My car is a 1987 five-speed 240. When I start out in first gear, the car sometimes "studders". To prevent this I must release it slowly while starting out. Does anyone have any idea what this might be? Clutch cable?

one other thing to consider is a u-joint beginning to go bad. any vibrations at any other time?
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Davo

Could be the carrier bearing as suggested, but that would give other symptoms as well.

Most likely it is lower control arm bushings if they have never been replaced. Worn bushings allow the rear axle to twist on takeoff, which allows the drive shaft to jump up and down and can set up a repeating bounce or 'stutter' as you take off. You can usually feel the shifter 'jump' under your hand if the drive shaft is jumping up and down.

Your rear bushings are overdue if they are originals, and if they have been replaced once, may be due for a second replacement by now. Do the torqe rod bushings at the same time and save yourself the trouble of getting under there twice. This job costs more in time and skinned knuckles than in parts if you do it yourself. See many posts on the subject.

Also check your transmission mounts and engine mounts. They are due for a first (and possibly even a second) replacment by now. Transmission mount is easy. Engine mounts are supposed to be easy but they were a PITA for me both sets that I installed. Be CAREFUL about how you support your engine while replacing engine mounts. 240s are not as hazardous in that area as some other cars, but I'd hate to see you loose a finger.

Sorry, but I disagree with everything you said. Bad bushings and even bad engine mounts give different symptoms than what he is describing.

A shudder starting out from first gear is a classic clutch symptom. Hopefully it's something simple like the clutch cable out of adjustment. If the clutch is the original clutch, on a 1987 (assuming typical miles) you're really at the end of the rope as far as how long a clutch can be expected to last. So if the cable freeplay adjustment checks out, it's probably time to start scouting out prices on a new clutch (change the pilot bearing and engine rear main seal while you're at it).

sounds to me like the throwout bearing but if it is it's nearly as much as just replacing the clutch but i would still try to adjust the cable first

1987 244dl 190k and counting $100 car with no rust and i live in massachusetts!

The shudder may be coming from the rubber center bearing support bushing on the driveshaft. This happened on my car a few months ago. Good luck Dan
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85 245 M46 192K, 92 245 A70 119K

find the steepest hill, put it in 4th and floor it. if the rpms go faster than the speed, you need a clutch. the cable might be stretched, but, unless it's got just 100k, i'd replace the cable when i get the clutch. cheap insurance. good luck, chuck.

be more specific on your mileage...

could be you need a clutch. I would try getting the cable adjusted correctly first and see if that helps.

chuck
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'88 244 174K, '87 BMW 325e 177K (used to feed a '84 245, '84 244, '85 744)

Two mechanics test drove the car and said that it was the motor mounts and transmission mount. The clutch does not slip. The car has about 160K.
Thanks.