I started a thread a few days ago concerning the purchase of either a 98 or a 00 E320. The 98 was sold so we test drove the 00 today. I have one concern with it that I'm hoping someone here can answer.

The car was cold and slanted nose down on the lot. I started it, waited a minute or so, then put it into reverse. In reverse the car started to shudder quite a bit, it was REALLY noticeable which immediately threw up a red flag to me. The trans. wasn't slipping, it was just causing the whole car to shudder while in reverse at idle and off idle when we were backing up. We left the lot and it drove perfectly, shifted perfectly up and down, no problems whatsoever. Back at the lot, after it was warmed up, this shudder was still there but only barely noticeable. Does anyone know if this might be caused by a bad motor mount or anything else?

Thanks in advance,

Dale

Dale

Are you sure it wasn't an ignition miss you were experiencing?
If not, I would get the dealer to change fluid & filter in the transmission & provide something in writing,to cover the transmission for a set period of time.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

You could check the notor mounts easily. Pop the hood and put keep your left foot on the brake. With your right foot give it a little gas with the trans in rev and in drive. Notice if the engine moves (tilts) when you give it gas. If you notice it moves more in reverse then in drive then chances are the engine mounts need replacing. Note the engine will tilt in one direction in drive and the opposite dirrection in reverse.

A bad engine mount tends to leak a dark brown substance which is noticable under the mount and on the frame supports underneath. You could look for signs of this.

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Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

Thanks gentlemen for the suggestions, I'll stop by the dealership tomorrow and more thoroughly check it out. I still need them to put it up on a lift so I can see the underside, when they do I'll see if any of the mounts are seeping. Thanks again gents,

Dale

I'd also think maybe the driveshaft flex disc is maybe worn out, or maybe the exhaust system is hitting something just in reverse (do to the above mentioned shift in the engine)
As far as the transmission, I believe there is a difference in reverse depending on the position of the "W S" switch by the shifter. Whichever position it's in, try it in the "other" position to see if there is a change.
Gilly

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