I have never had a problem with the idle on my '85 190e. I recently took the car in for a brake job, timing chain change, and oil and filter change. Now the car has a violent idle and fails to start on the first try. The car visibly shakes while idiling and the ride in the cabin during idle is very rough. While shaking the rpms drop along with the oil pressure. Also, i noticed when I apply gas after being stopped somewhere like a traffic light the car hesitates a while before going. While driving the car has no problems. I noticed that if i applied the gas while parked at idle the violent shaking ceased and the car was smooth only while the gas was down
Any ideas on what is wrong would be greatly appreciated.
doug

Be sure that the fuse in the overvoltage relay is good. It is behind the battery with a red top.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1992 500E (very soon I hope :)
1981 280GE SWB
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

i plan on checking that later today if the weather clears up.
Could anybody explain to me the function of this relay?

i checked the fuse in the over voltage relay and replaced it. The car is now starting on the first attempt and the idle is smoother than before but not as smooth as it was before
any more ideas would be appreciated
thanks
doug
'85 190e 175k

Dug,

Can't help with the shaking, but I've got a question for you. How much did you have to pay for the timing chain change on your '85 190e? Also, did you have the oil sprayer conversion done at the same time? I am going to set aside some cash for this...and want to be ready. At 175kmi, you really got good life out of your first chain. Was it clattering or clicking to give you a warning of pending doom?

Thanks,

John

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John J. Meadows
'83 300D 260k mi.
'85 190E 2.3L 99k mi.