Need Help With Rattling Sound on Startup
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Joined: Mar 2018
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C200 W204
Need Help With Rattling Sound on Startup
Hi fellow members,
I've just joined this forum and I need your help!
I have a C200 CGI (W204). Whenever I cold start the car, I hear a rattling noise from the engine for about 3 seconds, and then the noise goes away. I have read the pdf shared by mb techman, along with his thread on this issue, but my engine is M271 and it's not mentioned in the pdf. I was wondering if the same solution can work on my engine?
Note: If you're not aware of the pdf, the solution was to replace the chain tensioners and oil return check valves.
Thank you.
I've just joined this forum and I need your help!
I have a C200 CGI (W204). Whenever I cold start the car, I hear a rattling noise from the engine for about 3 seconds, and then the noise goes away. I have read the pdf shared by mb techman, along with his thread on this issue, but my engine is M271 and it's not mentioned in the pdf. I was wondering if the same solution can work on my engine?
Note: If you're not aware of the pdf, the solution was to replace the chain tensioners and oil return check valves.
Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 435
Likes: 81
From: New Zealand
W204 C200, BMW E30 M3, 1980Gt Mini, Toyota Corona, KTM 200 EXC.
Hi,
I replaced the timing chain on my c200k at 100,000 km and although the chain did not appear to be stretched the rattle on start up is about 1/2 of what it was, mine is 2008 and I did not replace the tensioner. I would start with an oil change and genuine filter and see what difference that makes as a first step bearing in ming that you may end up with further repair work.
I replaced the timing chain on my c200k at 100,000 km and although the chain did not appear to be stretched the rattle on start up is about 1/2 of what it was, mine is 2008 and I did not replace the tensioner. I would start with an oil change and genuine filter and see what difference that makes as a first step bearing in ming that you may end up with further repair work.
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Joined: Sep 2013
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
I will pass on some 3rd party information from a personal friend who owns an indy shop and was trained in Germany.
M271 engine has components in timing chain drive that require oil pressure to function. If the noise goes away quickly, then it is probably no issue. If the noise does not go away there may be issues with the chain, chain tensioner, or variable valve timing mechanism. There are procedures to check for timing chain wear (aka stretch) that can be found on YouTube. Variable valve timing issues usually set a code and illuminate the check engine light. A new timing chain can be "walked" into the engine from the top by a medium level DIYer or for reasonable cost at a shop. Replacing the variable vavle timing mechanism is not much more difficult but the parts are costly. Replacing the tensioner is intensive and requires much disassembly.
Unless the engine sees redline RPMs regularly, the chain can be expected to last 95 000 mi (150 000 km).
3 seconds sounds to me like it would be no issue, but if you are concerned, check with an indy shop that specializes in Benz.
M271 engine has components in timing chain drive that require oil pressure to function. If the noise goes away quickly, then it is probably no issue. If the noise does not go away there may be issues with the chain, chain tensioner, or variable valve timing mechanism. There are procedures to check for timing chain wear (aka stretch) that can be found on YouTube. Variable valve timing issues usually set a code and illuminate the check engine light. A new timing chain can be "walked" into the engine from the top by a medium level DIYer or for reasonable cost at a shop. Replacing the variable vavle timing mechanism is not much more difficult but the parts are costly. Replacing the tensioner is intensive and requires much disassembly.
Unless the engine sees redline RPMs regularly, the chain can be expected to last 95 000 mi (150 000 km).
3 seconds sounds to me like it would be no issue, but if you are concerned, check with an indy shop that specializes in Benz.
