need help diagnosing a problem
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
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From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
need help diagnosing a problem
my 05 c230 SS currently has 62k on it and running very well. however, i have been experiencing a pervasive problem for almost 40 k and no matter how many times i take it to the dealer, nothing gets fixed (btw im now on extended factory warranty). i could really use some help because this problem is driving me crazy. here's what whats been happening:every time i go over a speed bump or any raised surface (table-top, going up into a driveway, etc.) i get this thud and groan noise from what seems like lower front suspension. i get an awful groaning and thumping noise from the same place when backing up as well when i am required to turn fairly hard over. i have taken it to dealer at least 10 times since about 22k asking the tech to check my suspension or steering or joints. the response is they cant find anything. about a month ago i took in the car and their response was that there was a plastic underbody piece missing and thats the sound i heard. i disagreed and made them look again and was told they fixed a bearing and replaced my coils. nonetheless, the problem has gotten worse, and now it seems to affect how my car handles laterally rather than simply vertically over bumps. the suspension is giving me noise now, and i hear noises over every bump or under any hard turn. my steering feels very sloppy and loose (and it has for at least 30k). i thought it may be a ball joint since i looked under the car with a mechanic and he said i may have a cracked ball joint. any suggestions would be great to look into and hopefully get fixed by the stealership. thanks so much. cheers
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 350
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From: Stamford, CT
2003 C230
Go to another dealer!!!!!
My suspension sort of creaks when the weight is unloading basically when the car body is moving higher away from the wheels, usually happens over speed bumps, not during regular driving. It's probably the springs since they are 4 years old. Only does it when it cold out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 11
From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
I've had the same problems when going over bumps, something sounds loose. The steering is fine but it does not sound tight up front. The problem is only experienced when it is cold outside <0*c.
So far they replaced the bushings, trust washers, sway bar links, torsion busings and a couple other parts. I am still convinced that it is the struts that is causing the problem but they don't seem to want to change those.
recently it was the torsion bushings and seems to quieted it down but then again it has not been cold enough to experience it. I will know in 1-2 months if it is solved
When my car was in service last week I was given a B200 to drive and certainly it did seem tighter and quieter over bumps on the front end. That was only thing that I liked about the car, other than that they can keep the B-class...an uninspiring ride
So far they replaced the bushings, trust washers, sway bar links, torsion busings and a couple other parts. I am still convinced that it is the struts that is causing the problem but they don't seem to want to change those.
recently it was the torsion bushings and seems to quieted it down but then again it has not been cold enough to experience it. I will know in 1-2 months if it is solved
When my car was in service last week I was given a B200 to drive and certainly it did seem tighter and quieter over bumps on the front end. That was only thing that I liked about the car, other than that they can keep the B-class...an uninspiring ride
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
05 c230 kompressor SS 6MT & 07 BMW 335i
well ive been to three separate dealers and ive had the springs replaced, some washers, and a strut bearing or something. its been more significant now that its cold here in MA but for the last year or so it has been very obvious regardless of the weather. i am convinced as well that my struts in the front might be damaged and they simply dont want to fix it. i am looking to do coilovers once spring arrives but id like to diagnose problem. also, my car is a late 2005 and i actually bought it in jan of 2006 so age should have no real bearing at this point. the car is definitely still young enough.
