Back to my 88 300 TE. Just getting into Mercedes, so I don't know tha answer to this. When going from park to drive, there it the typical "thud". To me it sounds like a "u-Joint" from the old American cars I used to own. However, not knowing Mercedes, is there a "u-joint" on the drive shaft? If so, great, I can handle that. If not, what is it? Doesn't sound like CV joints, unless that is what it is on the drive shaft. Any ideas?
Thanks

MB's don't have a live axle in the rear, so the driveshaft does not go "up and down" like an old Chev.

Your MB has a flex plate that is a rubber doughnut that absorbs the driveline shock.

Odds are it's worn out...

...replacement is usually a couple hundred bucks by most mechanics, and it's not that complicated for the DIY.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Thanks. I did see that part and wondered what it was for. I've ordered the repair manuals and will dig into it. Thanks for the prompt reply!

The flex disk is about $55.00 or so right here at PartsShop and FastLane. Not difficult to replace at all. More than likely the front flex disk has had it and that is causing your thump. While underneath be sure to check out the rear flex disk too (although normally the fronts wear first).

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Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I've had that clunk for the last 150,000 miles. I guess I have another part replace.

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Michael LaFleur

'05 E320 CDI - 86,000 miles
'86 300SDL - 360,000 miles
'85 300SD - 150,000 miles (sold)
'89 190D - 120,000 miles (sold)
'85 300SD - 317,000 miles (sold)
'98 ML320 - 270,000 miles (sold)
'75 300D - 170,000 miles (sold)
'83 Harley Davidson FLTC (Broken again) :-(
'61 Plymouth Valiant - 60k mikes
2004 Papillon (Oliver)
2005 Tzitzu (Griffon)
2009 Welsh Corgi (Buba)