Whining noise 2017 C43 Sedan while coasting - thoughts?
Speaking of the pandemic I wish you well and safe and I hope everyone else on the forums remains safe and well as well.
May I know which technician helped you fix the vehicle, or service manager or foreman?
What did you tell them, how did they identify the problem? Like generally what came to the conclusion of them admitting it is the rear differential?
Are you planning to get your driveshaft repaired as well? To fix the vibration. If so best of luck on that and keep me updated.
Thanks for all the help that you had provided already and any additional help that you can continue to provide!
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Jun 10, 2020 at 10:21 PM. Reason: Added information
Every Class seems to have its own set of issues as well when browsing through the different Class' forums. highly considering trying out another brand once my current lease is up.
Every Class seems to have its own set of issues as well when browsing through the different Class' forums. highly considering trying out another brand once my current lease is up.
I wonder what are the 6500 new parts that MB bragged about on the facelift.
PS: Test drove a 2019 C43 on their lot and the whining diff sound is also present (is this just a coincidence?)
I am on the fence of getting a facelift C43 cuz been having issues with my current car but after these test drives I am thinking twice.
Everything about the build quality/fit and finish has been noticeably superior to my ‘18 built in Alabama. My ‘18 made all sorts of weird noises after shutoff. My ‘20 is as quiet as my ’13 C63 was. Doors all thud with authority. Buttons click positively. Wipers are smooth.
I’ve only got 450 miles on it (thanks pandemic) since picking it up in late February, but it seems to get better the more I drive it.
Most of the high-performance cars I’ve driven, including E90 and F80 M3s, have a little diff noise. Or they’ll have tire noise from the wider rubber everywhere.
The whining I experienced on my ‘18 was like someone was sitting next to me in the passenger seat running their finger around the rim of a wine glass. It was very unpleasant.
With all the technology and electronics packed in these current generations of German cars, only the E and S-Class, with all of their sound insulation, seem to be whisper quiet.
How bad is the whining on the cars you are test driving? Do you have to listen for it with the radio off? Or is it impossible to ignore?
Everything about the build quality/fit and finish has been noticeably superior to my ‘18 built in Alabama. My ‘18 made all sorts of weird noises after shutoff. My ‘20 is as quiet as my ’13 C63 was. Doors all thud with authority. Buttons click positively. Wipers are smooth.
I’ve only got 450 miles on it (thanks pandemic) since picking it up in late February, but it seems to get better the more I drive it.
Most of the high-performance cars I’ve driven, including E90 and F80 M3s, have a little diff noise. Or they’ll have tire noise from the wider rubber everywhere.
The whining I experienced on my ‘18 was like someone was sitting next to me in the passenger seat running their finger around the rim of a wine glass. It was very unpleasant.
With all the technology and electronics packed in these current generations of German cars, only the E and S-Class, with all of their sound insulation, seem to be whisper quiet.
How bad is the whining on the cars you are test driving? Do you have to listen for it with the radio off? Or is it impossible to ignore?
As for the test drives, the sounds are very similar (quite loud actually too, but the radio was off tho, and the whining is the same speeds and same coasting or cruise control as the pre-facelift) , Idk if it is cuz the diffs needs to be broken in for the sound to disappear but I doubt it.
Speaking of E-class, the sound is present on a 2019 E450 coupe (which we both know it is Made in Germany). As for why I test drove this vehicle, I honestly can't remember lol, think it is because it has the same engine but I think the main reason is cuz I saw it on their lot (That reasoning probably makes no sense) but anyways, the E450 diff actually sound the same in terms of loudness (which I was surprised, Idk what is going on, maybe cuz they used the C43 diff in it? which is weird but anyways......)
I doubt we will ever get a South African built C43 in Canada so guess we are stuck with Alabama built C43 sedans.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
As for the test drives, the sounds are very similar (quite loud actually too, but the radio was off tho, and the whining is the same speeds and same coasting or cruise control as the pre-facelift) , Idk if it is cuz the diffs needs to be broken in for the sound to disappear but I doubt it.
Speaking of E-class, the sound is present on a 2019 E450 coupe (which we both know it is Made in Germany). As for why I test drove this vehicle, I honestly can't remember lol, think it is because it has the same engine but I think the main reason is cuz I saw it on their lot (That reasoning probably makes no sense) but anyways, the E450 diff actually sound the same in terms of loudness (which I was surprised, Idk what is going on, maybe cuz they used the C43 diff in it? which is weird but anyways......)
I doubt we will ever get a South African built C43 in Canada so guess we are stuck with Alabama built C43 sedans.
That's very interesting that all of the cars you test drove had the issue, including the E. I test drove one other Alabama-built '20 before choosing my South African-built '20 (which I did not test drive beforehand, as it was on the showroom floor with almost no mileage). I did not notice the whining noise in the car I drove, which is what gave me the confidence to get another C43 after my negative experience with the '18.
South African builds are pretty rare in the U.S., too. They're kind of like unicorns in that regard lol. One thing that has stuck out to me is how amazing the leather quality is. The "new car" smell is still there, and the leather is very supple and soft.
That's very interesting that all of the cars you test drove had the issue, including the E. I test drove one other Alabama-built '20 before choosing my South African-built '20 (which I did not test drive beforehand, as it was on the showroom floor with almost no mileage). I did not notice the whining noise in the car I drove, which is what gave me the confidence to get another C43 after my negative experience with the '18.
South African builds are pretty rare in the U.S., too. They're kind of like unicorns in that regard lol. One thing that has stuck out to me is how amazing the leather quality is. The "new car" smell is still there, and the leather is very supple and soft.
That is interesting, from your experience that means all 3 cars I test drove is not normal to have a whining diff noise.
Maybe just my weird luck to have the two facelift C43 I test drove with this noise plus an E450 having this noise.
Just for laughs and giggles, I asked to test drive a C300 and the noise wasn't there. So it was definitely not my head. My salesperson was willing to work with me for these drives, so that's good but now I am very indecisive...
Glad your new car doesn't have this issue. At least I can be assured that most facelift C43 doesn't have this issue. I am hoping that stays the case and not because not a lot of people has the facelift yet or that they don't go on this forum (I mean, it has been a full year since the facelift was available as MY19)
Can anyone else also comment if their 2019 or 2020 C43 has this issue or is this a Canada thing lol?
That's very interesting that all of the cars you test drove had the issue, including the E. I test drove one other Alabama-built '20 before choosing my South African-built '20 (which I did not test drive beforehand, as it was on the showroom floor with almost no mileage). I did not notice the whining noise in the car I drove, which is what gave me the confidence to get another C43 after my negative experience with the '18.
South African builds are pretty rare in the U.S., too. They're kind of like unicorns in that regard lol. One thing that has stuck out to me is how amazing the leather quality is. The "new car" smell is still there, and the leather is very supple and soft.
What is the definite issue then?
Not sure if you experienced the same but, my car is shuddering and the steering wheel is vibrating and giving me that tingling sensation.
This occurs at random speeds in above 30mph. On the Motorway however, it is more predominant.
MB Dealer in London who ive bought it from does not understand the issue.
My research and with the symptoms ofcourse, indicates to the following below issues:
Torque Converter Failing
Bad Driveshaft
Bad CV Axles
I have an E220d 2016 Full service history.
I really do not know what to do.
Any suggestions?
What is the definite issue then?
Not sure if you experienced the same but, my car is shuddering and the steering wheel is vibrating and giving me that tingling sensation.
This occurs at random speeds in above 30mph. On the Motorway however, it is more predominant.
MB Dealer in London who ive bought it from does not understand the issue.
My research and with the symptoms ofcourse, indicates to the following below issues:
Torque Converter Failing
Bad Driveshaft
Bad CV Axles
I have an E220d 2016 Full service history.
I really do not know what to do.
Any suggestions?
What is the definite issue then?
Not sure if you experienced the same but, my car is shuddering and the steering wheel is vibrating and giving me that tingling sensation.
This occurs at random speeds in above 30mph. On the Motorway however, it is more predominant.
MB Dealer in London who ive bought it from does not understand the issue.
My research and with the symptoms ofcourse, indicates to the following below issues:
Torque Converter Failing
Bad Driveshaft
Bad CV Axles
I have an E220d 2016 Full service history.
I really do not know what to do.
Any suggestions?
Alternatively, you can let the shop foreman drive the car as you ride in it, and instruct him on how to replicate the issue.
Driveshaft can definitely be an issue, but as stockbmw mentions below, tires is usually a quick/easy place to start, and then work down the line.
It's not always there, but it's there the majority of the time at those speeds. It seems to be a trait that is baked into the DNA of the C43 (and perhaps the models that share drivetrain components). I'm just going to live with it at this point.
I don't really have any advice for anyone, other than what I've done. If your dealership/MB is not cooperating, press hard. I was lucky as I pressed a 2nd time and the service manager took it seriously. 1st time I had a bad tech who blamed it on the turbo engines. lol. Some of you have different circumstances. Other than that and one other problem Mercedes wouldn't take care of, I'll post my VIN here so if a potential buyer searches for it, it comes up.
55SWF6EB6HU203492
I don't really have any advice for anyone, other than what I've done. If your dealership/MB is not cooperating, press hard. I was lucky as I pressed a 2nd time and the service manager took it seriously. 1st time I had a bad tech who blamed it on the turbo engines. lol. Some of you have different circumstances. Other than that and one other problem Mercedes wouldn't take care of, I'll post my VIN here so if a potential buyer searches for it, it comes up.
