W203/M271 Noise from within

May 22, 2016 | 01:00 PM

AoxoMoxoA

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C230K

W203/M271 Noise from within

First post:

Picked up a 2003 C230K with 109,000 on the clock a week ago today; my son's first car. Car is a 1-owner vehicle, had a clean Carfax, engine is very clean (no oil/coolant seepage) and runs very smoothly, like new. He's been driving the car daily all week without issue.

We changed the oil & filter (Mobil 1 0w40) for the first time yesterday along with the air filter, cabin air filter and new spark plugs (NGK Laser Iridium ILFR6A - 3588).

Started the engine this morning just to check things out and all seemed normal, as it has been. On a whim, I opened up the oil filler cap just to peek inside while it was running, and heard the sound (heard in video linked below) coming from within. Note that this sound is inaudible with the oil cap on.

Is this sound normal?
If not, any guesses as to what it is?

It almost sounds like something is loose and is contacting the camshaft lobes as the camshaft spins...

The car is under a 30-day warranty, and I'd like to be sure that I don't have a major problem on my hands before the warranty expires.

Thanks in advance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5uf...ature=youtu.be

May 23, 2016 | 03:21 AM

FLYNAVY

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Joined: Nov 2005

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From: Fallon, NV

BMW and Mercedes

if my chest were cut open, i'd imagine my heart would sound different too…...

Last edited by FLYNAVY; May 23, 2016 at 03:23 AM.

May 23, 2016 | 06:21 AM

Russell Ormerod

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From: Cape town

not a merc

Does the sound get louder with the tappet cover removed?

May 24, 2016 | 12:51 AM

TTMBCLS

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cls550

doesnt sound normal with the oil cap off. have u tried looking over the oil pump?

May 24, 2016 | 07:46 AM

Russell Ormerod

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From: Cape town

not a merc

It's just internal engine noise. Compare it to another 271

May 27, 2016 | 03:50 PM

Kazi04

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From: Wisconsin

2004 C230 Kompressor Sport

That is normal noise. You have to remember that these cars use vacuum and crankcase pressures different than most other vehicles.

May 27, 2016 | 08:30 PM

AoxoMoxoA

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C230K

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kazi04

That is normal noise. You have to remember that these cars use vacuum and crankcase pressures different than most other vehicles.

Thanks for the reply.

I've just never heard anything like it with past vehicles, including my '96 C280, which internally, was whisper quiet - nice precise valve clicking - even at 274,000 miles.