1990 W124 230e annoying vibration when selecting Drive?

[IMD]

Hi all,

Happy New Year to you all.

I'm after a little advice. I have a 1990 W124 230e saloon. It's a low compression engine model (spent its first 3 years in Africa) and is generally great condition, well looked after, low mileage etc. But there is a frustrating vibration!

In neutral, at standstill the car ticks over very smoothly. As soon as you engage drive, with your foot on the brake pedal, the car engages gear and starts vibrating. This is present a little when driving, but most noticeable when engaging drive. A mechanic friend said it could be the engine mounts, although he said they were not too worn from a quick look. When the ignition is started there is a slight jolt...which I've heard could be another indication of the mounts going?

Does anyone have any suggestions? Is it an engine mount issue, a gearbox issue or something else.

Your help in making my car a little smoother and less frustrating would be great!

Cheers

Ian

 

[bolide]

You need to get it up on a ramp to see what's vibrating - that'll get you closer to a cure

Replacing the engine mounts will certainly improve it and may be a complete cure. They're about £65 each from Rivervale or MB of Brighton

I am finding about 30% of cars I buy (and 90% of diesels) need new engine mounts

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[IMD]

Thanks Nick...I'll take a look if I can and think about the mounts being replaced.

 

[Ade B]

I get a slight vibration / grumble when stationary in D, changed the engine mounts to no effect, didn't change the gearbox mount which looked ok on inspection, but I suspect could be the culprit..

Have had the car checked over a couple of times and nothing appeared out of order so I just live with it..

Ade

 

[IMD]

Thanks Ade,

It is frustrating to say the least and to be honest, the vibration is a little noticeable throughout the car when driving as well, bit probably more so when driving, as I'm sure a lot is felt through the wheel.

I drove for 50 miles today and I did notice that on left hand bends, at speed, there seemed to be more of a vibration through the wheel / car, however on left hand bends, a little less so. Is this linked? I'm confused!

I have a 1995 e220, and I know that this is a more modern 16v engine, but it is so much smoother. Unfortunately I haven't been in another 230e, so have nothing to compare. Mine is the low compression engine, don't know if this will be rougher?

 

[bolide]

It's got four cylinders so it'll never be really smooth. But 230s are smoother than 220s in my experience

It's vibrating because there's enough compliance somewhere to let it vibrate. So something's worn

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[Will]

Sounds like engine mounts to me - but as said, get it checked!

Will

 

[Ade B]

Thanks Ade,

It is frustrating to say the least and to be honest, the vibration is a little noticeable throughout the car when driving as well, bit probably more so when driving, as I'm sure a lot is felt through the wheel.

I drove for 50 miles today and I did notice that on left hand bends, at speed, there seemed to be more of a vibration through the wheel / car, however on left hand bends, a little less so. Is this linked? I'm confused!

I have a 1995 e220, and I know that this is a more modern 16v engine, but it is so much smoother. Unfortunately I haven't been in another 230e, so have nothing to compare. Mine is the low compression engine, don't know if this will be rougher?

Sounds much worse than mine, I get no vibration at all when moving, and the only when stationary can it be felt through the gear selector, its more of a grumbling noise than an intrusive vibration. My car has spent nearly all its life in the city so I put it down to wear & tear in the transmission..

The car got noticably better when cold following its last service..

I'd start with the engine & gearbox mounts and also check the exhaust fixings and alignment. When I had the engine mounts done a while back, because the old mounts had compressed, the engine sat slightly lower in the bay and the exhaust was out of alignment which coupled with the tired rear springs meant the cat was catching on speed bumps when fully loaded.


Ade

 

[grober]

Another clue to it being engine/gearbox mounts is the fact the car spent its first 3 years in Africa which might mean a greater strain on these components? Sounds very like you are getting a torque reaction from the engine when you engage the gearbox. The only other problem might be a misaligned exhaust system as Ade B said. There is a major exhaust mount which clamps the exhaust down pipes to the gearbox cross member. Its flexibly mounted and clamps to the exhaust via a W clamp. If this has fractured/ corroded away then this means the exhaust system will experience more of the engine movement which may be quite marked if the engine mounts are worn.

 

[IMD]

Thanks guys for your responses.

How easy is it to fit engine and gearbox mounts? I'm very practical and follow instructions well, but have limited mechanical knowledge. I don't want to mess things up, however it annoys me that its oh so easy to take the car to a specialist, when a bit of time and patience can see results. I have the time, the patience, the willingness and want to learn!

What do you reckon...is it possible? If so..any links?

Cheers

Ian

 

[grober]

Not a job for the faint hearted since lots of heavy things[engine+gearbox] loose in a confined space[ engine compartment]. Can done but the better the access from underneath the easier it is. here's how to on a w210. http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=32113
Personally unless you have the kit -lifts/stands/ jacks this is one job I would leave to a good independent who has. Shouldn't be too expensive.

 

[IMD]

Another job for Alan Robertson in Hove I think!

Cheers grober