95 E320 Cab with 17k mi.-problems/questions
 

Hope I can get some advice. I have a 95 Cab with 17,300 mi- driven ocassionally in Florida. First, battery died several months ago after sitting for 6 weeks of nonuse (had last been replaced 12/2000 ). Battery was recharged then and I now have trickle charger when car not in use. Since then, however, car turns over very slowly when starting. Tested okay, but is it time for a new battery? Any advise on where to purchase and any specific brands other than oem ? Secondly, the past couple of times I have used the car, I notice a vibration/rattle when in in drive/reverse and car not moving. Seems more prominate on passenger side and can only hear inside car or through wheel well . Only present when car at standstill and in gear ( under load.). Had the oil changed this past week at independent Mercedes shop who tested battery and suggested my engine mounts may be going bad . Seemed odd at 17,300 mi. Thanks for any feedback.

Mileage is low for that type of failure, HOWEVER after 10 years of life that is the most likely cause of vibration!

TIME is a cars enemy just like mileage, most times people ignore suggested TIME intervals for maintenance & that causes problems just like HIGH mileage.

M.B. DOC,
Are there any signs of failure to look for? It is more of a rattle than the vibration I have experienced when having to replace motor mounts in the past ( almost like a rough idle ). I got underneath car as best as I could to see if maybe it was a loose heat shield etc but could not detect anything. The car has been stored in a climate controlled environment since new and shows no signs of wear or aging whatsoever ie. cracked rubber , fading etc. What should I expect to pay to replace them if this is indeed the problem? Also, any thoughts on the battery. It is oem now ( I am a big Mercedes oem parts believer ) but am thinking of leaning towards a battery with a longer warranty replacement period, maybe 3 years since the car sits so much. Any particular brands and how do they compare pricewise to oem ( quoted $125 for roadside assistance replacement ). Thanks again for any help.

I just bought motor mounts for a 94 coupe, probably the same - $35 each (Sachs) for two - the rear mount even less - under $20 as I recall. It's not a difficult job - I would think less than 2 hours.