Told I have to replace engine and transmission mounts

ROBERT ESPOSITO RESTORATIONS

MEMBER
2003 MERCEDES BENZ E320
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

Hi, a few weeks ago I got a check engine light warning. Mercedes took the car and replaced the EGR valve. The car suddenly began to vibrate and be rough. Anyway the car came back doing exactly the same thing. I also noticed that the car runs smooth when in reverse or in neutral. Only when in drive do the vibrations start. Now the dealership is telling me I have to have the engine and transmission mounts replaced and it was just a coincidence. Sorry, but I do not believe it. So I am contacting someone else that might be able to advise me. Thanks very much.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The idea that you feel a vibration in drive only could be a bad motor mount. However, since you do not feel it in neutral or reverse indicates they are not all bad.

When you put the engine in drive, the engine will torque to one side. When you put it in reverse, it will torque to the opposite side. With that in mind, I feel there may be one mount that is bad.

Take a look through these links.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-motor-mount-works

Look about half way through this link:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/vibration-noise

Here is a link that shows how one is replaced in general:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-motor-mounts

With that in mind, replacing all of them is a way to eliminate the chance of missing the bad one. However, I do not feel they all need replaced.

Let me know if you have other questions. I hope this helps.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 1:05 PM

ROBERT ESPOSITO RESTORATIONS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks Joe, I appreciate the advise. Would it make any sense to have both engine mounts replaced but not the transmission mount? Or should I just have it all done while the engine is out anyway? An engine mount(s) was replace probably eight years ago.

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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 1:20 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Welcome back:

That is a good question. I would have them inspected and if wear is seen, then replace. However, I was taught a long time ago if it is not broken, do not fix it. LOL However, if the price for replacing all does not add too much to labor and you can afford it, it may be a good idea.

By the way, the engine does not need removed. It will need supported, but not removed.

I attached all the labor hours required for the job based on if you replace one, both. Figured you could confirm they are not over charging you on labor. Also, if you want the cost for original equipment parts, let me know. Also, if it is all wheel drive, I will need to know that, too.

Take care,
Joe

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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 2:39 PM

ROBERT ESPOSITO RESTORATIONS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Thanks again Joe. The car is rear wheel drive. It was my father's and I probably should let it go but I guess I was not ready. Anyway I appreciate the information. I will know more when the service rep talks to me tomorrow morning about it. If it is only another hour then no big deal but I was quoted $931.00 to replace the engine and transmission mounts. That was after $1,000.00 last week to do the valve. They want me to buy another car. If I could afford the car I would not be so worried about the service! LOL Best, Rob

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Monday, November 26th, 2018 AT 5:45 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

No problem. I am happy to help. I totally understand why you want to keep it. I own an A8 and love it until something breaks. If I had to pay for labor, I could not afford it. My favorite repair was a three inch long plastic coolant tube that fit between the engine block and engine oil cooler. The part was fifteen bucks. Step one in the manual: Remove engine. LOL Plus, it called for twenty four hours labor. Ugh.

I did it in ten without pulling the engine.

German cars are excellent in many ways, as long as they do not break.

Take care and let me know if you need anything.

Joe