced this phenomena, I would certainly appreciate any input. Thank you very kindly. Big Ron

low harmonic vibration
 

I have had this problem from before the warrenty was over until now 89K mile on my 2000 E320. MB checked -recheked and tested replaced Mounts and balancers and finally siad "it is within acceptable tolerence"
I changed 2 set of tires, one set of Rims, many dynamic road force balance to no avail, still hums at about 62M/h speed.

Now I am about to change everything on drive shaft have it balance and see what happens.
I think this is an inherent bad engineering desing by MB and they still do not know or perhaps care.

After all been done to elliminate the vibration, the only thing left is the drivshaft.

Ve

I'll bet it's the driveshaft. Benzes seem to be VERY sensitive to driveshaft issues. We fought a vibration on a 126 for a long time until I, after doing a search on the forum, shimmed the center carrier bearing about an eight of an inch. Took care of the vibration, but that was a real pronounced vibration. That would still be the area I would check though and play with.

Rear bearings.

Low Harmonic Vibration
 

Let's see - in the last couple years the dealer has balanced my front tires, replaced my front tires, replaced my driveshaft, and replaced my engine mounts - each time it was the fix for LHV. UHG! :mad:
I just mentioned it again 2 days ago and what did they do? Balanced my front tires (again) and claimed that fixed it. It did not. :(
I've told them I will not pay to have this fixed - after >$3000 it's their dime. I've yet to hear from the service manager.? I will pass on what Howitzer recommended...
Thanks.

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driving 1997 E320

If the driveshaft has been attended to, the only other thing that would make that kind of noise is bearings.

But I think it's a MB characteristic. My W124 has a pronounced rhythmic howl at low speeds...always did. I think part of it is the aggressive tire tread pattern, but mostly inherent with the car. I live with it otherwise, since the car runs fine.

My ML350 and CLK430 don't have this issue though...

Lhv
 

Perhaps I incorrectly equated LHV with a wobbling of the steering wheel / car at speeds between 45 - 65 mph. It seems to oscillate between being somewhat noticeable to very noticeable (including cups shaking in their holder). Thoughts?

Do you have stock or aftermarket wheels?

Lhv
 

Stock wheels...this occurs despite the tires / wheels having been rotated in the past.

vibration
 

At what speed does this occur? What brand and type of tires do you have?