Hi Guys! - I'm new to the forum so be gentle with me!

I have a vibration problem thats really annoying me on my 2002 S320 CDI - 108,000 miles

I have avibration in the car that starts around 40mph and only really disappears around 85mph - i recently fitted 4 new wheels and tyres all balanced perfectly and still the vibration persists - am i looking in the wrong place? could it be suspension or transmission related?

The sterring wheel is rock steady, but what ever it is is causing the issue actually makes the whole car vibrate! - it can be felt through the seats front and back and even makes the visors vibrate!!

Any advice / help given would be gratefully received

 

Vibrations can be difficult to resolve.

Key issue is when did it start.

Wheels and tyres are first port of call BUT IF YOU ARE SURE these are OK and that the steering wheel is rock steady then most likely it is your prop shaft doughnut coupling that has gone. Access not too easy but otherwise straightforward.

If indeed your prop shaft couplings are OK then you need to go through and check the state of all suspension bushes and joints.

w220 is not overly prone to vibration issues so that's a good start. Some cars are super sensitive.

Although you assume that your (new) tyres are perfect this may not be the case. Something called RFV Radial Force Variation can make a "round" looking tyre behave in anything but a symmetrical "round" manner when loaded (vehicle weight). I've posted about this previously. search RFV.

Key issue is when / how did the problem start. New WHEELS and tyres? If so you know the answer. If new wheels are new sure that these have the correct spigot diameter?

Stuart

 

Thanks for the prompt response

The car has always had the vibration to some extent during my ownership (12 months) - i had previously tried balancing the old wheels and tyres to eliminate the vibration but had never really succeeded hence the new wheels and tyres

I will check the donuts out and let you know what i fiind!

Thanks again

 

If you get more vibration when accelerating then I have just been through this - believe it or not you need your gear box poil changing - yep! I didn't believe it either - but sorted mine out. Still have other issues but the vibration has gone

 

Hi, I just bought a S320 Cdi 2003 with exactly the same thing, intermittent vibration same speed range and sounds like you are driving over corrugation
I will try the gearbox thing and let you know
Thanks

 

Hi all,
It worked i had the ATF changed and the vibration is gone! Local specialist £190
it wasn't too bad.

Thanks for the advice, much appreciated