Wind noise in C400
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 517
Likes: 22
From: California
Mercedes C250 Coupe
My C class still is being built. But to find the source of wind noise like people have described shouldn't require a mechanic. Just a roll of blue painters tape and some time to tape up areas you think it is, and then take a drive. if wind is gone, start removing pieces until you have your source. Once isolated, easier to fix yourself or get the dealer to replace seal, etc.
This sailor is impressed.
ez
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
Ferrari, Lexus, Toyota
If a few people do that here and post results, the leaks are probably coming from same area. Most mechanics won't mind if you give them a head start of troubleshooting that you have done.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C350
I have the same issue on a 2/10/15 C300 build. I looked at the front window stripping and its unusual that it stops a inch from the top. I looked at several other cars (in my parking lot), BMW, Audi, etc and they all have some kind of stripping all the way up to the top of the windshield. Appears like a bad design (what do I know, I just want the wind noise gone). Get the pleasure of having to schedule a service visit on a car I've had 3 days.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I have the same issue on a 2/10/15 C300 build. I looked at the front window stripping and its unusual that it stops a inch from the top. I looked at several other cars (in my parking lot), BMW, Audi, etc and they all have some kind of stripping all the way up to the top of the windshield. Appears like a bad design (what do I know, I just want the wind noise gone). Get the pleasure of having to schedule a service visit on a car I've had 3 days.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
You have distinct advantage Stan of experiencing the difference with and without the noise with all your loaners. Did you notice anything different about doors/seals/etc from cars with and without the noise?
Nobody to date has found a source or fix that I'm aware of, with the exception of someone with a mirror gasket missing which was another issue all together and causing massive air leak by the speaker.
It also doesn't seem to just be the Alabama built cars. And door alignment checked and seals were changed by someone, w/o resolution of the noise. Very specific where it is at the front, top driver and passenger door.
Last edited by floridadriver; Feb 16, 2015 at 10:37 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
2015 c300
I am bringing my car in next week for a variety of issues and I am not sure if I should bring up the wind noise issue as it seems that most people are hearing the noise at 50+mph and I am getting the noise at 70mph and above. The problem is I highway commute to work so I basically have the noise all the time. Do you guys have any thoughts? Am I being picky or should there be a quiet cabin between 70-80mph? Thanks in advance for the responses.
-Matt
-Matt
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
Ferrari, Lexus, Toyota
I am bringing my car in next week for a variety of issues and I am not sure if I should bring up the wind noise issue as it seems that most people are hearing the noise at 50+mph and I am getting the noise at 70mph and above. The problem is I highway commute to work so I basically have the noise all the time. Do you guys have any thoughts? Am I being picky or should there be a quiet cabin between 70-80mph? Thanks in advance for the responses.
-Matt
-Matt
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
I agree with HelenR...the issue will not be addressed unless you bring it up. The folks at MB called and stated that currently there is no fix...I would like to think however that once this issue gets on their radar something may be done.
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
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 457
Likes: 16
From: Columbus, GA
'25 MB GLE 450, w/airmatic
Just picked up my C300 yesterday and on the 35-40 mile drive home I noticed whispers of wind noise while on the highway (55 mph speed limit).
Today I took it for a test drive on the freeway (65 mph speed limit) and noticed the wind noise whispering constantly.
It really isn't any different than any other car I've owned, so I'm not sure I would report it as an issue.
Today I took it for a test drive on the freeway (65 mph speed limit) and noticed the wind noise whispering constantly.
It really isn't any different than any other car I've owned, so I'm not sure I would report it as an issue.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
Just picked up my C300 yesterday and on the 35-40 mile drive home I noticed whispers of wind noise while on the highway (55 mph speed limit).
Today I took it for a test drive on the freeway (65 mph speed limit) and noticed the wind noise whispering constantly.
It really isn't any different than any other car I've owned, so I'm not sure I would report it as an issue.
Today I took it for a test drive on the freeway (65 mph speed limit) and noticed the wind noise whispering constantly.
It really isn't any different than any other car I've owned, so I'm not sure I would report it as an issue.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: East Yorkshire, England
S205 C250 Sport prem+ Airmatic / E220 CDI Coupe / Lexus RX400h
I've been complaining of the A-Pillar wind noise issue to my dealer since December. They've tightened up the front doors and it has reduced the noise a bit. When I complained in February the dealer took it for a test drive and said it was normal road noise. I complained again yesterday when at the dealers for a sat-nav update and they said Mercedes were working on fixing a door seal problem. So which is it, normal road noise or a door seal problem?
Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 199
Likes: 2
From: Midwest
2015 C 300
Honestly, it could be a little bit of both. Wind noise can be a subjective thing, and it's hard to prove if it's normal or an issue. I drove two cars yesterday, one of which was a Lexus IS 250, and both had considerably more wind noise on the highway than my C300 (which I do believe has the wind noise issue).
