purchased 2001 c320 117k miles rattling sound..
theres not service codes that have popped up no malfunction codes or anything. Please help me. my local mechanic said it might be some protective plastic barrier .
Last edited by Ivanrad; Sep 10, 2011 at 10:25 AM.

Please try to explain this rattle & where it is coming from. Try & post a clip of the noise.
It could be anything from a Cat to a loose exhaust baffle to the purge valve ticking to a damaged suspension bush or rubber or if in the engine a small end bearing.
Take the car to Autozone to read codes just to make sure. It's free
Please give us more information & location.
crossing my fingers .autozone in california doesn't read codes for free anymore i just called .
Driving to the store really quick to see if the noise becomes different.
Last edited by Ivanrad; Sep 8, 2011 at 10:14 PM.

Buy yourself a $50 OBDII scanner from Harbor Freight. Best cheapie on the market. You can't own one of these cars without one.

Remove the Poly V belt & see if the noise goes away. First check!
Obviously do not run the car for too long without the belt or it will overheat without the waterpump running.
Good luck!

The fact that the car was in an accident could mean something got damaged. Radiator might have clouted the A/C compressor. Also check the fan for damage. When you turn on the A/C the fan starts immediately.
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...lerid=26076229
Trending Topics
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ao6ZJr3GH0
updated video
Last edited by Ivanrad; Sep 9, 2011 at 02:45 PM. Reason: video

I suggest that you buy a scanner that tells you what the code means without having to look it up & is known to behave with Benz. The little guy above is the cheapest that guaratees this which is why it's popular on this forum. One that you can keep in the glove box.
You can of course buy bigger units - here is what I use from Equus.




Belt tensioner and pulley is a common and easily fixed failure.
The plastic barrier your mechanic mentioned is probably the shield under the car.
They are a pain.
video of the issue thanks for your help
Last edited by Ivanrad; Sep 9, 2011 at 03:02 PM.

You need to check that the gas pressure in the A/C system is not too high. But I suspect that the problem is the compressor or it's pulley. I strongly recommend that you have the compressor removed & checked. The pulley can shear off by design on these compressors & do incredible damage.
Thanks everyone for your help.






