W210 E55 oscillation/Vibration Issues
- Thread starter janjuhab
- Start date
MBFanUSA
New Member
Even I have trouble shaking it off and calling it 'character'.
I have 2001 E55, similar sounding vibration primarily between 45-50 MPH, stronger when decelerating.
Have replaced motor mounts, trains mount, rubber prop shaft couplers front and back. No better. Also new lower front end bushings, still no better.
I share your pain, but still love the vehicle.
I'll post again as I try more things or get it sorted.
I have 2001 E55, similar sounding vibration primarily between 45-50 MPH, stronger when decelerating.
Have replaced motor mounts, trains mount, rubber prop shaft couplers front and back. No better. Also new lower front end bushings, still no better.
I share your pain, but still love the vehicle.
I'll post again as I try more things or get it sorted.
MBFanUSA
New Member
I'll add that a friend (even though a BMW driver) suggested a warped rotor, causing of-on brake sticking, might be the cause. I was due for brakes anyway, changed rotors and pads (stock AMG rotors, Akebono pads, a great setup so far with soooo little dust), and no effect. Also had all four mono blocks turned, balanced, refinished to make sure they are not out of round (and just because they needed it to rid them of some curb rash), new tires, and no difference.
What I have noted is that some days the vibration is present, some days (or part of a day) it is not there at all. Seemed a couple of times that a turn of the steering wheel to the stop had some effect, but haven't investigated further.
I still suspect something in the front end, worn joint somewhere, but no time to tear into it. And since this is my daily driver, I've had to steer clear of jobs that might not finish in a day or so.
Thoughts, anyone?
What I have noted is that some days the vibration is present, some days (or part of a day) it is not there at all. Seemed a couple of times that a turn of the steering wheel to the stop had some effect, but haven't investigated further.
I still suspect something in the front end, worn joint somewhere, but no time to tear into it. And since this is my daily driver, I've had to steer clear of jobs that might not finish in a day or so.
Thoughts, anyone?
Hello all, just as an update, due to the colder weather, the noise is very noticeable. I have learn't that it maybe rear front sub frame bushes as these can cause the alignment between the prop and diff to be slightly out. I am gonna get a MB techie to confirm.
However I have noticed that one of the bushes on the sub frame is not flush with the sub frame...
Watch this space.
However I have noticed that one of the bushes on the sub frame is not flush with the sub frame...
Watch this space.
Twistedmind
Active Member
Take a pic
Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK
Sent from my iPhone using MBClub UK
Hi all,
Just been to the MB dealer. They have stated that there is nothing wrong with the suspension, bushes etc, but found that the car needed to have the wheels balanced on the car, as the nearside tyre is just not quite right on the rim. Well I have just driven it, and it seems to be ok but I can still hear a very faint drone, but I will be going out with the MB Tech tomorrow morning to see if they have cured it.
Watch this space...
Just been to the MB dealer. They have stated that there is nothing wrong with the suspension, bushes etc, but found that the car needed to have the wheels balanced on the car, as the nearside tyre is just not quite right on the rim. Well I have just driven it, and it seems to be ok but I can still hear a very faint drone, but I will be going out with the MB Tech tomorrow morning to see if they have cured it.
Watch this space...
Guys just an update - it's sorted.
We checked the gearbox oil and boy was it flithy! black and a small amount of filings in there. When we checked the gearbox filer cap, it was the original from the factory - the gearbox oil had never ever been changed since 1999! A gearbox flush, new filter and fresh oil put in - she is now better than new 98% all there. I am happy!!!
Regards
We checked the gearbox oil and boy was it flithy! black and a small amount of filings in there. When we checked the gearbox filer cap, it was the original from the factory - the gearbox oil had never ever been changed since 1999! A gearbox flush, new filter and fresh oil put in - she is now better than new 98% all there. I am happy!!!
Regards
MBFanUSA
New Member
Glad to hear you're having some luck.
Mine is still there, a few additional clues, if anyone has ideas:
We had some really cold days a few weeks back, -15C and lower. Little or no vibration those days. When it is cold, but not that cold, there are occasional days when there is no noticeable vibration.
Maybe something rubber, changing behavior with temp?
Cheers!
Mine is still there, a few additional clues, if anyone has ideas:
We had some really cold days a few weeks back, -15C and lower. Little or no vibration those days. When it is cold, but not that cold, there are occasional days when there is no noticeable vibration.
Maybe something rubber, changing behavior with temp?
Cheers!
Otahome
New Member
E55 Vibration
I have a very low km 2000 E55 AMG and have replaced prop shaft couplings centre bearing tyres(balanced three times) and universal joint. Still vibrates when cold between 60km and 100 for 10 kms then goes away. Any hints on how to solve this issue? Thanks
I have a very low km 2000 E55 AMG and have replaced prop shaft couplings centre bearing tyres(balanced three times) and universal joint. Still vibrates when cold between 60km and 100 for 10 kms then goes away. Any hints on how to solve this issue? Thanks
Otahome
New Member
E55 Vibration
I have a E55 done only 5000 ams and when it sits in the garage for more than a few days it has a vibration that starts at 65km and goes at 95 km. If it is driven for 5 kms under 60 km it does not appear. I have changed engine mounts, driveshaft universal, couplings (front and rear) and centre bearing and replaced all tyres but no real change. Still thinking about what else it might be as it is only for the first 6-10 kms then it is smooth as silk.
