seanvree

Gents,

I took my C300 in to MB of Seattle today. I showed them distortion, and they confirmed that it's not right. I actually sent this thread link to them.

So, we are making headway! Good job gents.

elvan

I brought the car in about 2 weeks ago take care of the fuel tank recall and the speaker rattle. The car sat for 7 days in the shop while service techs were awaiting for repair instructions from MBUSA. Apparently, there is an ongoing investigation into this issue and an official fix has not been issued.

rex5

I noticed the rattle of the speakers the day I drove it off the lot. Told multiple times that the service department hears no rattle. Had to get head of service department to listen in car with me and he actually looked at me and said it is the CDs you are playing. Incredible and demeaning to the customer. I am sure James Taylor doesn't rattle on any other speakers in the world. Only in Mercedes C class cars apparently. It is only on vocals and there is no issue with bass. The best way to display it to anyone is have someone call you on the phone in the car. Any voice on the phone rattles the speaker grates and buttons on the doors like crazy. It is clear as day. Completely shocking and cheap quality. You hold the speaker grate and it disappears. Shoddy workmanship and Burmester is very much aware of the issue. Email them and they can send your service department detailed instructions on how to pimp the doors which may prevent this buzzing issue. It seems the manufacturing of this car in the US is at a low level.

MFI2015

I posted this in another thread but it might be relevant here too:

Hi all,


Just wanted to share that I too have experienced this buzz/rattle thing in a brand new C400. I first noticed it driving off the lot right after purchase at low volumes. It occurred in both right and left doors.

After a few weeks I took the car to our local dealership in Valencia, CA and the technicians had the car for nearly 4 days (no loaner available) and diagnosed the problem as a plastic clip near the speaker that had broken in the doors. The clip took two days to arrive from Alabama. Everything was fine for about 3 days, then I got a phone call in the car and as you know, the compression for voice calls is very strong. I believe the dramatic volume increase when taking a call while listening to music is what is breaking these plastic clips. As soon as the call started, the rattle came back and has continued ever since.

I tried to return the car to the dealership for another 'fix'. Unfortunately I wasn't able to wait 20 minutes to get checked in (had a flight) so my 70k C400 stereo still sounds like crap. I can't stand talking on the phone in the car now because of this and if I do listen to the stereo, I have to turn it up louder than the rattle so I don't go crazy.

Last week a friend rented a 2015 C300 and complained about his rattling speakers. I guess is a pretty common problem worthy of a recall. This is my first luxury vehicle and I'm very disappointed in Mercedes about it.

MFI2015

And if you need to find a song that does it, try "Comin Back" by Crystal Method. The intro does it every time for me.

ManiacGT

Thankfully I've not got this issue however I do find the Sos system volume to be practically inaudible.

Nikolaivisch

I too have the same problem mainly during voice calls and when listening to stringed instruments on the Burmeister stereo. The sound seems to be coming from the seat adjustment buttons on both sides. Booking it in next week, it’s very annoying and sounds cheap. Spoils an otherwise fantastic system as most other kind of music I never experience the rattles.

seanvree

Guys!!!!

I just got back from my dealer. I explained the problem to them about a week ago, they ordered a new front speaker and right door speaker. I also printed off this thread and told them about the "clips" a previous user had posted. They said they didn't find anything wrong with the clips, but they went ahead and replaced the speakers and it's fixed now.

SO GLAD!!!

Good luck!

jolt8631

So glad to "hear" all is now well. - Sorry, couldn't resist.

Amazing such a small thing can have such a major impact. All the very best.

heyjoe

I'm delighted that I have no issues with the Burmester in my November 2014 build C400. It's a little bassy sometimes, but it is far and away the best stereo I've ever had in any car, including many BMWs, and it has never buzzed or rattled.

Given that I have the wind noise and several other noise problems, including door seals that have started creaking at only 5200 miles, I really appreciate the ability to crank up the music so I can enjoy the power and handling of the car (while dodging the potholes of Los Angeles).

Snarfalus

I had rattling from both front speakers. My dealer said Mercedes issued a fix that has to do with the speaker mounts. They did fix mine, initially. Now the right side is acting up again. It acts up the most with things like CNN radio, the telephone, voices, ect. Music, not so much, but it seems be something in the door panel rattling. The passenger side is really rattling now. It seems to have much to do with temperature variations. Also, if you press on the door panel sometimes you can get it to stop.

They did totally fix the driver's side at least. Next time I take it in I will have them address it. I think the hardware on the door and certain trim resonates at some frequencies and causes it. It needs damping. They put great speakers in but did not take into account that the whole car door is effectively a speaker cabinet.

There is something called a glide tone that could probably reproduce this issue at a specific frequency to demonstrate it to the service department.

MFI2015

Here's a video I just made to show you how to demonstrate the speaker buzz/rattle for your dealership should they not believe you or say they don't hear it. Considering this was recorded on an iPhone, in person it's even more obvious.


Hope this helps!

MFI2015

And thanks to Gary W for the tip on using this app!

arnold0523

After you showed the video to the dealership, did they fix it? I checked another video on the forum, and it was pointing to the seat buttons. I assume it's not hard to fix?

Snarfalus

My dealer said Mercedes issued an official fix that has to do with the speaker mounts, but they were only able to fix the driver's side issue. The passenger side still buzzes occasionally. At least, they told me it was fixed and then it sort of came back. It was fixed for about a week. Then the issue returned on the passenger side. The driver's side is better, but it still happens. Edit: Sorry I already posted this.

getto

your demo confirms what I have experienced with C300/C400 Burmeister (sh**ty) audio system. I had my C3004M Burmeister audio replaced a week after I bought it.
Burmesster Audio does not measure up to the rest of the car.

jolt8631

Correction - YOUR Burmester Audio doesn't measure up. Mine, and the majority of others, are fine.

whippet007

My Burmester Audio System works perfectly fine as does the rest of my car!

I would like to add that it is one of the best ( stock) Audio Systems that I have experienced in a vehicle.

CO2010

I have noticed that over time the sound quality of my Burmester has gotten better. It rattled like crazy for the first 2-3 months. Now I can play the same track and experience no rattle whatsoever. Strangest thing.

getto

I guess that means you guys are willing to settle for less AUDIO quality

jolt8631

Hmm - here we go again... Anyone the doesn't have Wind Noise is lacking in hearing ability, anyone whose Bumester doesn't have rattles doesn't understand what music should sound like.

I am clearly deaf and daft!

whippet007

I never thought of it that way.

I must be too!

getto

Well said

jolt8631

I won't rise to the trolling.

elvan

Still no resolution to my open case. My dealership"s hands are tied as MBUSA has instructed not to replace the speaker until the audio firmware update (no available eta) has been applied to vehicle. I am assuming that this is the update first mentioned by Sneaks09 back in Feb. I have been very patient but this is becoming absurd.