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

Noise on startup - rattle noise - driver side near wiper resevior

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 20, 2010 | 07:37 AM
  #26  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I'm a person that fixes things immediately. But the attitude of "let it develop" only works for me if the noise is correctly diagnosed. Then you can make an informed decision. e.g. will it leave me stranded somewhere or is it jusy an irritation.

Back to the 6 buck stethescope.

At least yours sounds external. I've been working with 320Make from Finland on PM and his knock is now down to a small-end bearing or piston slap on one bank of the engine. It's getting expensive quickly now. I believe he has a damaged piston - thrust side skirt!!

Does the noise still go away as the car warms up?
Reply
Old Sep 20, 2010 | 11:24 AM
  #27  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
I'm a person that fixes things immediately. But the attitude of "let it develop" only works for me if the noise is correctly diagnosed. Then you can make an informed decision. e.g. will it leave me stranded somewhere or is it jusy an irritation.

Back to the 6 buck stethescope.

At least yours sounds external. I've been working with 320Make from Finland on PM and his knock is now down to a small-end bearing or piston slap on one bank of the engine. It's getting expensive quickly now. I believe he has a damaged piston - thrust side skirt!!

Does the noise still go away as the car warms up?
Nope, I don't think it did. It remains on the low rpm side. I think I had warm it enough after driving it on a freeway run. I went home and manuever the car back in place and still hear the knocking when ever I turn the steering wheel to either side. I also tend to hear the knock for 2 secs when I step on the pedal and once it past 1000 rpm, it is quiet.

I am wondering if this has to do with the idle pulley, tensioner pulley or the alternator I had been reading lately. The thing is, the member who fixed this and recorded the sound didn't match mine at all. His is a screech vs mine is an diesel engine knock.

I think I will just have these parts change out to be safe. I have a feeling that it must be one of those items since I did change out the belt and I am sure the MBtech had tighten up the tensioner or pulley and now the knocking went away or not as apparent.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2010 | 02:18 PM
  #28  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Okay. The noise is still there, so now I doubt it has anything to do with the water pump or the belt. Well, at least I had taken care of the water pump since that is starting to fail.

As far with the noise, it's there back with a vengence. It there on cold start up and goes away when it's warm. It there now on low rpm on Drive or Reverse. When it's warm, I can make the noise when I turn the steering a bit or engaging the steering.

Same area, but I think has something to do with that matte I pointed on my picture and it is behind it. It looked at the area, there are the famous belt tensioner pulley and two other pulley in the area. I haven't identify the two pulleys there.

The Idle pully is not it. I can see it and it's not making noise. I do notice the belt tensioner pulley is kinda wobbing a bit.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 01:47 AM
  #29  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
What did it cost you to have the water pump replaced? I suspect that if the water pump being replaced did not solve the problem that it was not "starting to fail". Maybe my head's been in the sand but I've been around here and while and don't recall any water pump failures.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 02:02 AM
  #30  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
What did it cost you to have the water pump replaced? I suspect that if the water pump being replaced did not solve the problem that it was not "starting to fail". Maybe my head's been in the sand but I've been around here and while and don't recall any water pump failures.
I don't know Matt. That's what the tech told me and he show me the part that was taken out. It has play on it and I do hear the squeek sound when I spin it. So perhaps a starting to fail part?

Well, I still have that disel knop knop knop sound. It does goes away when it is warm, but I can make it come to life when I turn the steering any either direction which in R or D. Durning the cold start in the morning, I can pinpoint on the driver side area as I had on the pictures. It's either the belt tensioner pulley, and 2 other pulleys in the far left driver side.

The belt tensioner pulley seems to wobble a bit, so I am saying that is a problem part perhaps.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 05:37 AM
  #31  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I was with a retired friend for a barbeque on our Heritage Day public holiday on Friday. His MY 2000 W203 M111 engine has just done a water pump at approx 400,000 Km. Leaking front seal & noise. If coolant concentrations are maintained they certainly go a long way. That said I've seen a few at approx 120,000km. They are not a common failure & first signs are usually a coolant leak.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 07:03 AM
  #32  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
OP are you uncomfortable with revealing how much it cost to replace the water pump? It's cool if you are, just wondering since I've asked twice and it hasn't been acknowledged.
Reply
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 11:21 AM
  #33  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
OP are you uncomfortable with revealing how much it cost to replace the water pump? It's cool if you are, just wondering since I've asked twice and it hasn't been acknowledged.
Haha No Matt, I am not uncomfortable. I remember reading about that question, but somehow never answered it when I type my reply. Weird.

