whatup?

Hey,

My 1996 C220 makes a droning noise, which seems to be coming from behind the rear passanger-side seat. It's very muffled, and is only noticable when the car is stopped. The sound is intermitten, and is consistent in length (about a second long). Unfortunately, that's the best I can describe it. It's not annoying, and the my C drives great...but I'm just curious as to what it may be.

It sounds similar to the noise when the trunk release makes before the trunk pops. Ugh...it's tough to describe. I thought I would ask you guys before bringing it to my dealer...thanks!

Todd

Matt H

Todd,

My friend, I have the same thing. I would almost certainly say it's part of the vacuum system.

OPen the trunk, remove the right side trunk interior. You'll notice a foam box shoved up in there. Try leaving the interior off and see if it's louder. That would help you pinpoint if that is it.

Matt
'96 C220

whatup?

Hey,

Thanks...if it is the vacuum system, is that a major problem? My C220 seems completely fine...just makes that low muffled droning noise.

Todd

Matt H

Todd,

Mine has being doing it since I can remember buying the car. It doesn't seem to affect anything. Is it supposed to do it is a whole other quesiton, which I don't have the answer to.

You could probably muffle it more with additional padding maybe. I'd check it out and see if that is indeed the area causing the problem first.

Matt

whatup?

Thanks Matt,

I might bring it into the dealer to check it out...it needs to be serviced anyway. If I find anything out, I'll post it.

Todd

systemguide

1995 C 280.
Mine does the same exact thing from the same exact spot don't know why.

Matt H

If both the C280 and C220 do it then I would say it's a design of the C class it's self. I've always thought the the antenna mast raising/lowering was too loud as well. I'd have to say that the trunk compartment doesn't have enough insulation between it and the passenger cabin.

I mean, the insulation on the seat of the rear passenger seat is a joke. Two tar pads. I've been kicking around the idea of adding addition padding, a carpet with a rubber backing to see if I can lower the noise from the trunk.

systemguide

I don't think it's the design, there is a pump that's malfunctioning. It's a humming noise, as your power attena is trying to go up but it's stock. After a while it finally gives up.

Matt H

I'm not sure of that. It seems to extend and retract ok. I've lubed the mast, etc. I'd replace it, but it's not really a problem. Just a little annoying.

As for the vacuum pump on the other side of the car, it's just loud. I would replace it, but it isn't truely 'malfunctioning' in it's intended job. It's done it since day one as far as I can recall.

Somebody else with the problem was going to take it to the dealer, so I'll let them see if it's a problem and then decide what I need to do.

whatup?

Hey,

I'm going to try to take my C to the dealer, but it's probably not until at least a week from Monday...but I'll keep you posted.

My C220 never made a noise until recently...I came home from a semester abroad and it was making the noise...must have been my parents...haha.

By the way, I think we had the vacuum pump replaced under warranty about 2 years ago...not entirely sure though.

Todd

Matt H

Todd,

Any report back from the dealer on your vacuum system yet?

Matt H