On Saturday, I purchased a 2005 C230 with 27550 miles that had never been wrecked. I drove it over the weekend and for a few days thereafter with no problems. On Thursday morning, I drove it 4 miles to work and parked it until noon at which point in time, I drove it about 6 miles to get some lunch.

On my way back to work after lunch, it started acting VERY strange while stopped (in gear) at a stop light. The whole car started shaking for a few seconds and then it would stop shaking for a little while. Then it would shake again for a few seconds, then stop. It did this about six times while I was stopped. I remember that the car was shaking so bad that she shift knob was vibrating. It looked like the RPM's were going up a little bit each time the car started shaking, too.

Any clue what this would be? I did a little research on the vehicle before purchasing and know that some of these engines have valve trouble which is remedies by replacing the compressor head. What are the indicators of such a problem?

The good news is that it is still under factory warranty. It is at the shop now, but the tech hasn't been able to replicate the issue. Not sure what set it off or what could be wrong with it. If you have an idea on what the cause could be or what made it happen, please let me know.

Many thanks,
Anita

Did the check engine light come on?

Gilly

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Gilly,

Sorry about the delayed response. I thought that I was subscribed to this thread but I wasn't.

No. The check engine light did not come on. As a note, I did find out that the vent hose issue had already been addressed according to TSB 2008020002. I'm anxious to hear what any of ya'll might have to say about this strange problem. I heard that there were problems with the valves on this motor that is remedies by changing the whole cylinder head. Any idea what the "signs and symptoms" are of this?

My 04/C230K run fine (no leak) went in for reg maintenance, they did this recall and less then a mile my car act just like yours. Turn out they did not properly done (vacuum leak/connection on the new/replacement hose). My point is you cannot just trust the check mark (done/performed) or record book/data anymore.

Thanks for letting me know. Even though they didn't do anthing to fix the issue because they couldn't replicate it, it is still running fine.

My husband was talking to the technician, and he did say that the way it would shake a few seconds then stop, then shake again (quite rhythmically) that it sounds like it might be the altinator clutch. Apparently, these cars have clutches on the altinator. Thought I'd mention that, too.

Good luck with yours... sorry they didn't fix the issue the first time.

We diagnosed the problem as being the altinator clutch. It was repaired last week, and is running beautifully. I didn't know it could run so smooth being it was new to me. Hope this finding helps others.