azzkikr111

I own w204 c230. I have question about suspension- how it works when the temperature is below -10 C (14 F) ? I mean that my(and all the people's from Russian MBforum) suspension does not work properly on roughness or speed bumps- it is banging, knocking like when the absorbers are broken. Those nosies lasts about 5-10 minutes at this temperature then disappear. However a guy(c350 4matic) from Siberia(-30 C (-22 F)) saying that those sounds do not disappear even after 30minutes ride. Russian dealers says that it is not a problem . I sure that, here are some people from Canada, Sweden and other countries where is cold in winter( like 14F) , I want to ask those guys - Do you have similar problem with the suspension? What what does your dealers say about that?

Thank you in advance for you responds

vic viper

I have the same problem, knocking sounds from the front struts on uneven surfaces, when the car is stored indoors over night at room temperature the noices dissapear, I replaced both my front struts the other day and now its silent.

azzkikr111

The problem was in front absorbers? and after you replaced them problem solved? and suspension is silent even after outdoor storage ?

vic viper

Yes, we have -10C now and its silent.

C300Sport

Vic, is there a TSB or Star Bulletin, etc on this?

azzkikr111

anybody else have anything to say?

malahhaor

When it gets that cold, all of the bushings contract and create some small gaps, room for movement and hence the knocking noises. If i'm not mistaken some bushings are have some sort of substance (oil maybe) inside. so that would make it contract even more than just rubber/silicone. At least that's what a benz mecanic told me.
I have the same problem in the winter in Chicago. All of my mercedes always had that issue. if it's too cold, the noise does not disapear after any amount of driving.

Illusive

My parents 01 C320 has that problem in the rear, even in warm weather it still creaks. The dealership has replaced the rear shocks and bushings many times to no avail. On that note though, my C3504M has not exhibited this problem. It's been squeak free even in -20 to -30 deg C weather up here. The only weird noise I get once in a blue moon is some weird sound coming from the steering column after I start the car and it moves downwards into position. Once it's there, there isn't a sound and doesn't happen again for a while.

azzkikr111

thank you all

the thing is that w204 is not my first car, i had several bmw and lexus before and none of my previous cars had anything like 204 has. people from forum saying that the problem occur because of agility control( the liquid freeze there and it do not work properly). by the way none of 203's or other mercs' without agility control owners has such a problem.

if i got you right- your advice is go to dealer and ask for warranty claim??

vic viper

The car should be silent even at -20C , if it isnt there is something wrong.

C300Sport

Yes

Diesel Benz

I have not noticed any noise from the 204.089 suspension at cold weather and -10 Celsius is not rear for us (although I don't drive the 204 that often, wife does not let me have it).

Aren't the shocks somehow self-adaptive on these cars, perhaps some of those shocks have problems in cold weather?

azzkikr111

yes they are, and than it is colder so much it is worse

Diesel Benz

I had a look at some technical bulletins and found three different sources for front suspension noises that could match your problem. These issues affect only a limited range of cars. Can you post or PM your VIN or at least serial number?

azzkikr111

yes sure

azzkikr111

posted in PM

malahhaor

Don't know, had that in a C230K, C320 and same but not as bad in the CLK50

kit0515

I've my 09 c350 4matic in winters of canada for a while now (2nd winter now) temperatures can be VERY cold (-15-20c) and no such problems exists.

azzkikr111

the cause of those sounds
FOUND
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB4QEjtr4RM

BenTrovato

Is this suspension noise a bad thing?

azzkikr111

It is just annoying. when you pay 45k$(minimum for c180k) for the car, you are not expecting it to behave like this. as for me it is not a big problem, because Moscow is not as cold as other cities in Russia. As I said these nasty sounds disappear after 5-10 minutes driving at -10C. However there are some places in my country where temperature can be -20 or -25-30 for several months... at the point these noises do not disappear at all. When the guy from Siberia( I wrote in the first post? he own c350 4matic, 25k km), gives somebody a lift, people always ask he what are these noises? is it something broken in your merc? He feels himself uncomfortable and say- no it should be like this. ((((((

joe_yoh

Damn, same prob here man.

azzkikr111

joe yoh, if I got you right, you have the same problem. What does your dealer say about it?

ps by the way, where you from?