Strange problem, yesterday I was ready to park and go into idle when the engine started shaking violently - so much so that the entire car was shaking. I opened the hood to take a look and it looked as if the engine was trying to rock itself right out of the car. After I parked and went to dinner - came back and the problem was non existent - any ideas?

Also - The ABS/ESP light come son from time to time and when it does, I can't use the cruise control. Is this a sensor I can replace?

 

it happens to the engine whenever there was a misfire. the control unit will shut-off the misfiring cylinder to prevent flooding of the cylinder and won't be re-activated until you re-start the car. in your case, it shuts-off at least 2 cylinders which cause the shake.
engine will be fine after restart.
do maintenance...fuel filter, sparkplugs, etc.

check your brake light switch.

it's not sensor because it is intermittent.

 

You were right. I found instructions on how to replace the brake light switch. It took me all of 20 minutes and a screwdriver and I was able to replace it. The BAS/ESP light and the ABS lights are gone.

Thanks for your help

 

you're welcome.

that seems half a year ago