I have noticed that the engine on my 1988 300E with 85,000 miles has been shaking when idling. The engine itself is running fine. Is this a result of engine mounts that need to be replaced. Is there a definitive way to tell if this is the problem without disassembly. If so, should I replace both? What is the best way to get at the mount on the left side?

 

usually you have to raise the engine a bit after taking out the bottom screws on the motor mounts. the best way to check them is to obviously look at the tops of them if you can see them and look for cracks. or power brake the engine in drive and reverse. car running put in gear with foot on the brake and rev the engine some, press and release..press and release..to see the engine movement.the one side of the engine will come up for drive and the other will come up for reverse. so the engine shouldnt move awhole lot when doing this. but compare drive to reverse and see if there is much differnce in how much the engine raises up on either side.