I have a E55 done only 5000 ams and when it sits in the garage for more than a few days it has a vibration that starts at 65km and goes at 95 km. If it is driven for 5 kms under 60 km it does not appear. I have changed engine mounts, driveshaft universal, couplings (front and rear) and centre bearing and replaced all tyres but no real change. Still thinking about what else it might be as it is only for the first 6-10 kms then it is smooth as silk.
Hi Otahome,
I feel your pain. So you get vibration between 40-60 mph when cold. After a few miles it goes away.
This is what I have done:
However, none of these helped the underlying problem, they made things better, but my vibration was still there, 45-65 then silky smooth.
After delving more I noticed that when I reversed the car up onto a set of car ramps (Car stone cold), and then drove it off, the vibration all went away completely. (I was checking and looking for more pointers under the car). However, the vibration came back the next day.
So this together with the help of a very helpful chap, DaveCr, from the UKMBOC (UK Mercedes Owners Club), we tracked it down to the shims that are fitted to the front differential mount (P/N A1403504941). They alter the angle the rear diff is connected to the prop-shaft. My one had a 3mm shim fitted from the factory.
So these shims are available from Mercedes in 1, 2, 3 and 4mm. I removed mine and started off with 2mm, drove it, it a little difference, but not to the point that I could accept. I then put in a 1mm, even better. But could do with more... so I removed it completely - no shim - perfect! The vibration is only noticeable if you listened for it. Last week I took it out for a quick blast and I could barely notice it!
Just as a experiment, I added a 4 mm shim, I tried it and the vibration was back big style! So I removed all the shims and now its the best it has even been.
Hope that helps.
Regards
I feel your pain. So you get vibration between 40-60 mph when cold. After a few miles it goes away.
This is what I have done:
- Replaced Gearbox Mounts
- Replace collapsed engine mounts
- Replaced Center Prop-shaft Support Bearing
- Prop-shaft couplings front and back
- Gearbox mount
- Front wheel bearings
- Front LCA's
- Rear front-sub-frame mounts - these are hydraulic and because of the power of the E55, these are common
- Rear Axle Housing to rear subframe, front mount changed
However, none of these helped the underlying problem, they made things better, but my vibration was still there, 45-65 then silky smooth.
After delving more I noticed that when I reversed the car up onto a set of car ramps (Car stone cold), and then drove it off, the vibration all went away completely. (I was checking and looking for more pointers under the car). However, the vibration came back the next day.
So this together with the help of a very helpful chap, DaveCr, from the UKMBOC (UK Mercedes Owners Club), we tracked it down to the shims that are fitted to the front differential mount (P/N A1403504941). They alter the angle the rear diff is connected to the prop-shaft. My one had a 3mm shim fitted from the factory.
So these shims are available from Mercedes in 1, 2, 3 and 4mm. I removed mine and started off with 2mm, drove it, it a little difference, but not to the point that I could accept. I then put in a 1mm, even better. But could do with more... so I removed it completely - no shim - perfect! The vibration is only noticeable if you listened for it. Last week I took it out for a quick blast and I could barely notice it!
Just as a experiment, I added a 4 mm shim, I tried it and the vibration was back big style! So I removed all the shims and now its the best it has even been.
Hope that helps.
Regards
Hi - just for reference attached is a picture. Its not the best but will explain the location and shim.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6a2q7pk2dq5k0ll/RearDiffMount-1.jpg
https://www.dropbox.com/s/6a2q7pk2dq5k0ll/RearDiffMount-1.jpg
rorf
Active Member
Very interesting thread and pleased that you eventually sorted it out. Was the car ever involved in an accident?
The other thing that one could contemplate doing is having the prop shaft balanced. Just weird that it improved previously when the weather was colder
, which would suggest rubber components hardening up. Did you also check the rear diff rubber mounts?
The other thing that one could contemplate doing is having the prop shaft balanced. Just weird that it improved previously when the weather was colder
, which would suggest rubber components hardening up. Did you also check the rear diff rubber mounts?Hi rorf
No the car has never been in an accident to my knowledge. MB dealer checked the car thoroughly (LOL) and reported nothing untoward.
Things only improved once the car warmed up. Does suggest some rubber component. I will look into getting the rear diff mounts changed, but they seem in very good order, that's about the only item that's not been changed.
No the car has never been in an accident to my knowledge. MB dealer checked the car thoroughly (LOL) and reported nothing untoward.
Things only improved once the car warmed up. Does suggest some rubber component. I will look into getting the rear diff mounts changed, but they seem in very good order, that's about the only item that's not been changed.
