I was discussing a vibration issue with some of you guys. Have new tires, balanced, new rotors and brakes. So, took it to the dealer, and after 4 hours and 3 cups of coffee he came out and said it was hard to find anything. No wheels are bent, He said the rear transmission mount needs replacement (didn't say it was damaged but needs replacement), that this will make the engine sits higher or lower and that's what's causing the vibration. I told him I will come on Monday to do it. I always have this skeptical issue with MB or any dealer, how do I know it is true and that it will solve the problem. He wants to charge me $240 including the diagnoses which he charged me today, $50. So another $190 some. Any ideas?

 

usually if the trans mount is bad you will feel the engine vibration in the driver seat/floor when accelerating and deceling. usually charge a half hour or an hour to replace the mount

 

transmission mounts are easy to so. One of the easier standard jobs. $50 just to tell you it's the mounts? bah I'm not even going to bother on my opinion about the dealerships.

$190 aint half bad though IF the parts are included in that price. It's only a half hour job or an hour if they go slow with it.

Did the dealer person bother to explain how the mounts was bad since they wasnt damaged or he/she just going by the fact they havent been changed in a while so that must be the problem? Are they disintegrating? are they loose? Are they mushy? Just kind of curious or I always get curious when someone just say "Oh that needs to be replaced." My first question is why. But that's just me.
and the symptoms are exactly what chassis221 said because the main point of the mount is to hold the tranny steady and dampen the vibrations while at the same time helping the driveline stay aligned.

 

You need to find a good local independent Mercedes tech.

 

WOW! Went to the dealer, first of all it ended up being $170 plus the $55 diagnoses, so it isn't as bad as I thought it would be.
Plus, after the transmission mount was replaced, BIG difference. I can't believe I didn't change it 3 months ago, when I started to feel it. Now it is smooth as heck, especially when I kick down.

Question: Plugs: 16 of them right? Does the dealer offer different types? If so, any particular type?
Changing the plugs: big deal? Not a big deal?

 

Dealers typically only offer MB plugs (but these plugs are made by Bosch or NGK). They are only a big deal once one or a few go bad. Replacing them early saves the potential cost of having a check engine light or vibration diagnosed. They will be pricey though.

 

I heard that before, especially that there are 16 of them. But is it a tedious tricky job? I mentioned before that my brother can do mostly everything when it comes to replacing parts. Also, since the transmission doesn't have a dip stick, how can the fluid be changed? And roughly what price do I expect for changing the trans fluid and gasket and filter?