Rough engine for 10 minutes after start up

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NorthAl

New Member
Joined
Aug 25, 2021
Messages
4
Location
Scotland
Car
E280
Hi,

First ever question here.

I have a 57 plate E280 automatic estate (150k on the clock) that has a rough engine for about 10-15 minutes when starting from cold.

It seems worse in reverse and under compression (say a speed bump) is extra noticable.

After about 15 minutes of driving it is fine - even if I park for an hour or two - but then comes back the next morning.

I had the gear box serviced but that hasn't solved it.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Alan
 
If it’s diesel might be worth checking glow plugs , also can you see if it’s very Smokey when starting cold .
 
It is diesel and there is no smoke at all. Just passed an MOT 3 days ago.

It also starts on the button every time.
 
Last edited:
Hi,

First ever question here.

I have a 57 plate E280 automatic estate (150k on the clock) that has a rough engine for about 10-15 minutes when starting from cold.

It seems worse in reverse and under compression (say a speed bump) is extra noticable.

After about 15 minutes of driving it is fine - even if I park for an hour or two - but then comes back the next morning.

I had the gear box serviced but that hasn't solved it.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Alan
Hi, when you say 'rough engine' do you mean the idle speed is erratic. Does the rev counter needle stay steady at idle or fluctuate?

Worse in reverse or over speed bumps to me would indicate something like worn engine/ gearbox/ propshaft mounts. Have you checked for excess movement in these areas.
 
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Last edited:
Hi, when you say 'rough engine' do you mean the idle speed is erratic. Does the rev counter needle stay steady at idle or fluctuate?

Worse in reverse or over speed bumps to me would indicate something like worn engine/ gearbox/ propshaft mounts. Have you checked for excess movement in these areas.
Rev counter is steady and stable. In idle it is fine. Only in gear does it feel and sound rough.

I'm not a mechanic so can't check for excess play but as it goes away after 10-15 mins of driving would that make sense?

Maybe it just seems worse in reverse as that is low speed and I can hear more?
 
Rev counter is steady and stable. In idle it is fine. Only in gear does it feel and sound rough.

I'm not a mechanic so can't check for excess play but as it goes away after 10-15 mins of driving would that make sense?

Maybe it just seems worse in reverse as that is low speed and I can hear more?
If the rev counter is stable then your engine is not running rough. More likely imho to be a physical engine/ gearbox/ propshaft mount issue.

You can check for worn engine mounts visually by looking at the rocking motion of your engine. Does it move around/ rock excessively at idle and/or when revved? Not familiar with e280 cdi om642 mounts but if they are hydraulic you may also see evidence of fluid leaks.
 
Check your engine mounts.

Mine had very similar symptoms. Once warned up it smoothed out.
 
Thanks everyone, much appreciated.

I will check the engine mounts first and let you all know.
 
Hello! I have the same exact problem, with same car model. Even mechanics cant find the solution. Did you find out what it was?
 
Hello! I have the same exact problem, with same car model. Even mechanics cant find the solution. Did you find out what it was?
Engine mounts have probably lost their fluid. Take it to an MB specialist, they will know.
 

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