With that said, MB may have indeed found a design of implementation defect (definitely wouldn't be the first time), in which case there definitely is a defect that they can fix. Hopefully that is the case.
I'm compiling a list of issues (mainly small ones) with my car and will take it in to get them all addressed at once when I feel like MB has more info on each. I don't want to take multiple trips to the dealer while they figure these things out.
With that said, MB may have indeed found a design of implementation defect (definitely wouldn't be the first time), in which case there definitely is a defect that they can fix. Hopefully that is the case.
I'm compiling a list of issues (mainly small ones) with my car and will take it in to get them all addressed at once when I feel like MB has more info on each. I don't want to take multiple trips to the dealer while they figure these things out.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 600
Likes: 4
From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I've been complaining of the A-Pillar wind noise issue to my dealer since December. They've tightened up the front doors and it has reduced the noise a bit. When I complained in February the dealer took it for a test drive and said it was normal road noise. I complained again yesterday when at the dealers for a sat-nav update and they said Mercedes were working on fixing a door seal problem. So which is it, normal road noise or a door seal problem?
Some one on another post recommended running vent on high with door closed and feel for leaks, I did that and my back doors are pretty tight and consistent. My front doors leak out air at various spots of window seal and door weatherstripping, and at different spots both sides.
My dealer's working on it, but says most of their cars have similar sound in wind, but agree, it's the loudest wind noise of any model on their lot and soon will change my window and door seals and try and shim.
Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: California Central Coast
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
Has anyone seen the new C300 TV spot called "The Choice"? One of the claims is "the quietest, or nothing"! A bit of a stretch IMHO!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Subway
Maybe this has already been tried, but I've stopped wind noise in other cars that sounds like the door isn't fully shut by adjusting the latch on the door. If you stand outside your vehicle, press with your palm against the edge of your closed door and if there is any play or squishiness with the seal, your door is probably not tight enough to seal out the wind.
I don't have a C400, but on other cars you can adjust the latch on the door. Loosen the latch housing and move it towards the door's exterior for a tighter seal. I've had cars where the road noise was so bad it sounded like the window was cracked and it completely solved the problem. Adjusting it only a couple millimeters can have a dramatic effect on silencing road noise. You'll know you adjusted too far if you can't close the door (it won't latch) otherwise you can't screw up anything.
Considering MBUSA can't visually observe terribly aligned bumpers, I would not expect them to be installing the doors with any precision. So maybe it's a simple fix you can do yourself.
I don't have a C400, but on other cars you can adjust the latch on the door. Loosen the latch housing and move it towards the door's exterior for a tighter seal. I've had cars where the road noise was so bad it sounded like the window was cracked and it completely solved the problem. Adjusting it only a couple millimeters can have a dramatic effect on silencing road noise. You'll know you adjusted too far if you can't close the door (it won't latch) otherwise you can't screw up anything.
Considering MBUSA can't visually observe terribly aligned bumpers, I would not expect them to be installing the doors with any precision. So maybe it's a simple fix you can do yourself.
Last edited by Stripler; Mar 27, 2015 at 02:45 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
Mercedes C300, BMW X5
I've been complaining of the A-Pillar wind noise issue to my dealer since December. They've tightened up the front doors and it has reduced the noise a bit. When I complained in February the dealer took it for a test drive and said it was normal road noise. I complained again yesterday when at the dealers for a sat-nav update and they said Mercedes were working on fixing a door seal problem. So which is it, normal road noise or a door seal problem?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta
2015 C400
I have a C400 that's less than a week old and there is A LOT of wind noise coming from the driver side window at +40mph. I have carbon fiber mirror caps on and I thought they were causing the noise but I don't believe that to be the case as the passenger side doesn't seem nearly as loud at highway speed.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
c300
Bad Wind Noise C Class due to faulty mirror design
was disappointed to hear very loud wind noise on the highway or any speeds above 50 the day I brought home a 2015 C300.
brought car back to dealer and they reported the wind noise is due to the mirrors and not any issue with the door seals, windows or sunroof.
Would say that this is a major design issue for Mercedes and if the mirrors are causing this much noise they need to be redesigned.
I regret not test driving the car on the highway. It is pretty bad wind noise. Music does cover it up a bit.
the noise reminds me of a Toyota corolla I had in the 90s not a Mercedes benz. I hope they fix the mirrors for the 2016 model, will reconsider buying this car when they do.
brought car back to dealer and they reported the wind noise is due to the mirrors and not any issue with the door seals, windows or sunroof.
Would say that this is a major design issue for Mercedes and if the mirrors are causing this much noise they need to be redesigned.
