Would this happen with one as late as May 03?

 

could happen yes. the bulletin is for cars produced before 9/2003

 

How do I check my transmission fluid and how do I change it? 2003 E500

 

Hi, try getting your mechanic to turn the torque converter off... Drive & see what its like....( drive a few miles).. Then switch the engine off for 5 seconds & the torque converter will reset to normal.... Drive it & see if the problem comes back... If so... A new torque converter is required.. Also they can service the gear box whilst replacing it... Happy motoring..

 

This is strange..I've been trying to solve the same issue. I'm assuming this could occur in a 2004 model.

In my case, I have a shudder, pulse, vibration that I feel primarily in the gas pedal and steering wheel but you can feel it in the whole car. This condition shows up at various speeds...but it seems farily common between 35-50 mph. If I step on the gas when the vibration shows up, it goes away. If I dont accelerate, then the vibration will continue.

 

yes my mer4cedes is an e270 cd1..saloon... drives like a new car... hope this helps everyone

 

you may have a blocked cat.... if the problem gets worse as the car gets hot thats what it is... disconnect the exhaust at the manifold if the idle gets better check each pipe. signs of a blocked cat also include vibrations getting worse when the engine experiences load (aka acceleration in drive)

 

My guess would also be the torque converter. Good luck solving the problem.

 

If it is the converter...any ballpark on what costs to expect?

 

after a long diagnosis and some money wasted....the solution to the problem ended up being bad transmission fluid. After a complete flush....immediate fix. Even though Benz says it does not need to be changed...it does. The old stuff came out black!