I paid about $500 parts and labor. Don't know exactly the cost just for the water pump, but this is the whole thing which includes the following:

1. both L & R front arm thrust bushing

2. Drive belt

3. water pump

4. coolant

So you do you think? A fair price or overpaid?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 27, 2010 | 07:37 PM
  #34  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
At dealers you almost always over pay. I don't know what is fair for that, though.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2010 | 08:42 PM
  #35  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Okay guys / gals. I got a call from my MB tech and was told that this noise is from either the Super Charge compressor pulley or the AC pulley. They recommend to replace both to fix this problem. They said, there was a car that can in for service and had the same exact sound as mine.

I have a feeling it's more of the Super Charge compressor pulley going bad.

I looked at the price for this part $1300 and the AC is $400.

Wow oh wow.. That is going to be an expensive fix just to get rid of the noise.

So what do you guys think, is this a fair price for parts? Is this worth fixing now or can I hold off a little while?
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 04:59 AM
  #36  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Are you taking it to the dealer? $1300 for a pulley?
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 10:58 AM
  #37  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
Are you taking it to the dealer? $1300 for a pulley?
Well, no. The tech works at the stearship. $1300 is for the whole thing and the cost to purchase the whole compressor. Pulley and all. I think the tech is suggesting to replace the whole thing to secure a fix.

So, do you think I should just replace the pulley? Can that part just be replace? Or do I have to replace the whole thing? I don't see just the pulley as a replacement though.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 03:19 PM
  #38  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I would've thought the supercharger pulley could be replaced without needing to replace the supercharger itself. If that's not the case, though, I'd not spend that much money on something that isn't causing a problem. I'm assuming the car runs fine and the supercharger works fine?

I never really hear of S/C failures in these cars.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 04:03 PM
  #39  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
I would've thought the supercharger pulley could be replaced without needing to replace the supercharger itself. If that's not the case, though, I'd not spend that much money on something that isn't causing a problem. I'm assuming the car runs fine and the supercharger works fine?

I never really hear of S/C failures in these cars.
I agreed. Well, I have the sound posted earlier. So what do you make of it?

Yea, if the pulley is replaceable, I would just do that. I think the tech thinks it's much easier to replace the whole thing than to take out parts.

If that is not the noise, then it could be the AC compressor?

My car sounds like a disel engine in the mornings.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 08:41 PM
  #40  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I don't think the dealer actually knows whats wrong. I4 Kompressors have no clutch to wear out. They just dump overboost. All they need now & again are new bearings & an oil change. The rotors do wear over time but this just leads to loss of boost as clearances open up. They do not lead to failure. The car just steadily looses power.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 09:02 PM
  #41  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Originally Posted by 04mbc230
My car sounds like a disel engine in the mornings.
All the C230K cars sound like diesels in the morning. That's pretty normal. The knocking noise isn't but the general lawn-mower sound is normal.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2011 | 05:02 PM
  #42  
bprocks's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2003 clk55 w209
Hi, Did you ever get to figure out what the cause was? I have the exact same noise from my CLK55 (which has no SC) and am trying to find out what could be wrong. Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2011 | 05:08 PM
  #43  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Small end bearing is a possibility on the V engines. We have had 2 lately.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2011 | 12:40 AM
  #44  
04mbc230's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Cali
2006 C230 Sedan
Alright, I think I can file this issue.

It's the AC compressor.

Here's another person with the same noise and resolved by changing out the AC compressor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfBaRhc5zgw
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2011 | 10:06 AM
  #45  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
My car has started doing this recently, I believe.. I'm gonna have to record it. Did your car only do it with the A/C compressor on, or at all times because they're not clutched?
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2011 | 10:10 AM
  #46  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Actually no, listening to that video again that is clearly a metallic rattle. Mine is a faint knock.. definitely hasn't always been there, I'll post up my own recording soon and we can compare. No signs of anything wrong with my car - runs/drives fine. Will be hooked up to STAR tonight so I'll see if it is storing any info.
Reply
Old Jan 5, 2012 | 12:26 PM
  #47  
HamTex's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes-Benz C230K 2005
Mercedes-Benz C230 K 2005 RATTLE NOISE

I also had the same annoying rattle noise coming from the engine, when it was in low rotation, but finally my efficient mechanic, after a thorough investigation, found the problem, which was:

1) Substitute the V Belt tensor
2) Substitute the tensor pulley
3) Substitute the alternator pulley

See attachments

Problem solved, it is as good as new!

Hamilton
Attached Thumbnails Noise on startup - rattle noise - driver side near wiper resevior-tensor.jpg   Noise on startup - rattle noise - driver side near wiper resevior-polia.jpg  
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
tensor + polia.pdf (69.9 KB, 553 views)
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 1 votes, 1.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:59 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE