Our 2004 Mercedes C240 developed this vibration problem some months age. From a cold start there is significant vibration (wobble) of the steering wheel for the first five miles or so. Then it fades away. The dealer has changed tires and wheels, has balanced and rebalanced, and has replaced the motor mounts--all to no avail. Warming the engine up before moving does not help. There is no vibration at all when the car is not moving. Any suggestions?

How about the tires? What kind of tires are they and are they perfectly round? Was anything done to the car at the time that the vibration problem started?

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

I sense a slight vibration in the steering wheel of my 2002 C240 when cold for the first few miles.
I attributed it to the OEM Continental CH-95 tires.
It is very mild, and the car sits alot so I assume the tires are setting in a temporary flat spot when sitting.

Sounds like tires, HOWEVER the new C-class seam to enjoy eating the thrust arm & lower control arm bushings as well. IN fact the part number has been changed several times due to modifiactions to that part already!!

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Al-Chalabi:

Tires are OEM type Continental EcoPlus.

M.B.Doc:

If I jacked the car up, would I be able to feel play in the bushings if this is the problem. Also, would there be a reason for it to happen only when cold?

jemxyz