So my front suspension started squeaking a while back, only after driving for 10 minutes or more...I took it into a mercedes dealer (American Service Center in Arlington, VA) and they said they suspected it was the front right bushing as it was torn. The regular bushing fix had alerady been performed by the car's pervious owner (known problem on w203).

They told me they could fix the front right bushing but were not sure if that was the source of the noise, I deciced to get it fixed anyway since it was broken, taking my chances.


Driving back, home STILL squeaky....what in the world could this be? I'm so fed up, I love my c320 but why is it so squeaky????

The shock may be going out. Regardless, I'd take it back to the service center and tell them they didn't fix the problem.

I have a 2004 that squeaks. At first thought it was my suspension, but it wasn't. The front driver seat was loose. You could hear it everytime I go over a speed bump. Your car is new so the suspension should be fine. You could bring it back to the service department and have them go on a drive with you in your car.

Check the driver's seat. It is not loose, but rather rubs against the plastic housing on the outer side of the cushion. You can easily check it by pressing down on this thing with your hand while driving over bumps - this will silence it if it indeed is the source of the squeaky sound.

Thanks, I'll certainly check that out when I get home today, but the noise is pretty loud and is definitely coming from the outside of the vehicle, as the noise is surpressed with the windows up....

same problem!!!!

also, my front control arm bushings are all destroyed. havent replaced them as it's a $1200 job and honestly i havent experienced any shuttering even at 132.

but, when i push down on the front of the car it goes *squeaky squaky squeaky!*

I've seen it suggested that it's the sway bar bushings.

this particular dealership said i had the right "fix", as there is known problem with w203 (and from my understanding other mercedes models)....i have an appointment with my benz dealer in bethesda, md monday morning, they were super professional last time, i'm confident they will get this thing fixed...will keep you posted.

I went to this little local place that's owned / operated by an old guy with a really thick german accent and there's a fairly-young hispanic-looking guy that helps him out. they always have older mercedes and other european cars parked there, he even has a green Lotus Elan.

So, anyhow I'm like "it squeaks, especially when i go over bumps" and then i push down on the front to show him the squeaky. He puts his foot on the front bumper on the passenger side and gives it a few good pushes, he just says two words- "ball joint." I ask "is it definitely the ball joint? I've heard things about sway bar bushings being a problem on these..." to which he replies "no, is ball joint. very typical noise of ball joint." So, I take it that it's the ball joint. It was like 10 minutes until 6 on a friday so he said it was too late to take a look at it but i can call him monday to find out how much it will cost.

Okay great, do keep me posted, my car is headed to the shop tomorrow morning, around 8AM EST and they'll probably have an estimate for me by the afternoon along with an explanation.

Dealer called and is reporting sway bars need to be replaced...we'll see this evening when i pick it up...he sounded pretty confident though.

ouch, thats what i was thinking was my problem... called the old german guy today and he quoted me "$145" to get it fixed... hehehehehe I'm so happy

Yea not bad at all, I'm paying about $200 over here in DC from the dealer...I'll pick it up this evening and post feedback...also getting new brake pads/rotors.

$200 for new swarbars + labor and everything??? or do you just need swaybar bushings?

Just got back from the dealer, problem has been solved:

Front Stablizer Bar Rubber Bushings
Rubber Mount

Total was $220

good for you!

i wont be finding out for a bit because i'm going to have to get a rental (anyone know of luxury car rental places in dallas??) and I'm not old enough for a few more weeks to rent a car

WOOHOO! it fixed!

problem was, after all, the front right balljoint. however, that went bad because all of my control arm bushings were dead. it all had to be replacd. total bill? $534

the car feels more planted on the road, steering is more precise, and the ride is smoother. no more squeaking when i go over bumps.

however, i can still make it squeak a little when its parked and i push down on the front. I believe that this may simply be sway bar bushings. it's not something I'm worrying about right now as I have much more important issues (tuesday is my last day at work, I move into the dorms at college on wednesday and classes start the week after)

funny you mention the car feeling more planted, i feel the same, dial into a turn and i feel "flatter", less body roll, steering feel as improved....

me too, absolutely. even when turning in the parkinglot is just feels like it's grabbing the road better. It also seems to stop better.

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETS BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!


last night I was on my way home, made a sharp left turn and heard kind of a *creeeak* so I turned my stereo off... squeak, creak, squeak squeak squeaaaaak! ALL the way home! I dont know what the heck happened but it doesnt drive any different.. just squeaks! He wants me to bring it back to him tomorrow BUT I am moving wed morning and have to work tomorrow so I dont know what the heck I'm going to do!

took it to him at 9am. sway bar bushings needed smoe grease

total cost: $0.00

my 02 c240 is doing the same thing.

yes it seems to be a VERY common problem. If it's in warranty then let the dealer do it but, if not, take it to a general mechanic. Just tell them to put a little lube on the sway bar bushings. They shouldnt even charge you an hours labor for that.

I'm a newbie to suspensions. My 2001 C320 creaks when turning, going over bumps, at low speeds and only after driving a while. I can duplicate the noise by rocking from R front over wheel. But this only when the engine is hot, even if I haven't driven it. After engine cools I can't make it creak. Does this point to engine mount?


Thanks!