DIFFERENTIAL DiFFERENTIAL
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
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From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
DIFFERENTIAL DiFFERENTIAL
Been bothered by a 'hushing' sound for a while every time I release the gas even very slightly. Usually happens around 40mph on. Sounds like a vacuum leak but my mechanic friend found it was the differential.
Some here in the forum says it is not uncommon & some says otherwise. Just can't believe that it will go bad that soon[ less than 90000mi.].
Pardon my ignorance. So there is a separate front & rear differential?
Noise seem to be coming from the front...
Will a diff oil change solve anything before I buy parts?
Found some on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...item2a0bb68852
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
One came off of 2003 MERCEDES KOMPRESSOR C230 don't know if that will fit my 03 c240sedan base.
Thanks for any input.
Some here in the forum says it is not uncommon & some says otherwise. Just can't believe that it will go bad that soon[ less than 90000mi.].
Pardon my ignorance. So there is a separate front & rear differential?
Noise seem to be coming from the front...
Will a diff oil change solve anything before I buy parts?
Found some on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...item2a0bb68852
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
One came off of 2003 MERCEDES KOMPRESSOR C230 don't know if that will fit my 03 c240sedan base.
Thanks for any input.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
What the hell happened to that car dam 
I guess your diff got low on fluid or something because I have never heard of a failure on here except for ones that had a leak. That said how did he confirm it was the diff making noise. I am not 100% sure about what diff fits but I think the c240 and c230 use a different gear ratio so you would need to check that.
I guess your diff got low on fluid or something because I have never heard of a failure on here except for ones that had a leak. That said how did he confirm it was the diff making noise. I am not 100% sure about what diff fits but I think the c240 and c230 use a different gear ratio so you would need to check that.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
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From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
What the hell happened to that car dam
I guess your diff got low on fluid or something because I have never heard of a failure on here except for ones that had a leak. That said how did he confirm it was the diff making noise. I am not 100% sure about what diff fits but I think the c240 and c230 use a different gear ratio so you would need to check that.
I guess your diff got low on fluid or something because I have never heard of a failure on here except for ones that had a leak. That said how did he confirm it was the diff making noise. I am not 100% sure about what diff fits but I think the c240 and c230 use a different gear ratio so you would need to check that.
Thanks Samaritrey.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Oh I would hope not as well but that is a big investment to go into if it is only a flex disc or something like that. I am no expert on the drive train but do know that sounds from it can be hard to track down sometimes and can sound like they are coming from an area that is actually far away from the issue. It will also help others that do know more to have as much detail as possible heck even a sound clip if possible.
As for you car you have had lots of issues I am sure that some cars are just lemons or something because they say 03 - 04 the w203 were getting way better than the 01's but it does not always seem like that around here. I will say my car was at the dealer a lot before my warranty ran out at 100k but that is just my OCD and using the warranty as much as possible but once I got everything fixed the dealer broke (Long Story) my car has been very very reliable with just a set of front break pads and rotors, new shocks/spring and that is really it. 166k almost 167k 
Hopefully this is the end of your issues Good luck let me know if you want me to run your vin to get the exact PN of your DIF to help with the research of what years and models use the same Dif.
As for you car you have had lots of issues
I am sure that some cars are just lemons or something because they say 03 - 04 the w203 were getting way better than the 01's but it does not always seem like that around here. I will say my car was at the dealer a lot before my warranty ran out at 100k but that is just my OCD and using the warranty as much as possible but once I got everything fixed the dealer broke (Long Story) my car has been very very reliable with just a set of front break pads and rotors, new shocks/spring and that is really it. 166k almost 167k Hopefully this is the end of your issues Good luck let me know if you want me to run your vin to get the exact PN of your DIF to help with the research of what years and models use the same Dif.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 704
Likes: 2
From: New mexico
2005 E55 AMG
I would say to put it on a car lift and try to listen from under what is actually making the noise. If a diff goes bad it usually makes a clicking noise because the teeth are broken or chipping.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
Oh I would hope not as well but that is a big investment to go into if it is only a flex disc or something like that. I am no expert on the drive train but do know that sounds from it can be hard to track down sometimes and can sound like they are coming from an area that is actually far away from the issue. It will also help others that do know more to have as much detail as possible heck even a sound clip if possible.
As for you car you have had lots of issues I am sure that some cars are just lemons or something because they say 03 - 04 the w203 were getting way better than the 01's but it does not always seem like that around here. I will say my car was at the dealer a lot before my warranty ran out at 100k but that is just my OCD and using the warranty as much as possible but once I got everything fixed the dealer broke (Long Story) my car has been very very reliable with just a set of front break pads and rotors, new shocks/spring and that is really it. 166k almost 167k
Hopefully this is the end of your issues Good luck let me know if you want me to run your vin to get the exact PN of your DIF to help with the research of what years and models use the same Dif.
As for you car you have had lots of issues
I am sure that some cars are just lemons or something because they say 03 - 04 the w203 were getting way better than the 01's but it does not always seem like that around here. I will say my car was at the dealer a lot before my warranty ran out at 100k but that is just my OCD and using the warranty as much as possible but once I got everything fixed the dealer broke (Long Story) my car has been very very reliable with just a set of front break pads and rotors, new shocks/spring and that is really it. 166k almost 167k Hopefully this is the end of your issues Good luck let me know if you want me to run your vin to get the exact PN of your DIF to help with the research of what years and models use the same Dif.
I think my car had been in an accident. Bought the car on ebay(never again) from a dealer in ohio. When the car was delivered I did'nt get a chance to inspect it because I was out of town so my wife signed the delivery clearance for me.
Excited about the car, I didn't really do a thorough check but after awhile I noticed the hood & bumper did not line up for some reason. Believe me I had a carfax report that showed no accident. My bank even reviewed it before loaning me the $$$.
I'll see my mechanic this weekend and go from there.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
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From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
Subtle when windows closed but more pronounced around 2:00 mark into the vid.
Sounds like metal rubbing at times. The more I listen to it the more I get confused!! Inside the car windows closed sounds like a 'hush'. Like an air leak.
ONLY happens when I release the gas pedal.
Don't know if I should be driving the car or not. I'm supposed to be out of town this weekend. Damn!
Worn out rotors make that noise???
Found a cheaper one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT
Last edited by danev6972; Sep 29, 2011 at 07:28 PM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
2003 C240
Hey all.
I found a rear diff on ebay & i'm emailed seller for positive compatibility.
My question is: Is 139k mi too high for a diff?
Part came off of a 2004 MERCEDES C CLASS C230.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110644653331...S:1123&vxp=mtr
Need help guys..noise is getting louder.
Thank you.
Another one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180585138258...WAX:IT&vxp=mtr
I found a rear diff on ebay & i'm emailed seller for positive compatibility.
My question is: Is 139k mi too high for a diff?
Part came off of a 2004 MERCEDES C CLASS C230.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/110644653331...S:1123&vxp=mtr
Need help guys..noise is getting louder.
Thank you.
Another one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180585138258...WAX:IT&vxp=mtr
