When I would drive my 02 E430 4Matic over bumps I would notice a pronounced 'wobble' from the right front end. It's a strange sensation, almost like it's bouncing over bumps and it made the car feel a little out of control, especially if I was turning on rough road. I had both my indies look at it and they diagnosed right outer tie rod end, lower ball joints (both), and sway bar end bushings. I had the work done, alignment by dealer and I had the tires rotated and balanced just over a month ago. While the work done has made a marked improvement I'm still noticing the wobbley, bouncy feeling from the right front end. Is this common in the 4Matic or should I be looking at something else?
Having had mine only a few days, I have driven over several speed bumps and have not noticed that sort of sensation. I will pay closer attention next time and post back if I do notice something.
honestly, yes I've noticed this too. For me, it occurs when the road has several undulations in a few feet. Feels a bit like the suspension lacks appropriate rebound. Two indies have checked mine out and say the suspension is "tight" and "looks brand new". It bothers me, and I've always thought the car rode a bit rough, but both shops told me that they would love to take my money, but they wouldn't feel right doing so because the suspension was perfectly fine.
shocks me that MB would let this happen, but who knows.
I have a 2000 E430 4Matic with 90,000 kms (55,000 miles) on it. Where I live the pavement is in terrible condition; lots of potholes and broken asphalt. I tend to take corners quite quickly. I have to say the suspension on my car is as tight as a drum. It is stable and the suspension is firm, but compliant over rough surfaces while cornering.
I don't have a diagnosis for your problem, but if I were experiencing the same problem, I would try to find another E430 4Matic in your area and try to fanagle a ride in the car to see if it does the same as yours.
I know from previous posts OliverK has voiced the same concerns with his car as you seem to be experiencing with yours. That certainly isn't my experience; it's quite befuddling, isn't it?
Wow I have pretty much the exact same issues... I got diagnosed both balljonts were loose and I had them replaced. Indy also noticed Lower Control Arm bushing was beginning to tear, and very slight play in front driver tie rod end. I only had the balljoints replaced so far but there's still a wobble noise, though it doesnt give me an uneasy sensation like I'm losing control or anything...
Seeing so many people with the same problem now, makes me think if I get everything else done, it won't even correct the problem. What should we do? Just tell our shop to disassemble the entire front end and it put it all back together with new parts? This is where DIY comes in handy but I dont even have the tools or the time to do this work...
A $60k car with suspension slop noises of a $20k car... makes me want to trade this car in on an E55 with a better suspension, or even (gasp) a 5 series... (alright I take that back) heh.
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My E430 2001 4matic with 93K doesn’t have this problem. In fact I drove over speed bumps and rough surfaces after I read this. I didn't feel any wobble or noise. I will check next time when I lift it for brake pad replacement and make sure everything is intact.
So I took it back to my indie and we took it out on I-95 and he noticed the "wobble" or shaking from the front end, but couldn't put his finger on the problem. We got back to his shop and called his buddy at the local benz dealer. As soon as we described the symptoms he IMMEDIATELY said front lower control arm bushings. (His buddy has been doing front end work and allignments for 40 years). They are hydraulic filled and while they may seem okay on a lift even with a small amount of cracking, they are done. Once the bushing cracks the hydraulic fluid will drain out producing "Violent shaking" over bumps or rough road at speed, especially in a turn. I already ordered the bushing kit from autohaus and will have my guy do the work this week and report on the results.
Be sure that he knows how these are oriented in the lower control arm. There are alignment marks on the bushings. Definitely, please let us know how it comes out.
When I would drive my 02 E430 4Matic over bumps I would notice a pronounced 'wobble' from the right front end. It's a strange sensation, almost like it's bouncing over bumps and it made the car feel a little out of control, especially if I was turning on rough road. I had both my indies look at it and they diagnosed right outer tie rod end, lower ball joints (both), and sway bar end bushings. I had the work done, alignment by dealer and I had the tires rotated and balanced just over a month ago. While the work done has made a marked improvement I'm still noticing the wobbley, bouncy feeling from the right front end. Is this common in the 4Matic or should I be looking at something else?
What size and psi on tires ? Might be too low or too high. Wheels original or after market ?
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When I would drive my 02 E430 4Matic over bumps I would notice a pronounced 'wobble' from the right front end. It's a strange sensation, almost like it's bouncing over bumps and it made the car feel a little out of control, especially if I was turning on rough road. I had both my indies look at it and they diagnosed right outer tie rod end, lower ball joints (both), and sway bar end bushings. I had the work done, alignment by dealer and I had the tires rotated and balanced just over a month ago. While the work done has made a marked improvement I'm still noticing the wobbley, bouncy feeling from the right front end. Is this common in the 4Matic or should I be looking at something else?
Do you have the before and after specs printout(s) from the alignment?
If you can provide the numbers I may be able to help.
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