Gritty feeling engine!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
Gritty feeling engine!
Ive posted about this before, but it seems as of late, my engine has been getting more gritty feeling. Thats the best way I can explain it. It was whisper smooth when the car was new, but now it seems like when I'm accelerating, I can FEEL the engine. Slight vibrations through the gas pedal and steering wheel. It seems most obvious at around 2000 rpm's. I am going to take my car in when I have time, but has anyone else had/have this problem??
Also, it seems the car is pulling to the right a lot more lately too.
Also, it seems the car is pulling to the right a lot more lately too.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
OMG!! I have had a problem like this but it is extremely noticable. It scared me so much one time that I thought the Tranny was slipping or a gear was not grabbing in the tranny. I had my car flat bedded to the dealer. They found nothing. I drove the car all day yesterday, over 100 miles, and it did this all day. I then had an appointment with the dealer(for the second time), as soon as the master tech drove the car with me, the probelm went away. They told me there are no codes are being thrown out to set off the check engine light so they have no basis to start on. I have been into cars for years and this completely boggles my mind as to what it is. The solution they told me to try was running 89 octane gas as well as some dry gas incase or moisture. This made no change. It even seems to me that the car does not have as much power when it happens. It can be intermitent or happen all day. Any ideas??
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
OMG!! I have had a problem like this but it is extremely noticable. It scared me so much one time that I thought the Tranny was slipping or a gear was not grabbing in the tranny. I had my car flat bedded to the dealer. They found nothing. I drove the car all day yesterday, over 100 miles, and it did this all day. I then had an appointment with the dealer(for the second time), as soon as the master tech drove the car with me, the probelm went away. They told me there are no codes are being thrown out to set off the check engine light so they have no basis to start on. I have been into cars for years and this completely boggles my mind as to what it is. The solution they told me to try was running 89 octane gas as well as some dry gas incase or moisture. This made no change. It even seems to me that the car does not have as much power when it happens. It can be intermitent or happen all day. Any ideas??
Super Moderator
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
Ive posted about this before, but it seems as of late, my engine has been getting more gritty feeling. Thats the best way I can explain it. It was whisper smooth when the car was new, but now it seems like when I'm accelerating, I can FEEL the engine. Slight vibrations through the gas pedal and steering wheel. It seems most obvious at around 2000 rpm's. I am going to take my car in when I have time, but has anyone else had/have this problem??
Also, it seems the car is pulling to the right a lot more lately too.
Also, it seems the car is pulling to the right a lot more lately too.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
Mine is intermitent. Some times its smooth like it was when new and other times its extremely rough. My exhaust tone changes big time almost like I have cut outs in the exhaust. I can feel the roughness through the gas pedal too. The power gets less and it brings be to think that the tranny is slipping. I feel like I really need to take the car in again and tell them I don't want it back till its fixed. If they do not fix it, the problem seems bad enough to me that it will damage something badly. I haven't driven the car in 2 days becasue I am so aggrevated with it.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
Mine is intermitent. Some times its smooth like it was when new and other times its extremely rough. My exhaust tone changes big time almost like I have cut outs in the exhaust. I can feel the roughness through the gas pedal too. The power gets less and it brings be to think that the tranny is slipping. I feel like I really need to take the car in again and tell them I don't want it back till its fixed. If they do not fix it, the problem seems bad enough to me that it will damage something badly. I haven't driven the car in 2 days becasue I am so aggrevated with it.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Same problem I have with my C 300 4 MATIC....noisy, rough and vibrates a lot. I brought my car in and they told me that it is perfect fine
It sounds rough and "gruffy" when the engine is running at 1500rpm or when the car is going at 45mph...
It sounds rough and "gruffy" when the engine is running at 1500rpm or when the car is going at 45mph...
Last edited by johff; Nov 29, 2008 at 01:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Super Moderator
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 not sure what you mean by "active" mounts. Terminology varies around the globe. You have fluid filled mounts. Cat should be OK at these mileages.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 29, 2008 at 12:47 PM.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
I am quite dissapointed. MB could spent so much time, money and resources into safety, engineering and refinement and this is one area that is really lacking in refinement.
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder.
My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder
.My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
Last edited by johff; Nov 29, 2008 at 02:19 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
I am quite dissapointed. MB could spent so much time, money and resources into safety, engineering and refinement and this is one area that is really lacking in refinement.
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder.
My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder
.My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
Question---anyone with C350's have the same problem?
