Couple of days ago I accidentally stepped on the gas pedal while the ‘98 E320 was in park and the car started shaking fairly violently from the engin bay. I also noticed that the RPM was right around 4200. I tried one more time and the same shake resulted. Is this normal?

Also, regarding the charcoal filter (cannister), when is the right time to change it? The owner's manual says every two years, but the prior posts indicated that the filter can last up to 60-70k miles. Which is it and how can I order it from the shop?

Lastly, what are your thoughts on the M class? My wife really likes the suv, but I am very concerned about the reliability issues. Any thoughts on the issue with respect to the ‘00 or the ‘01 projections on reliability? I just have a feeling that M class may not be a vehicle that I can keep for 10+ years (unlike the E320) without many headaches.

I have following this discussion forum for a some time now and really appreciate all the good info and advice. Thank you in advance for responding.

I don't know what's wrong with your E320 but I do have an answer for you on the M-Class. if you get one, stay away from anything older than a 2000. A 99 should be reliable but starting in 2000 the interior finish was improved. Good luck

Rev. limiter when in Park /neutral.
When car is moving, you can rev past 4200
in neutral. Speed sensor circuit somehow over-rides stand-still rev limit feature.

YickWo, as I understand it, the
dust filter should be changed
every 15K/2years and the charcoal
filter does last longer and I believe, not sure, has another application,
Try the archives with search function.

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1979 300D
133K miles
1989 300SE
1995 C280

The car moves because all that torque is building up but there is no place to release it.

YOU do have a rev limiter. This is what you felt. It is normal.

I like the 2000 ML's, I think that they had most of the bugs worked out by the 2000.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
300E
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM