New C300. It's LOUD!! ????
#1
New C300. It's LOUD!! ????
Hello everyone, I've enjoyed reading posts. I am the proud owner of a C300. I special ordered it after testing various versions of the car. My must have was leather with ambient lights and the air suspension, I think the car should have come standard with those.
All said, this is THE loudest car inside I've ever owned above 45mph. Below that, not so bad. Engine is ok, right what expected and test drove.
There's not a sedan made today that's as loud as the Mercedes C300. There's a wind noise in the upper/front portions of the windows. It shows up around 45 and doesn't go away. In crosswinds it's terrible. It's not the normal wind noise that increases as speed goes up. I took it to the dealer, and they said 'it's a design flaw and part of the car, nothing to fix'. It wasn't present in the test drive cars I was in, but sure enough, it was in the loaner. I mentioned this board, and he checked the seals, and mirror and basically said it is what it is. The tires are also noisy, but I'm going to change them soon. Likely to Michelin Primacy MXV, I know not sporty, but quiet as a mouse, and I don't drive a Mercedes to be zipping around. I buy it to be luxurious and smooth.
ANYONE who has fixed a C300 with wind noise right by the driver and passengers front of the window? I'd truck my car to a dealer if they know what's going on. Anyone mechanically inclined is welcome to chime in.
Another question, if there's a TSB for window seal, or other changes, how would I know?
All said, this is THE loudest car inside I've ever owned above 45mph. Below that, not so bad. Engine is ok, right what expected and test drove.
There's not a sedan made today that's as loud as the Mercedes C300. There's a wind noise in the upper/front portions of the windows. It shows up around 45 and doesn't go away. In crosswinds it's terrible. It's not the normal wind noise that increases as speed goes up. I took it to the dealer, and they said 'it's a design flaw and part of the car, nothing to fix'. It wasn't present in the test drive cars I was in, but sure enough, it was in the loaner. I mentioned this board, and he checked the seals, and mirror and basically said it is what it is. The tires are also noisy, but I'm going to change them soon. Likely to Michelin Primacy MXV, I know not sporty, but quiet as a mouse, and I don't drive a Mercedes to be zipping around. I buy it to be luxurious and smooth.
ANYONE who has fixed a C300 with wind noise right by the driver and passengers front of the window? I'd truck my car to a dealer if they know what's going on. Anyone mechanically inclined is welcome to chime in.
Another question, if there's a TSB for window seal, or other changes, how would I know?
#3
Somebody smart, somewhere has a fix for this I'd hope.
Any ideas how I'd know when a fix was available? I'm certain I'm not alone.
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
It's not a design flaw, because many do not have any wind noise at all. It's more likely to be sloppy assembly. My own C300, which has certainly had its share of problems, is very quiet and free of wind noise.
#5
Super Moderator
![](https://staticssl.ibsrv.net/autocomm/Content/MB/mbwambassador2.gif)
It measures as one of the quietest cars in it's class sold in SA. Something is wrong!
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Hello everyone, I've enjoyed reading posts. I am the proud owner of a C300. I special ordered it after testing various versions of the car. My must have was leather with ambient lights and the air suspension, I think the car should have come standard with those.
All said, this is THE loudest car inside I've ever owned above 45mph. Below that, not so bad. Engine is ok, right what expected and test drove.
There's not a sedan made today that's as loud as the Mercedes C300. There's a wind noise in the upper/front portions of the windows. It shows up around 45 and doesn't go away. In crosswinds it's terrible. It's not the normal wind noise that increases as speed goes up. I took it to the dealer, and they said 'it's a design flaw and part of the car, nothing to fix'. It wasn't present in the test drive cars I was in, but sure enough, it was in the loaner. I mentioned this board, and he checked the seals, and mirror and basically said it is what it is. The tires are also noisy, but I'm going to change them soon. Likely to Michelin Primacy MXV, I know not sporty, but quiet as a mouse, and I don't drive a Mercedes to be zipping around. I buy it to be luxurious and smooth.
ANYONE who has fixed a C300 with wind noise right by the driver and passengers front of the window? I'd truck my car to a dealer if they know what's going on. Anyone mechanically inclined is welcome to chime in.
Another question, if there's a TSB for window seal, or other changes, how would I know?
All said, this is THE loudest car inside I've ever owned above 45mph. Below that, not so bad. Engine is ok, right what expected and test drove.
There's not a sedan made today that's as loud as the Mercedes C300. There's a wind noise in the upper/front portions of the windows. It shows up around 45 and doesn't go away. In crosswinds it's terrible. It's not the normal wind noise that increases as speed goes up. I took it to the dealer, and they said 'it's a design flaw and part of the car, nothing to fix'. It wasn't present in the test drive cars I was in, but sure enough, it was in the loaner. I mentioned this board, and he checked the seals, and mirror and basically said it is what it is. The tires are also noisy, but I'm going to change them soon. Likely to Michelin Primacy MXV, I know not sporty, but quiet as a mouse, and I don't drive a Mercedes to be zipping around. I buy it to be luxurious and smooth.
ANYONE who has fixed a C300 with wind noise right by the driver and passengers front of the window? I'd truck my car to a dealer if they know what's going on. Anyone mechanically inclined is welcome to chime in.
Another question, if there's a TSB for window seal, or other changes, how would I know?
I would be suspicious of the doors based on you perceiving it happening on both sides. It's possible, but less likely, that both doors were not properly hung. Also, if you "gun-sight" the doors on both sides, you will see if they were properly installed. Stand at the rear, directly behind the tail lamp on each side and look up along the side toward the front. Compare rear quarter and front fender to door. Is everything perfectly flush? Then stand at the sides and look at the doors in the aperture opening. Are the top edges from the front door to rear door on a continuous line, one not higher nor lower?
A problem across the top of the windshield could possibly produce turbulence perceived sound at both ends. Try these steps and it might help get you closer to a solution. I agree with Glyn (as usual!) that this does not sound like the design intent. However, keep on old assembly plant maxim in mind when a problem is found. "We never build just one of anything!"
Trending Topics
#8
Thank you all so much for ideas. I tried the taping trick and wasn't able to locate the sound. I tried ac on recirculate and standing outside. Good idea for stethoscope. Sometimes when cars pass at low speed to the side, it sounds like they are right there as though the window is open or door not shut. The windows all enter the run the same distance. The seals don't seem warped. There's no seal visible at the top and top sides of windshield which seems normal from other C300s. There seem to be repetitive reports of this sound at this specific area on this and other builetin boards. I'd hope for a TSB or a few solid leads before they pull door panels and create more issues.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
You lucked out man! This wind noise issue is a big one and seemingly common. Obviously some with the wind noise, and some not. A fix will come. I know it's a relatively new car, but I'm surprised NOBODY that's reported it has had one with the wind howl fixed. Makes me think at least it's not a design issue, but one of seals, fitting, etc...which means it SHOULD be fixable, once someone finds the source.
#10
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 133
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
I have an appointment Monday with my dealer to check on the wind noise and rear bumper cover misalignment. The service writer claims he has a particular mechanic that works on noise issues. I'll let you all know how it turns out. These are the only two issues I have with my car although when it was about 3 days old the keyless entry on the driver door and keyless trunk access quit working. After a few days of frustration, everything started working perfectly and continues to work after 3 weeks of ownership. My wife drove our C300 4matic from Oregon to our CA home this past week and averaged 34mpg for the 600 mile trip. I was pleased to say the least.
#11
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2015 C3004W
I have an appointment Monday with my dealer to check on the wind noise and rear bumper cover misalignment. The service writer claims he has a particular mechanic that works on noise issues. I'll let you all know how it turns out. These are the only two issues I have with my car although when it was about 3 days old the keyless entry on the driver door and keyless trunk access quit working. After a few days of frustration, everything started working perfectly and continues to work after 3 weeks of ownership. My wife drove our C300 4matic from Oregon to our CA home this past week and averaged 34mpg for the 600 mile trip. I was pleased to say the least.
#12
I have an appointment Monday with my dealer to check on the wind noise and rear bumper cover misalignment. The service writer claims he has a particular mechanic that works on noise issues. I'll let you all know how it turns out. These are the only two issues I have with my car although when it was about 3 days old the keyless entry on the driver door and keyless trunk access quit working. After a few days of frustration, everything started working perfectly and continues to work after 3 weeks of ownership. My wife drove our C300 4matic from Oregon to our CA home this past week and averaged 34mpg for the 600 mile trip. I was pleased to say the least.
#13
Well....I took my C in today to the dealer today and they had a tech ride with me in the car. The tech and I took out 2 other new C class, and they all sounded softly the same. I'm thinking it's an inherit flaw. We opened a case with MBUSA. I insisted noise level of wind greater than any car I've ever been in is NOT normal. The tech agreed that it was more wind noise than he thought should be there, but admitted he hadn't been in this W205 much. He said it was more noise than W204 at that area for sure, though the car overall less. I don't know what happens at that MBUSA level, if anything.
I also had them note my bumper step off, and they noted it as the same on all their cars, though agreed, if I wanted it fixed, they could do it under warranty to make it flush.
They said IF I wanted the to start pulling off inside door panels and changing the window and then door seal, and then pull off mirror and change it that they would...but I passed, as have no evidence that this would repair. Has anyone else had this done and it done any good?
I also had them note my bumper step off, and they noted it as the same on all their cars, though agreed, if I wanted it fixed, they could do it under warranty to make it flush.
They said IF I wanted the to start pulling off inside door panels and changing the window and then door seal, and then pull off mirror and change it that they would...but I passed, as have no evidence that this would repair. Has anyone else had this done and it done any good?
#14
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 133
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
Well, they've had my car for two full days. The service writer did call yesterday afternoon to ask me to leave the car another day so they could align the rear bumper cover but no report yet on noise issues. Keeping my fingers crossed.
#16
Out Of Control!!
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 11,842
Received 2,076 Likes
on
1,449 Posts
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ecu tune; edok tcu tune; BB intakes; dyno tuned
Guys... What on earth are they going to do to fix wind noise????
#17
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 133
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
For a loaner they gave me a GLK which is pretty decent. The dealer called a couple hours ago and said they nicked the tail light while working on the bumper cover and ordered a new light assembly. (stuff happens). Doesn't sound like they found anything specific concerning wind/road noise so I asked them to look into escalating the issue to MB. I just checked the wind noise poll results and a must say I am disappointed that more folks haven't voted. Come on folks, it only takes a few seconds. The more votes, the more accurate the poll.
#18
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 133
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
Thanks in advance,
Bill
#19
I escalated my case to MBUSA, and they act like this is the VERY first they've heard of the issue.
This car has a very focal sound at the front/top of driver and passenger window. Might not be noticed by some, but it's there. It's not there as badly in all of them, some worse than others, but the 2015 C has more wind noise right by the driver and front passengers ears even at it's best than most cars.
They need to come out with new seals or something. MBUSA can't do much. It's up to repeat fixes by the dealer. And if the dealer doesn't see one particular issue, their hands are tied too. I'm hopeful with your car in being fixed, that they try some new seals and such. Maybe replace windshield and side mirror gaskets, and door and side window seals, as all these have helped others in varying degrees of success (I read that on a Russian MB forum which also has a thread about this noise issue in the same area)
This car has a very focal sound at the front/top of driver and passenger window. Might not be noticed by some, but it's there. It's not there as badly in all of them, some worse than others, but the 2015 C has more wind noise right by the driver and front passengers ears even at it's best than most cars.
They need to come out with new seals or something. MBUSA can't do much. It's up to repeat fixes by the dealer. And if the dealer doesn't see one particular issue, their hands are tied too. I'm hopeful with your car in being fixed, that they try some new seals and such. Maybe replace windshield and side mirror gaskets, and door and side window seals, as all these have helped others in varying degrees of success (I read that on a Russian MB forum which also has a thread about this noise issue in the same area)
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Sunshine State
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
Received 4 Likes
on
4 Posts
2015 C300 RWD
Sure sounds like it Pete. As experiment, I used masking take around seals of window/door and mirror and it was significantly improved. Thicker acoustic tape would have probably been better, but didn't want to leave marks.
This issue also seems to increase with car age quickly, and here in Florida with warmer/cooer temp swings, suggesting something rubber that's amiss.
This issue also seems to increase with car age quickly, and here in Florida with warmer/cooer temp swings, suggesting something rubber that's amiss.
Last edited by floridadriver; 03-03-2015 at 09:57 PM.
#22
Senior Member
When I drove the car home from the dealer the wind noise was very subtle. Now at about 500 miles, I'm noticing it more. It may have been there all along, and I was just too enamored paying more attention to other things.
I still LOVE this car. This is my first Mercedes and I will always have one in the garage in the future.
I'm going to email my MBUSA contact, who helped me when my car was delayed at the plant.
I still LOVE this car. This is my first Mercedes and I will always have one in the garage in the future.
I'm going to email my MBUSA contact, who helped me when my car was delayed at the plant.
#23
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: California Central Coast
Posts: 133
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'13 VW Touareg, '15 Harley Ultra Limited, '15 C300 Spt, '14 Airstream Interstate, '16 VW Tiguan
I escalated my case to MBUSA, and they act like this is the VERY first they've heard of the issue.
This car has a very focal sound at the front/top of driver and passenger window. Might not be noticed by some, but it's there. It's not there as badly in all of them, some worse than others, but the 2015 C has more wind noise right by the driver and front passengers ears even at it's best than most cars.
They need to come out with new seals or something. MBUSA can't do much. It's up to repeat fixes by the dealer. And if the dealer doesn't see one particular issue, their hands are tied too. I'm hopeful with your car in being fixed, that they try some new seals and such. Maybe replace windshield and side mirror gaskets, and door and side window seals, as all these have helped others in varying degrees of success (I read that on a Russian MB forum which also has a thread about this noise issue in the same area)
This car has a very focal sound at the front/top of driver and passenger window. Might not be noticed by some, but it's there. It's not there as badly in all of them, some worse than others, but the 2015 C has more wind noise right by the driver and front passengers ears even at it's best than most cars.
They need to come out with new seals or something. MBUSA can't do much. It's up to repeat fixes by the dealer. And if the dealer doesn't see one particular issue, their hands are tied too. I'm hopeful with your car in being fixed, that they try some new seals and such. Maybe replace windshield and side mirror gaskets, and door and side window seals, as all these have helped others in varying degrees of success (I read that on a Russian MB forum which also has a thread about this noise issue in the same area)
#25
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Manchester, UK
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 0
Received 57 Likes
on
52 Posts
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
In the US of course, the market and laws being what they are, rejection is a bit easier. In the UK, we have no such protection and dealers are for the most part pretty poor because of it.