2003 S500 (260,000 miles), 2015 ML350 4matic (81,000), 2009 S550 4matic (128,000), 97 Porsche Boxste
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This is usually my first go to for finding similar issues with my vehicle. Thanks to all that post possible solutions. I had taken my 2009 S550 4matic in for an audio issue with my amplifier and Sirius Satellite receiver. When I picked up the vehicle, I was given the usual what we found list with a price tag of about $5,800.00 dollars. Motor mounts bad, power steering leak, bad thrust arm bushings, etc. Since I perform most of my maintenance myself, I thanked them for fixing my audio issue and took the vehicle home and started tearing the front suspension apart. I had already planned on replacing the front CV axles. While removing the thrust arms, I noticed the lower control arm on one side had a torn joint cover, so I removed both sides and ordered new ones. I searched here and on Youtube to find info for replacing the motor mounts. Mostly I found information on the non-4matic motor mounts. So if you are in need of replacing the 4matic version, here is some helpful info from my experience.
For the passenger side motor mount, the first challenge is to remove the heat shield on top of the motor mount. One bolt is easily accessible from the top as long as you don't have Popeye forearms. The second bolt is more of a pain. To see it and gain access you have to be under the vehicle with extensions and universal adapter. I taped all of the joints for my wobble extensions as well as the universal tool to have better control. It will take a little patience and plenty of light. Once you have done it, reinstall is easier just make sure to line up the hole. I used a little tape on the bolt head to keep it from falling off the torx bit socket. With the heat shield out of the way, access to all three mount bolts is made possible. I have an engine hoist from previous vehicles so I was able to lift one side at a time to remove each mount. The passenger side was removed between the exhaust manifold and engine bay wall with a little effort. I had to remove the rubber protective cover from the mount in order to reinstall.
For the driver side, I used the same procedure for removing the heat shields and mount bolts, but found that the mount came right out through the CV frame hole. There was just enough room to remove and reinstall. Of course not everyone will be replacing the CV axles. The only problem with the driver side is the intermediate shaft being in the way of removal. I had also found that the bearing for the intermediate shaft was completely worn out and missing both bearing shields and balls. This is why I try to perform most of my own work. I usually find problems that I can address before the dealer finds them.
As far as the power steering leak, it was just the reservoir seal, the usual issue with these. I went ahead and replaced the reservoir. The thrust arms were replaced with syncrodesignworks.com arms ... a little pricey, but I like to try better engineered parts when I can. Just waiting on the transmission mount from FCPEuro that should arrive tomorrow and I'll have my road sedan back in service. I really enjoy this car for road trips. Smooth ride, easy to pass, with all of the comforts of home.
For the passenger side motor mount, the first challenge is to remove the heat shield on top of the motor mount. One bolt is easily accessible from the top as long as you don't have Popeye forearms. The second bolt is more of a pain. To see it and gain access you have to be under the vehicle with extensions and universal adapter. I taped all of the joints for my wobble extensions as well as the universal tool to have better control. It will take a little patience and plenty of light. Once you have done it, reinstall is easier just make sure to line up the hole. I used a little tape on the bolt head to keep it from falling off the torx bit socket. With the heat shield out of the way, access to all three mount bolts is made possible. I have an engine hoist from previous vehicles so I was able to lift one side at a time to remove each mount. The passenger side was removed between the exhaust manifold and engine bay wall with a little effort. I had to remove the rubber protective cover from the mount in order to reinstall.
For the driver side, I used the same procedure for removing the heat shields and mount bolts, but found that the mount came right out through the CV frame hole. There was just enough room to remove and reinstall. Of course not everyone will be replacing the CV axles. The only problem with the driver side is the intermediate shaft being in the way of removal. I had also found that the bearing for the intermediate shaft was completely worn out and missing both bearing shields and balls. This is why I try to perform most of my own work. I usually find problems that I can address before the dealer finds them.
As far as the power steering leak, it was just the reservoir seal, the usual issue with these. I went ahead and replaced the reservoir. The thrust arms were replaced with syncrodesignworks.com arms ... a little pricey, but I like to try better engineered parts when I can. Just waiting on the transmission mount from FCPEuro that should arrive tomorrow and I'll have my road sedan back in service. I really enjoy this car for road trips. Smooth ride, easy to pass, with all of the comforts of home.
