Why does the Mercedes-Benz E-Class jerk when shifting into reverse gear?

[JuliaMarie]

Mercedes-Benz E-Class jerks when shifting into reverse gear due to the following reasons: Excessive carbon deposits: Severe carbon buildup in the engine cylinders can lead to clogged spark plugs and valves, directly causing the car to jerk at idle. If the vehicle's acceleration performance has significantly declined and the jerking persists, consider an engine cylinder cleaning. Fuel supply system malfunction: Unstable fuel pressure can easily cause fluctuations in the mixture concentration, resulting not only in jerking but also unstable idling. First, consider replacing the fuel filter, as prolonged use may cause the filter element to clog. Then, check the fuel pressure bypassing the fuel filter. If abnormal, it may indicate a fuel pump issue.

[VonLyla]

I've been repairing cars for over 20 years and have seen numerous cases of Mercedes-Benz E-Class experiencing reverse gear shudder. The most common culprit is aged engine mounts - those rubber components wear out just like worn shoe soles, transmitting all the reverse gear engagement shocks into the cabin when their damping effect deteriorates. Transmission issues shouldn't be overlooked either, especially valve body sticking caused by unstable oil pressure during cold starts, which makes reverse gear engagement feel like getting kicked. Don't just inspect surface-level problems - I recommend checking the driveshaft support bearing rubber mounts too. Last week I fixed a car with identical symptoms - replacing all three engine mounts and updating the transmission software made a significant difference. Try to avoid turning the steering wheel while stationary in daily driving - it really helps reduce stress on those engine mounts.

[StRichard]

Last year, my Mercedes-Benz E200 also experienced severe shaking when reversing. The 4S dealership said the right front engine mount was broken, and replacing it with genuine parts cost over 5,000 RMB, but it indeed fixed the problem completely. The mechanic mentioned that such failures often occur in older vehicles after 60,000 kilometers, especially those frequently used for short trips, as constant engine start-stop cycles accelerate the deterioration of the engine mount rubber. Interestingly, once when I forgot to turn off the auto start-stop feature, the vibration during engine restart while shifting into reverse felt strikingly similar to the faulty symptoms. It's recommended to regularly check the transmission fluid level and color, and replace it as soon as it appears cloudy.

[EzraMarie]

As a modification enthusiast, I don't think reverse gear shaking is always a fault. A fellow car enthusiast experienced similar issues after ECU tuning, and inspection revealed it was drivetrain resonance caused by increased torque. I suggest first recalling whether non-OEM parts were installed or power upgrades were performed, while also checking tire wear. A tread depth difference exceeding 3mm between front and rear tires may cause abnormal vibrations. Additionally, Mercedes-Benz's longitudinal engine layout makes it prone to vibrations when there are significant changes in driveshaft angles.