I have 2003 MCS with 28000 mi. I think it has excessive play in drivetrain. with car in first gear and one wheel off ground, I can rotate/spin the wheel off the ground about one inch at the edge of the (16") wheel (not tire, wheel) I think this is a good measure for whether there may be excessive play in the trans/cv joints. It might even be motor mount.

My issue is getting on and off gas leads to somewhat of a lurch. I did not have this with my E30 M3, my 89 Mustang, my 73 2002. My daughters' 1994 Honda Civic and 2002 Jetta (both stick) don't have this. our automatic cars did not have this.

Is this inherent in the car? Is there some spec or tolerance to judge this by? It takes some pleasure out of the car and I am concerned that the regular shocking of the drivetrain may result in damage to, or accelerate ware of something. I'm suspecting that the dealership (crevier is either hiding from the issue or oblivious to the obvious.

What measures/specs/dimensions or issues are available to make this subjective complaint objectively determinable?