Live Oak

With the climate control fan at a low speed, intermittently I hear a quiet "ringing" rattle, suspiciously like a ventilation fan bearing going out. It gets started by a bump or slight turn to the left (gyro effect?). If I turn climate control to "Off" the noise stops.

So, I'm certain the fan is crapping out. I sure hope they won't have to tear out the whole dash to replace it --- great way to get rattles.

The question is: Is this a common problem with 2011 E550, et al?

alanme123

I get this too and mines a Jan 2012 model..

ImInPA

Check all of your registers that they are all open. Every time I experienced noises like that, someone had partially closed a register somewhere in the car.

pdjv

2011 E550 (02/11 build) - haven't heard a rattle yet, but I feel a vibration when it's running at some speeds - especially noticeable when the car is sitting still.

T100T

This is an easy part to get at, you drop the panel above where the passenger's feet go. You then disconnect some cables, a couple of plastic pieces and then twist the complete fan to remove. This is where the cabin filter goes so you can search for those instructions to help you, the only problem is that you have to get your head in the passenger foot well and facing up to see what you're doing.

Mine would make a chirping noise when on low speed and especially when cornering. Took it out and lubricated what I could, no problems since then.

Peter

Live Oak

Thanks Peter!

Phil Midland

I know this is an old post, but the fan issue is one I'm experiencing now. I noticed this a month ago on my 2014 E350 with 25k miles. Here's what I found. It is coming from a fan on the passenger side. I access it under the hood by removing a plastic shroud (2 spring clips and a hinged fastener). When the fans is in one of the two lowest speeds, I can hear a chirp/rattle that does sound like a bearing or lube issue. I can see the fan spin and touching my finger to the center will stop it. I'm taking it in for service tomorrow and will update.