fyi, after replacing my steering damper my vibration problem was cured. I got the part for under $30 on line. a 17mm wrench and a 17mm socket and a ratchet is all you need. wow! what a difference.

 

Brookings, your comment on the steering damper is great, I had a similar problem and results. However, I had an additional suspension vibration only this was from the rear end. I had the rear wheels balanced twice but problem remained. The tire shop suggested I replace the rear shocks as in an older car [mine a 91, 300sl] the gas pressure in the shocks can become low. The shocks still seem to work untill at a highway speeds the natural small irregularities in the road are not absorbed due to the lower gas pressure in the shock.
I was desperate so replaced the rear shocks....problem gone!

 

I had the exact problem on my old 2000 SLK230 - mine occurred after the damper was replaced and the shop had failed to tighten the bolts.

 

tightening the bolts sure can help

 

Here is one more reason tires vibrate after balancing... the newer low profile 245/45/17R and similar sizes tend to separate after a number of years, whether or not they seem worn out. I just replaced two Michelins yesterday because of this problem. They appear brand new, but checking serial numbers, were years old, and separated. I could not see it, but the front end man could.

 

Would this also apply to a 1995 E300D?

 

According to the search results at autohausaz.com, your car has one of these. FYI...

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...SteeringDamper

 

the new damper did MASK the problem well. it was greatly improved, not cured. on some types of pavement I would still get a slight vibration at speeds around 65 to 75 mph. as it turns out, the tire dealer had an outdated balancer. their new balancer finally solved the problem completely.

 

I agree with brookings that any number of variables can cause vibrations and having the tires properly balanced is by far the the most important thing to get right.

All Mercedes dealers and progressive independent tire shops have moved to the Hunter 9700 (Road Force Balance) System. Because the balancer emulates speed and weight 'on the road', it is the most accurate balancer available.

If you want to learn more about this system or locate a dealer that has one near you, this link will get you to their website.

http://www.gsp9700.com/

Bob