I recently acquired a 2004 SL500 and noticed that the car seems to "wobble" under normal driving conditions at most speeds. This is on roads that I normally drive with my other cars and never noticed. The previous owner had a B Service performed and the tech noted cracked spring link (control arm) bushings. I replaced those but still notice the "wobble". By chance, I came across a Service Bulletin that describes a problem of "inharmonic body movements" due to faulty vertical position sensors (part no. A0045423518). I've ordered three to replace the ones on the car and will follow up. But if anyone has experienced this, here are links to the TSBs: TSB #2008080004 and Order No. P-B-32.50/51.
BTW, I found the sensors on eBay for ~$40 each and not the $100-$140 from most parts places. There has been an updated part number (A0009056502), but you can get new old part numbers for much less. A0045423518 is actually a replacement number for what's on my car.
If vibration is motion related: Check your wheels for bent rims, also check drive shaft, drive shaft center bearing, as well as drive axles.
If vibration is RPM related: check your engine harmonic balancer for delamination.
Suspension bushing will not cause a constant vibration. The vibration you describe is caused by components that rotate around itself, not joints with pivoting point, such as links and springs.
The TB you're reading talks about erratic movement after hitting a bump, or random twitching movement in the body, when the sensors are sending wrong information to the controller, causing it to adjust hight unnecessarily, and a twitch is felt in the body.
This is not about a wobbling car rolling down the road, in fact, "inharmonic" is the opposite of "wobble". Furthermore, these only need replacement after confirming fault by scanning the car.
I recommend saving the time and effort and return these sensors, and not order them until you have inspected all of the components above.
There's no vibration of any type. The engine purrs and the drive train is smooth. The movement is more like slightly loose wheel lugs where bumps in the road are accentuated. As you say, twitchy, the term I was looking for.
While I know the TSB does not specifically identify my vehicle, the description is the closest match I have found. For the relatively inexpensive cost (BTW, the eBay parts were new and original MB parts), for me it is worth a try.
Thanks for your input. I will report back at to my success or failure.
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