I should change my handle to "stupid" as that is the way I feel. I spent $575.00 to have the trani pulled to check the flex plate for cracks. That is what the shop foreman at Richmond Mercedes said was probably the cause of the vibration. He quoted $1,200.00 to do the re & re. I guess someone has to pay for their new show room. Not me!
After the ”Train Shop” guys did a magnetic iron powder test on the flexplate and determined no cracks I went home very frustrated and $575.00 poorer as well as the proud owner of a new flex plate $37.50 and 12 necked bolts at $75.00 for the set. These parts, still in the package, I acquired from the BenzBin as there was no stock in Canada. Oh yes did I mention that had paid Mercedes $125.00 to analyze and determine the problem in the first place. I think the Mercedes shop is to concerned more with the bottom line than the honesty of their work.
When I came home I removed the belts to isolate the alternator and fan to eliminate them as a source of the vibration. All ok there. Next off came the cam shaft cover and a tappet inspection found a couple of valves very close. After a complete valve setting the engine ran as smooth as a new car. What I don't understand is how a close valve or two can cause a vibration between 2000 to 3000rpm. Why not all the time? I am very relieved that this is over but very pissed of that I spent about a thousand $ didn't have to.
A valve cover gasket is only $5.50
Oh My God!