Donmi

I have a rattle when rolling at slow speeds over bumpy surface. I don't know if it's shocks or suspension. It seems to only be from the front end. Over a speed bump you hear it at the front but not the rear. At faster speeds it isn't as noticable but slow, under 10 MPH it is very anoying. Any thoughts?

Shark_Face_Gang

Went in for this exact issue on my 2010 C300 4MATIC Sport a few months ago. Ended up being worn struts and a few other suspension parts. They quickly identified it and fixed it, and I haven't heard the rattle since.

Definitely bring it in, explain it exactly like you did in this post, and ask them to make sure to check the struts in addition to anything else they were already going to do.

Cleanbenz

I had a blown strut on my Audi and it was exactly what you are describing.

Donmi

Thanks so much for the reply. I'll make a call to the dealership in the morning and get it over for inspection. Was this a warranty fix when you brought yours in?

Shark_Face_Gang

Yep was a warranty item and handled no hassle. If you get it back after they take a look at it and it still rattles let me know and I'm PM you a scan of my work order from the dealership so you can see what I had done and can tell your dealership to look at the same items.

Donmi

Good deal, thanks again for the info. I'll take it in next week and see how they handle it. It will be my first interraction with Mercedes with an issue. I'll reply back to this thread with the results and experience. Thanks for the direction on this.

Merserybenze

I had the same issue. They replaced a strut. This resolved it or a couple of months but the sound is back. Any chance you can upload your work order? Thx.

Shark_Face_Gang

My scanner isn't wanting to work so here's a write-up.

When I first brought it in for the noise, they replaced the link rod for the stabilizer bar and said the upper joint boot was ripped so whether that's what was causing the noise or not, it should be replaced, and it was.

I still noticed the noise, albeit not as loud as it used to be, so I brought it back in and they had the master tech look at it and he checked the wheel toe angles and both front struts and ended up replacing both struts since there was wear.

I haven't heard the noise since he replaced the struts, but I don't know if that's where technicians think to look first or not. It might be worth mentioning to him to save yourself from having to make another trip if the noise is still there.

Hopefully this helps.

LILBENZ230

I bought a 2011 C300 two weeks ago.. has 12,800 miles now and this same annoying rattle. Although I would call it more of a knock. Sounds like it is coming from the driver's side front wheel area. Plan to take it in, will report back.

beneliezer

My C300 with 17K also has this issue. Quite annoying. I plan to schedule an appt to take care of it.

Do you guys also experience the howling/whistling while cruising on the highway? sounds like someone is blowing on a glass.

LILBENZ230

Just received word that my 2011 C300 @ 14,000 miles is having both front struts replaced under warranty. Hopefully it is fixed.

LILBENZ230

Okay the dealer replaced the struts and the noise was still present. So they replaced them a second time, both fronts. The invoice says first "replaced struts" and then second "replaced with updated parts". Noise is gone.

beneliezer

Hey man, I'd be extremely grateful if you could scan or upload your invoice for me. My dealer is adamant that my "aftermarket ballasts are causing the sound" even though they are bolted down and secured.

Thanks!

LILBENZ230

I am sorry about the delay.. Here is the scanned invoice:

ah526

I have a rattling noise at very slow speeds under 5mph and it seems like its coming from under driver side to center, could this be worn struts? Its a 2008 - c300 sport w/ 65K. This is my first issue.

dgcsju

I have same rattle too - 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic. Its coming from undercarriage, but I have no idea what it is. i've asked dealership to look at 3 times and they can't replicate the sound. It happens at low speeds going over expansion joints in the road. Could it be loose muffler brackets?

95_993

I am experiencing a rattle/looseness in the front suspension. Car is 2010 4matic sport with 22k miles. It's most pronounced at lower speeds in morning when you drive it the first 5-10 miles. Took it to the dealer and they were not able to replicate. I can feel it the though the steering wheel and I am shocked the tech is not able to detect it. I am leaving car over night with them next week so they can drive it in the morning. Nothing worse that a nice firm suspension that rattles....feels like crap. My 911 has a firm suspension but none of the "looseness" i am experiencing on the c300. Suspension feels like I am driving a NYC taxi.

It feels like strut bearing plates but that's just me. The service managers dismiss everything you tell them and say the tech will find whatever's wrong. Well the didn't and I am giving them 1 more shot.

dgcsju

Well after about 5 service trips to 2 different dealers, I got the same response - tech could not replicate sound....something is definitely wrong but I can't get anyone to fix it because I guess I'm the only one hearing things! So frustrating.

95_993

^^^i'm with ya...frustrating.

I can feel it in the steering wheel and I am thinking " how can any respectable tech not feel this???". Definitely more noticeable when you first start driving the and it's cold out. Haven't dropped it off again because it's such a hassle.

Ps - it's not just because the suspension is firm either. I also have a 911 that I take on the track that doesn't feel like this.....and that's firm.