I regret not test driving the car on the highway. It is pretty bad wind noise. Music does cover it up a bit.
the noise reminds me of a Toyota corolla I had in the 90s not a Mercedes benz. I hope they fix the mirrors for the 2016 model, will reconsider buying this car when they do.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
2017 GLC300 4MATIC; 2015 c400
I drove a c300 loaner that had quite a bit of wind noise, whereas my c400 hardly has any. Seeing as how it isn't reported across the board, it seems like a fitment issue more than a design flaw.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
I have the same mirrors without any noise from them. It has to be something else.
gnus... as you've driven a car with and without the wind noise, can you describe what it sounds like in the car with the noise? What it sounded like?
gnus... as you've driven a car with and without the wind noise, can you describe what it sounds like in the car with the noise? What it sounded like?
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 79
Likes: 1
2017 GLC300 4MATIC; 2015 c400
In my car, there's still a whisper of crosswind, but it's very very muted; and I would consider quieter in comparison to other cars I've owned.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I compared the weatherstripping on the doors, as well as the mirror fit between the two cars and found no differences at all between the 8/14 and 3/15 builds.
Last edited by StanNH; Apr 16, 2015 at 10:04 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
was disappointed to hear very loud wind noise on the highway or any speeds above 50 the day I brought home a 2015 C300.
brought car back to dealer and they reported the wind noise is due to the mirrors and not any issue with the door seals, windows or sunroof.
Would say that this is a major design issue for Mercedes and if the mirrors are causing this much noise they need to be redesigned.
I regret not test driving the car on the highway. It is pretty bad wind noise. Music does cover it up a bit.
the noise reminds me of a Toyota corolla I had in the 90s not a Mercedes benz. I hope they fix the mirrors for the 2016 model, will reconsider buying this car when they do.
brought car back to dealer and they reported the wind noise is due to the mirrors and not any issue with the door seals, windows or sunroof.
Would say that this is a major design issue for Mercedes and if the mirrors are causing this much noise they need to be redesigned.
I regret not test driving the car on the highway. It is pretty bad wind noise. Music does cover it up a bit.
the noise reminds me of a Toyota corolla I had in the 90s not a Mercedes benz. I hope they fix the mirrors for the 2016 model, will reconsider buying this car when they do.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 332
Likes: 10
From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2009 Audi A4, 2012 BMW 328i, 2014 Lexus RX 350, 2007 BMW 750Li, 2014 Yamaha FZ-09
I feel really sorry for the OP, most probably there's no solution for this problem. The main thing is that wind & tire noise perception is very subjective, so there's really not much to "fix".
Take your service advisor for example. He might be driving a $30k car, an Accord, Nissan, Toyota, something in that range. Those are pretty noisy cars. And you pop up, telling him your $55k Benz is noisy This is a very subjective experience and for him, your Benz, might be tomb-like.
I've been through this again and again. When I had the 5 Series, I thought, wow, what a quiet car. Anyone asking me, I would have sweared how quiet the 5 is. Then I got the 7 and "quiet" took a whole other dimension. All of a sudden, the 5 became pretty noisy.
Then I got the A4 and that seemed to me a very noisy car. Then I got the 328i and for two years I thought the windows don't close - can't wait to get rid of it. Then I got the Lexus and FINALLY the serenity came back, of course, at the expense of sportivity.
Long story short, it depends on what you're used to. After the 7 Series and the Lexus, everything sounds like an '83 Civic to me. There's no going back.
One more thing - like Jobs used to say. If you think C Class is noisy, well, then go and have a look at the 40+ pages thread on the 3 Series forum, all about wind and tire noise. That might give you some perspective.
Take your service advisor for example. He might be driving a $30k car, an Accord, Nissan, Toyota, something in that range. Those are pretty noisy cars. And you pop up, telling him your $55k Benz is noisy
This is a very subjective experience and for him, your Benz, might be tomb-like.I've been through this again and again. When I had the 5 Series, I thought, wow, what a quiet car. Anyone asking me, I would have sweared how quiet the 5 is. Then I got the 7 and "quiet" took a whole other dimension. All of a sudden, the 5 became pretty noisy.
Then I got the A4 and that seemed to me a very noisy car. Then I got the 328i and for two years I thought the windows don't close - can't wait to get rid of it. Then I got the Lexus and FINALLY the serenity came back, of course, at the expense of sportivity.
Long story short, it depends on what you're used to. After the 7 Series and the Lexus, everything sounds like an '83 Civic to me. There's no going back.
One more thing - like Jobs used to say. If you think C Class is noisy, well, then go and have a look at the 40+ pages thread on the 3 Series forum, all about wind and tire noise. That might give you some perspective.
