vibrations on steering wheel to brake pedal to shift knob

[humblepie]

I have a 2008 M35 base that I bought with 11k miles on it and now I've brought it up to 13.5k miles. I took the car to the dealer and test drove it w/ the tech, but he said it was normal for the M35 to have vibration.

The vibrations range from subtle at times to mildly aggressive. I can feel it from the steering wheel, to the pedals, to the shift knob. It doesn't matter whether I'm at idle or in motion - I can still feel the vibrations.

I was wondering if you guys experienced such a problem with your M's.

Thanks.

[palincal]

I feel the vibrations when the engine is still cold. After some time the vibrations go away completely. Sometimes I cannot tell if the engine is running.

You can get your engine mounts checked.

[NightWatch]

I have a 2008 M35 Sport that I purchased with 5 miles on it and when its cold I get a faint vibration through the wheel and shift lever as well... I think its normal and goes away when the car is warm.

[M4T5]

Tell the dealer you heard of a TSB repair for this problem. It is called swapping the 3.5L engine out for the 4.5L! I promise all of your vibrations will disappear :-}

J

[NightWatch]

When I bought my car there was also an identically equipped 2008 M45 sport there as well. My cost for that car (minus the gas guzzler tax) would have only been $1400 more. I test drove both cars and yes the M45 had more power but I chose the M35 because the VQ35HR engine has a better record than the VH45DE engine, the M35 seem smoother and the M35 has all the power I'll ever need.

Yes I know I'm going to get slammed by all the M45 owners for say that

[M4T5]

When I bought my car there was also an identically equipped 2008 M45 sport there as well. My cost for that car (minus the gas guzzler tax) would have only been $1400 more. I test drove both cars and yes the M45 had more power but I chose the M35 because the VQ35HR engine has a better record than the VH45DE engine, the M35 seem smoother and the M35 has all the power I'll ever need.

Yes I know I'm going to get slammed by all the M45 owners for say that

------>

J

[M4T5]

My cost for that car (minus the gas guzzler tax) would have only been $1400 more.

Gas guzzler tax??? The car is rated under 400hp?? The gas guzzler tax applies to cars over 400hp..... at least that's what I have learned about it.

J

[NightWatch]

Apparently it is based on minimum mpg ratings. It was $1300.

[M4T5]

Apparently it is based on minimum mpg ratings. It was $1300.

I haven't seen this in Texas as of yet. I didn't think the minimum mpg rating was low enough to place it in the rating.

J

[NightWatch]

I just looked it up on the EPA website. Here is the link, it however only applies to the M45x

http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy...8.pdf

[M4T5]

Good info! Wow, Mercedes really takes up the pages there! You have to give GM props for being able to eliminate the Vette from being posted in there. It's really amazing at the MPG the Vette can achieve!

J

[NightWatch]

You notice something conveniently left off the list? SUV's!!! Light trucks are "expempt" from the gas tax and since SUV's are classified as "light trucks" the gas guzzler tax does not apply to them. So all those people driving around in those Ford Expeditions, H2's, Chev Suburbans, etc that get an average of about 8 MPG don't pay any gas guzzler tax yet if you buy a 2008 M45x you have to pay an additional $1300. Not fair. The tax should apply to all vehicles sold and if you truely need the vehicle for a business or a farm, you get the tax back when you file your 1040. IMO.... (getting off his soap box)

[humblepie]

thanks for the feedback.

For me the vibrations exists regardless of engine temp. I asked the service rep to have the technician who worked on my car to call me back on what exactly he checked. I'll post my findings.

Thanks.

[striz923]

You notice something conveniently left off the list? SUV's!!! Light trucks are "expempt" from the gas tax and since SUV's are classified as "light trucks" the gas guzzler tax does not apply to them. So all those people driving around in those Ford Expeditions, H2's, Chev Suburbans, etc that get an average of about 8 MPG don't pay any gas guzzler tax yet if you buy a 2008 M45x you have to pay an additional $1300. Not fair. The tax should apply to all vehicles sold and if you truely need the vehicle for a business or a farm, you get the tax back when you file your 1040. IMO.... (getting off his soap box)

The double standard is there to keep American workers in their jobs. Since we are the primary makers of SUV's (at least used to be) a gas guzzler tax on them would kill the market even more = more jobless. That is my guess at least.(as a side note I think the gas-guzzler tax is smoke and mirrors anyways considering global warming is a joke... IMO. Although on the other hand it SHOULD help us slow our dependence on foreign oil...)

[M4T5]

Global warming is no joke. It has already shown its effects.... we won't get into that...I have to disagree about the SUV's getting anywhere close to 8 or even 15mpg...average.... yes I said average.The new Ford Expeditions and the GM Suvs (Tahoes, Suburbans, Yukons, and Denalis) all can achieve real world averages of 15-18+ MPG! Yeah, I said it. A lot of the V8 1/2 ton trucks can do it too. Why do I say this? I've owned both Ford & GM Suv's and trucks. All 2000 models and up. The GM vehicles tend to get a little better fuel economy than the Fords do. At least up until 2008 that is. I've seen that a lot of full size truck & SUV makers have increased power and their fuel economy on their vehicles for the 2009/ 2010 models. Not sure how they accomplished that. The ones that complain of SUV's and trucks are mostly the rice burner owners who achieve 30+ mpg. Start dismantling the engineering and look at the weight to power to mpg ratios. I can tell you one thing, that Smart for Two car.... is not any engineering break through by any means! I think it is a pointless car that is not anywhere near as fuel efficient as it should be! Plus it is one of the ugliest cars on the road. Just to think Mercedes makes this car............

J

[humblepie]

I finally got a hold of the technician who looked at my car and he said that the engine mounts were fine. I guess it's just how the car was built and just how the chassis is prone to sending vibrations to the steering wheel, gas/brake pedals and the shift knob.

He did mention I do need a wheel alignment so that could explain some of the vibrations while in motion.

I'm thinking if I switch out my stock Goodyear RSAs for a smoother ride tires then in motion vibrations will be minimized as well.

That's my update.