Engine mounts make a significant difference!!!
 

I changed the engine mounts on Madeline (1981 300D) last night and I am amazed at the overall difference in the car. I have never needed to replace engine mounts before. The old mounts did not necessarily look bad, but what a difference. Less vibration and clatter and no big 'clunk' sound when then engine stops. Well, worth the money and time to install. It feels like an entirely different car. There is a DIY thread for this and I added a few comments.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=152804

The next tasks are transmission fluid/filter change, power steering pump change, and rear door checks. Need to check my list because I know that there is more.:book:

Add a trans mount as well as new motor shocks with mounts for a real suprise

Hmm...

My engine mounts also have no cracks, and I'm not famiilar with this clunknig sound that was mentioned, but my shutoff is pretty violent most of the time.

This is the only MB I've ever driven...is the violent shutoff a sign that new mounts/shocks are needed?

My engine shut-offs were 'violent' and my engine mounts had no cracks, but they were mashed down which makes for room for the engine to rock around. When I jacked up the engine I pushed and pulled on the engine shocks. The shocks still good resistance to movement. The shocks are there to dampen, but when the engine mounts are worn the shocks have much more energy applied to them.

If you change yours I believe you will be amazed at the difference and it can be noticed at start, shifts, and shut-off.

Some addition thoughts and a pic
 

Before removing the old mounts I could push the engine side to side without much effort. Now it stays in place. I studied the mounts. Much of the rubber has separated from the aluminum block. The block is not free from the ruber, but the separation goes rather deep.