I have a 96 E300 diesel with 114,000 miles on it. Recently I noticed a slight vibration during acceleration. I want to check the motor mounts. What is the best method to determine if the mounts are bad? Thanks...

Larry:

The newer MBs use glycol filled mounts -- steel hemisphere on top, rubber with a steel insert below.

If the steel rim is close to the frame and you cannot see (or feel by reaching underneath) the tapered steel insert in the bottom, or you find slimy stuff all over the frame, the mount has ruptured and needs to be replaced.

Buy originals, there are aftermarkets out there of dubious reputation.

Replacement is easy -- bolt on top (likely 19 mm), usually an 8mm allen bolt on the bottom. Lift engine with a floor jack and board or engine lift, remove bolts and old mount, lift some more and instert new mount. They are keyed, only fit one way. Start bolts and run up finger tight, then lower engine onto the mount and torque the bolts down fairly tight.

Access is the only issue. Non turbo deisels and gas engines aren't bad, but tubo diesels usually don't have much room on the turbo side, and you must remove and replace both bolts from the bottom. Easy on a lift (ha ha), a pain in the rear on jack stands.

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!