55SWF6EB6HU203492
Thanks for your update on the diff situation.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
It is a shame that there wasn't a real fix and it was disappointing how MB treated you.
If it wasn't your post we wouldn't even had noticed this sound and therefore wouldn't discover the fault so your post was very helpful.
My diff is also making the noise and it is louder and more apparent at below 0 celsius on top of the pulsing vibration from the driveshaft.
Unfortunately, I can't just return the car since it was financed. I do like the car though so there is that other than this issue and the other ones of course. I test drove a 2020 C43 sedan and also hear the sound so it is like a lottery trying to get one without.
Tested my ear by test driving a C300, yup no sound at those speeds, so it wasn't my ear making the sound. I guess MB just reused faulty parts on the newer model years because the majority won't notice it and MB can get away from it. To MB, if something doesn't throw a code means No Fault.
Meanwhile, I am sticking with my 2017 as I don't really like how quiet the facelift is and the design changes... but others like the changes like headlight and tailight and they consider the sound more refined so to each of their own.
Thanks again for your update, stay safe buddy!
Anyway, I've finally done some extended highway driving in cold weather and I definitely have a whining noise right at around 55 mph when coasting or maintaining speed. Different tone compared to my '18, but in the ballpark. Occurs at a slightly higher speed range (55 rather than 50).
I'm now convinced that virtually all of the C43 sedans have this, irrespective of whether they are the pre-facelift or facelift model, as the chance of having 2 cars back-to-back with a "rare" issue would be virtually nil (especially considering both cars were built in different countries). I just think the vast majority of owners either don't realize/hear it, don't care, mistake the noise for something else, or have music/something else covering the noise.
It's either a design flaw or a manufacturing quality flaw.
Anyway, I've finally done some extended highway driving in cold weather and I definitely have a whining noise right at around 55 mph when coasting or maintaining speed. Different tone compared to my '18, but in the ballpark. Occurs at a slightly higher speed range (55 rather than 50).
I'm now convinced that virtually all of the C43 sedans have this, irrespective of whether they are the pre-facelift or facelift model, as the chance of having 2 cars back-to-back with a "rare" issue would be virtually nil (especially considering both cars were built in different countries). I just think the vast majority of owners either don't realize/hear it, don't care, mistake the noise for something else, or have music/something else covering the noise.
It's either a design flaw or a manufacturing quality flaw.
Let's just think of this noise as a reminder that you are not driving the base model and it is about a sportier experience uniquely to MB on higher trim vehicles.
Edit: On a side note, some members here did eventually get MB to replace ones that don't whine. So I guess not all C43 rear diffs whine after all from what I discovered. just that MB has way too many of the same bad batch that functions as intended other than the noise and like you said no one notices, there are no lights on the dashboard, an ECU scan also returns nothing so they just put those in the facelifted vehicles and crossed their fingers.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Feb 15, 2021 at 10:31 AM.
Let's just think of this noise as a reminder that you are not driving the base model and it is about a sportier experience uniquely to MB on higher trim vehicles.
Edit: On a side note, some members here did eventually get MB to replace ones that don't whine. So I guess not all C43 rear diffs whine after all from what I discovered. just that MB has way too many of the same bad batch that functions as intended other than the noise and like you said no one notices, there are no lights on the dashboard, an ECU scan also returns nothing so they just put those in the facelifted vehicles and crossed their fingers.
As always, you have summarized the situation quite nicely.
I also agree with your framing of how to deal with the situation: it’s just time to accept it and deal with it. Problem is too widespread to be overly concerned about it. I may mention it at the first service, but otherwise, this car will be gone in 2 years.
Thanks for reminding me about your test drive observations with the C and the E, too.
As always, you have summarized the situation quite nicely.
I also agree with your framing of how to deal with the situation: it’s just time to accept it and deal with it. Problem is too widespread to be overly concerned about it. I may mention it at the first service, but otherwise, this car will be gone in 2 years.
Thanks for reminding me about your test drive observations with the C and the E, too.
Good luck with everything and hope to chat soon.
Good luck with everything and hope to chat soon.
And thank you very much! Same to you my friend.
We already have a tough time at work and with this pandemic, I don't see the point of creating more frustration by going to the dealership to try to fix something (well, if they fix it then that is great) but so far no one in the dealership knows what we are talking about and worse they kept saying it is normal.
From how I see it, it is just a waste of time, I (and I am sure you as well) have to constantly rearrange things so we can bring the vehicle in, all this makes the already unpleasant experience with the vehicle worse. Basically, rubbing salt into the wound. Better off just enjoying the good part of the car and "ignoring" (at least try to) the bad part of it or at least think of it as a feature or treat it as something positive.
I hope you are happier that way. I know it is early but do you have a brand of vehicle in mind? Are you going electric or want to hold on to ICE even if it goes 4 banger? Would be curious to hear your thoughts.