Super Moderator
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 am quite dissapointed. MB could spent so much time, money and resources into safety, engineering and refinement and this is one area that is really lacking in refinement.
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder.
My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
I don't my expect my car engine and/or exhaust to vibrate or shake when the car is first started from stone cold.
In addition, this is one area that you hear, feel and sense every second as long as your foot is on the accelerator. How can MB put so little resources into the engine, exhaust, etc. and lack in refinemenet? I really wonder
.My car exhaust tone changes from time to time and it sounds inconsistent. Most of the time, it sounds rough or sounds like I have a loose exhaust somewhere that send a lot of noise, vibration through the steering wheel, accelerator and even the seat.
I still can't believe that they either ignore the issue or just can't solve the problem due to a permanent design fault somehere that they can't find.
I mean if you look at the new C-Class, it is such a "complete" vehicle and yet this one issue really ruins the feel of the engineering of the car or just makes the car feel "incomplete".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
Likes: 28
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
Several manufacturers have used differing systems to vary the stiffness of the mounts in response to engine load and rpm. The idea is to have the mounts "tuned" to allow the least amount of NVH. Only ones I ever had were on a Nissan Maxima and that was a pretty nice powertrain...especially for its day...
Super Moderator
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
Several manufacturers have used differing systems to vary the stiffness of the mounts in response to engine load and rpm. The idea is to have the mounts "tuned" to allow the least amount of NVH. Only ones I ever had were on a Nissan Maxima and that was a pretty nice powertrain...especially for its day...
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Funny enough is that the only time I don't hear, sense and feel those "yugo" roughness is when I am really aggressive with my acceleration with the engine running up to 3,600 rpm and speed up to 75 mph. But not very often I can do that. And yet, this not what this car is really about, running the engine at 3,600 rpm every time. A Merc is still a Merc that it is still about comfort and prestige. Also, I value my driver licence.
So, I am not alone with this issues. I hope there is a TSB coming out soon so that I can bring the car back to dealer to have the issue resolved...
So, I am not alone with this issues. I hope there is a TSB coming out soon so that I can bring the car back to dealer to have the issue resolved...
Last edited by johff; Nov 30, 2008 at 12:50 AM.
Super Moderator
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
You have every right to expect a plush ride. My C240 only has 47,000 Kms on the clock & it's smooth as silk. The W204 is even better.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
.
Super Moderator
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 still think the likely causes are engine mounts or something touching something that should not. Causing transmission of vibration
The power loss/exhaust note change has me baffled - This can be a piece of the CAT honeycomb breaking off & moving around but at low mileage this is unlikely. - A wonky CPS can also cause this because the engine does not know accurately when it is at TDC - also unlikely at low mileage although infant mortality syndrome has to be considered with electronics. CPS failure or deterioration usually leads to hard starting though.
It can't be fuel feed related or you would throw fuel trim codes. It can't be plugs or coilpacks or you would throw misfire codes
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Dec 1, 2008 at 09:27 AM. Reason: typo
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
A few questions. Is this grittiness evident if you just rev up the engine - Not in Drive? - Is the frequency of the vibration, in your opinion, engine speed or RPM related?
I still think the likely causes are engine mounts or something touching something that should not. Causing transmission of vibration
The power loss/exhaust note change has me baffled - This can be a piece of the CAT honeycomb breaking off & moving around but at low mileage this is unlikely. - A wonky CPS can also cause this because the engine does not know accurately when it is at TDC - also unlikely at low mileage although infant mortality syndrome has to be considered with electronics. CPS failure or deterioration usually leads to hard starting though.
It can't be fuel feed related or you would throw fuel trim codes. It can't be plugs or coilpacks or you would throw misfire codes
I still think the likely causes are engine mounts or something touching something that should not. Causing transmission of vibration
The power loss/exhaust note change has me baffled - This can be a piece of the CAT honeycomb breaking off & moving around but at low mileage this is unlikely. - A wonky CPS can also cause this because the engine does not know accurately when it is at TDC - also unlikely at low mileage although infant mortality syndrome has to be considered with electronics. CPS failure or deterioration usually leads to hard starting though.
It can't be fuel feed related or you would throw fuel trim codes. It can't be plugs or coilpacks or you would throw misfire codes
When in Drive, I notice the vibrations right off idle to about 3000 rpm, give or take a few hundred. It's not really a steady vibration either, it's "crunchy" or "gritty", if that makes sense. I can also feel it when just coasting at city speeds too.
It's not some terrible vibration, but its enough to be annoying.
