Car is a manual 1987 300e with around 165,000 km on clock.

Have a small amount of play in the driveline, which is most evident with the clutch engaged on the overrun coasting to a stop.

I have recently replaced the front flex disc and transmission mount, which improved the problem considerably, howevr there is still sufficient play somewhere in the driveline to be annoying.

I have visually checked the rear differential mounts and they seemed to be ok, although I plan to check them more thoroughly by jacking the chassis up and moving the diff this weekend.

My mechanic suggests it may be play in the differential gears, which I suppose is possible if the PO did not change oil as often as he should have. This is likely. Mechanic also suggests if this is the case, it might be possible to adjust the play with shims. Does anyone have experience of this?

Another suspect is the balance weight mounted behind the front flex disc.

The balance weight is a three point triangular mounting secured to a metal collar with rubber. The rubber damper material has worn and the inner mounting has been tack welded to the outer collar (I know, I keep discovering bodges like this. Wish I'd known more about the car and taken a closer look before I bought it)

Bearing in mind that the balance weight was apparently discontinued on the later 124s (what we know as the Masterpiece edition, the last E320/124s) , I'm asking whether anyone has experience with the function and purpose of this weight and whether it being in sub-standard condition is likely to cause the driveline problems I'm getting?

Plus, of course, any other tips for keeping things smooth in the driveline.

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1987 300e manual 250,000 km (sold)