wheatswake

2013 E550 v8 bi-turbo coupe here. Has anyone else experienced cold start ticking on the bi-turbo? It last for a few seconds and then goes away, but does not sound great. Thinking it might be the turbos but really don't know.

Dueclaws

I believe it's the fuel injectors; our E550 coupe made the sound, but now we don't hear it.

NCBob

Most likely hydraulic valve lifters. Noisy until oil pressure builds up.

PaulE550

I agree. OP should check to see if their oil is a bit low.

E550V8BITURB0

Hey,
I just bought a 2012 E550 Cabriolet and at cold start i have the same problem.
MB warranty is up in 2 months , im wondering what will they say if i make them hear the sound.
Did you get anything fixed ?
Thanks

PaulE550

Check your oil level. It's probably a bit low.

E550V8BITURB0

Thanks for the advice, oil is fresh !

PaulE550

OK. So you actually checked the oil level yourself and it was where it's supposed to be?

What you're describing is the sound the hydraulic valve lifters typically make when oil pressure is a bit low. The sound goes away after a short time, because the oil pressure builds up enough to provide more lubrication to the lifters. Turbos don't make a ticking sound that goes away after a few seconds. If the bearings go bad, the noise is usually pretty much constant.

NCBob

The oil pressure is not a bit low. At startup, oil pressure is generally higher because oil viscosity is thicker and thins out once oil is up to operating temp. Noisy lifters happen when oil inside the hydraulic lifters bleeds down overnight and causes partial collapse creating larger gaps. At startup, it takes a few seconds to charge up the lifters with oil. Just remember not to race the engine at startup. Wait until all components are well lubricated.

Germancar1

This is the normal sound that direct injection engines make. There is no problem here. This has been endlessly posted here for years. It is normal if it goes away after the engine warms up, it is not a problem.

M

E550V8BITURB0

Thanks for the reply, it is my first direct injection car and yes it goes away after a few seconds. We are all worried about futur expensive repairs as u must know.
This car is a true beauty and what a missile !!
I should post some pictures if anybody wants too see it

Nealgobert

I could be mistaken, but didn't some M278 engines have an issue with the timing chain tensioners that created the same symptoms you describe? I could be wrong...then again, maybe it's something to look into it the noise is severe enough? Either way hope you get it sorted.

E550V8BITURB0

Kind of severe for a few seconds yes... I received at my dealership a 2013 E550 same exact car and the startup was much quieter... I will have to go fight with those lazy service managers at Mercedes dealership to look into the issue... I hope they find something abnormal.
I will post what happens when i bring it to Mercedes for all of us who seemed to search for the right answer to this question...
All the best
Michael Rouimy

E550V8BITURB0

hcetzneb

There is a service bulletin on this issue has to do with the tensioners, oil bleeds off after sits for a while. Fix is to install check valves behind the tensioners.. Its a older bulletin
dealer should of know about.. If you want I can get the bulletin number for you if they
no problem found it again.. And also just a fyi a direct inject engine doesn't make a
ticking that goes away after a couple seconds so don't let them feed you that.

E550V8BITURB0

Hey buddy, really appreciate your cooperation here, if you can get that bulletin number i would really be thankful. I should be going to the dealer begining of June.
Cheers

hcetzneb

The bulliten number is LI 5.10-p-056435. It came out last year not sure why they didn't find it.. There are vin
And motor serial number cut offs but
I have fixed motors outside the cut off range so I hope they don't give you the run around.. They will be replacing the tensioners and install the check
Valves