W211 E320CDi vibration problem

[mr tibbs]

Hi guys. We own a 55 reg MB 211 E320 estate, which has been fabulous until the other day. My wife started the car on the drive and it started to vibrate and "grumble". The noise and vibrations are worse in Reverse, then Neutral, then Drive in that order??? It seems that in drive the vibration is less noticable but still present, and stays there at speed.
Can't think of anything obvious so wondered if any of you guys can point a finger in the right direction please?
TIA

Keith

 

[streethawk]

Hi guys. We own a 55 reg MB 211 E320 estate, which has been fabulous until the other day. My wife started the car on the drive and it started to vibrate and "grumble". The noise and vibrations are worse in Reverse, then Neutral, then Drive in that order??? It seems that in drive the vibration is less noticable but still present, and stays there at speed.
Can't think of anything obvious so wondered if any of you guys can point a finger in the right direction please?
TIA

Keith

Engine mount?

 

[mr tibbs]

I did wonder about that, or maybe a gearbox mount. Would a failed mounting cause different levels of vibration depending upon the gear selected?
TIA

Keith

 

[mr tibbs]

OK, I saw a video on youtube regarding these mountings and saw the engine moving excessively with failed mountings. I went out to the car today and had my wife rev the engine in drive and reverse, obviously with the brakes firmly applied and in drive the engine rose about 50mm on the nearside and when put into reverse the engine rose about 20mm on the offside. I am guessing that this points to the nearside mounting having failed? I look forward to your responses please. Is the replacement of a nearside engine mount a DIY job and if so is there any info on doing it please?
Many thanks
Keith

 

[AMGeed]

This video looks pretty helpful

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[mr tibbs]

Thanks AMGeed for that, it was most informative. I shall probably have a go at that once I get a new mounting.
I hope that my diagnosis is correct
Thanks again.

Keith

 

[mr tibbs]

OK chaps. I ended up taking the car to my local garage because it had snowed and I don't like the thought of crawling under the car in the cold..... Anyway, both engine mountings were bad, the nearside one was totally shot.
I wanted to thank all who had responded to my post and to let you all know the outcome.
Oh yes and the cost was £200 parts and labour, so I was pleased.
Thanks again....