280Sl Scuttle or Shudder - left side shudder

[Dave Hannon]

I have a very noticeable shudder on the left side of my 1984 280SL 107.  It only happens on rough roads and seems to start on the left front side and travels through to the passenger door.  I have had it inspected a number of times and it always comes up clean.  ie: Shocks, steering, dampers, bushes etc.  It has new alloys and tyres which I had put on and also I have been assured that it has never been weakened in an accident.  Some have said that it is standard scuttleshake on a soft top and it is much less severe when either the hard top is on or if there is a passenger in the left seat, but I am convinced that it is more than this as it would not have been tolerated in a new car.

 

[altreed]

280Sl Scuttle or Shudder

We have been advised to fit a strut brace on the front of our Z3 to prevent scuttle.  We have acted on this fault and do not (nor have we ever) experience scuttle.

That may be the way forward.  How many miles has your 107 done?

Regards

 

[csilk]

280Sl Scuttle or Shudder

You shouldn't be getting scuttle shake on a 107 - the body sh*ll
is significantly more rigid than most convertibles (inc BMW's 3 and Z3).

If they are the original wheel rims try swapping front to back. If they are not originals try borrowing a set of front wheels of a friendly 107 (or 126) owner to at least eliminate this.

Get a knowledgeable bloke to check the sill on this side. Often when rust damage is repaired body shops opt to fit thin metal ones rather than the heavy duty MB originals.  At £ 50 compared to £ 130 you can see why.  The proper sills actually fit under and behind the wing to provide full strength - but they don't need to take the wing off to fit the cheap ones- hence less hassle for the fitter- but a weaker, rattling car too.  

 

[jmcbuilder]

280Sl Scuttle or Shudder

Hi   i get a little scuttle shake on my car.  But mine is a bit longer car.  Try checking all the door shuts.  See if they all line up.  If it is only on rough roads i would not
worry but thats me.

Jamie