C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

is rattly engine sound and 1st gear "stuck" on cold start normal on 2.3L engine?

Old Mar 14, 2003 | 05:39 PM
  #1  
tberry's Avatar
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From: Houston, TX
2002 C230 Coupe Black/Charcoal C5 C7 Auto
is rattly engine sound and 1st gear "stuck" on cold start normal on 2.3L engine?

I've just been noticing it but wasnt sure if it is normal or not. When i start a cold engine in the morning (garaged or not) and outside temp is say anywhere from 50F to about 70F the car make all sorts of rattly buzzy noises for about a minute (or to be exact i look at the coolant temp gauge and when it hit its first increase) the noise go away and becomes normal. Again this only happen at startup (or leave car for about 7/8 hours). Should I be concern or is it normal on the 2002 C230k coupe? Thanks for any input

*Also when the temp is REALLY cold (about 30F to 40F) and if i leave it for about 7/8 hours outside right after initial start and drive immediately the car stay stuck in first "gear" and cant really get out of it until the temp increase a bit.
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Old Mar 14, 2003 | 06:32 PM
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'14 GLK250 Diesel
Both of the things you describe...

...are characteristics of this model. The new 1.8 engine is noticeably smoother and quieter - cold start noise is endemic with the SC 2.3.

And yes, the transmission will hold first longer when it is cold - this is to get the catalytic converter warmed up faster so emissions are lower.

Nothing to be alarmed about in either case...
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Old Mar 15, 2003 | 09:59 PM
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Mine has begun to crunch it's way in to second gear when it's cold or hasn't been driven for a few days... vrrrrrrrm crunch!
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Old Mar 17, 2003 | 11:50 AM
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2002 C230 K
The noise from the cold start-up is from the supercharger bypass - it uses compressed air to warm-up the catalytic converter quicker.

- BT
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Old Jan 25, 2007 | 05:56 PM
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Originally Posted by jrct9454
And yes, the transmission will hold first longer when it is cold - this is to get the catalytic converter warmed up faster so emissions are lower.

that is the best news ive ever read, ive been wondering whatsup with my tranny when its cold lol
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Old Jan 25, 2007 | 06:29 PM
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2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Originally Posted by trench
The noise from the cold start-up is from the supercharger bypass - it uses compressed air to warm-up the catalytic converter quicker.

- BT
Is this the same with the 1.8 because it sounds like a diesel for the first couple of seconds after sitting for a period of time on a cold start. My TR6 is noisy on start up until the oil pressure builds in the head so it is usually the tappets making the noise.

On cold days my 1-2 shift seems to crunch/clash
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