MBFanUSA
New Member
janjuhab -
Thanks for the tip about the shim. Since my issue was getting worse now that summer heat is setting in, I really wanted to start trying to get to the root of my car's issue.
I removed the shim, and it has made a big difference. Nice and smooth on acceleration at all speeds, and (though I need to do a better check on a smoother road) it seems the issue on deceleration around 45MPH has gone away as well.
So... the real questions are: what is the root cause, and has this change merely put things in greater tension by raising the diff a few mm thus only temporarily changing the dynamics, or are things at the diff now better aligned? And what is the cause of this issue and its worsening progression? Aging springs on the rear?
I'm happy for the time being, but would appreciate any insight into root cause so that in another 80K miles I can avoid this.
Thanks!
Thanks for the tip about the shim. Since my issue was getting worse now that summer heat is setting in, I really wanted to start trying to get to the root of my car's issue.
I removed the shim, and it has made a big difference. Nice and smooth on acceleration at all speeds, and (though I need to do a better check on a smoother road) it seems the issue on deceleration around 45MPH has gone away as well.
So... the real questions are: what is the root cause, and has this change merely put things in greater tension by raising the diff a few mm thus only temporarily changing the dynamics, or are things at the diff now better aligned? And what is the cause of this issue and its worsening progression? Aging springs on the rear?
I'm happy for the time being, but would appreciate any insight into root cause so that in another 80K miles I can avoid this.
Thanks!
Hi - I am not sure about what causes this, but MB have put out a document:
AR41.10-P-0085-04A
This is to calculate, correct articulation angle of the prop shaft. The document is very detailed and talks about adding shims to the transmission carrier, rear engine mount and prop shaft center bearing..
So I would suggest that you take the car to MB and get them to do the alignment in accordance to their document above.
However, I have a MB dealer in the UK who basically does not understand the concept of fault finding, but will, at your cost replace everything under the sun! I was told it was the Torque converter, but they could not be sure! This is a dealer!
Going back to the issue (rant over) when I added more shims, the issue got worse, very bad vibration. I my eyes - mine is cured no rumblings etc, anything that is not rumbling or vibrating etc is a win win for me.
I am taking the car to show it off at the MB UK Owners Club this month - I will investigate this more with other members and report back.
Good luck.
AR41.10-P-0085-04A
This is to calculate, correct articulation angle of the prop shaft. The document is very detailed and talks about adding shims to the transmission carrier, rear engine mount and prop shaft center bearing..
So I would suggest that you take the car to MB and get them to do the alignment in accordance to their document above.
However, I have a MB dealer in the UK who basically does not understand the concept of fault finding, but will, at your cost replace everything under the sun! I was told it was the Torque converter, but they could not be sure! This is a dealer!
Going back to the issue (rant over) when I added more shims, the issue got worse, very bad vibration. I my eyes - mine is cured no rumblings etc, anything that is not rumbling or vibrating etc is a win win for me.
I am taking the car to show it off at the MB UK Owners Club this month - I will investigate this more with other members and report back.
Good luck.
Last edited:
SoDiezl350
New Member
- Joined
- Jun 11, 2014
- Messages
- 1
- Car
- W210 E55
Janjuhab,
:bannana::bannana::bannana:
I want to thank you for posting this information. Moments ago I just returned from a drive after having removed the differential mount shim, and all of my vibration is gone! I'm still in disbelief as I have been chasing this issue ever since I bought the car 18 months ago. Word needs to be spread about this!
I still consider myself lucky as I, unlike many people who also have this issue, had only replaced a handful of parts before stumbling on your thread.
It now makes even more sense why after having replaced the motor mounts and the tranny mount, the vibration got worse.
My one concern though is, if the differential was positioned too low relative to the tranmission, then this would suggest the subframe is sagging due to worn subframe bushings. I certainly prefer the labor involved in removing this spacer as opposed to overhauling all the subframe bushings. I do wonder however whether replacing the subframe bushings and re-shimming the diff would be the preferable solution.
As for now, I'm going to go out and enjoy my E55 for the first time without vibration! Thanks again,
:bannana::bannana::bannana:I want to thank you for posting this information. Moments ago I just returned from a drive after having removed the differential mount shim, and all of my vibration is gone! I'm still in disbelief as I have been chasing this issue ever since I bought the car 18 months ago. Word needs to be spread about this!
I still consider myself lucky as I, unlike many people who also have this issue, had only replaced a handful of parts before stumbling on your thread.
It now makes even more sense why after having replaced the motor mounts and the tranny mount, the vibration got worse.
My one concern though is, if the differential was positioned too low relative to the tranmission, then this would suggest the subframe is sagging due to worn subframe bushings. I certainly prefer the labor involved in removing this spacer as opposed to overhauling all the subframe bushings. I do wonder however whether replacing the subframe bushings and re-shimming the diff would be the preferable solution.
As for now, I'm going to go out and enjoy my E55 for the first time without vibration! Thanks again,
