When it's cold, the steering wheel vibrates so badly I don't want to hold it....however, when I don't hold it, it make so much noise, I have to keep my hands on it.

The majority of the vibrations come through the steering wheel, and are further to the front of the car. They're the worst at idle when the car is in drive. At idle in Reverse, the vibrations are much less.

The mechanic it's at now says the engine mounts are the cause of the vibes...I tend to agree with that diagnosis.

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1983 300D - 314,640 miles (not all by me) - Daily Driver --Sold--
1983 300d - 215,000 miles (approximately)

Much more reasonable than the prior diagnosis.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

It's more reasonable, and cheaper. I was giving that first mechanic a try, because he was very close to home.....he didn't charge me for his diagnosis, so no harm done.

If it turns out to be just that leaking filter gasket and engine mounts, I'll be pleased.

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1983 300D - 314,640 miles (not all by me) - Daily Driver --Sold--
1983 300d - 215,000 miles (approximately)