I recently picked up my new 2005 CLK500 cabriolet a few weeks ago (ordered it back in June) and am already having problems. I'm not sure if it's a short or a problem with the electrical system, but roughly 1 out of every 5 times I start the car with either keyless go or with the key, a LOUD squelching noise comes thru the speakers and will not stop until I turn off the car (or remove the key from the ignition). Imagine tuning your radio dial to a number with no frequency and then turning up the volume FULL blast. I have tried every combination to make this stop (starting the car with the top down, top up, etc). When it happens, I end up just starting to push buttons, I turn on/off NAV, nothing works until finally the noise stops. I do this routine probably 2-3 more times until the car actually starts normally.

I have made an appointment to take the car in next week to have this issue looked at, the problem is that it doesn't happen *every* time the car is started. So as my luck goes, I'm sure it will behave just fine when it's in for service.

I'm really bummed out about this issue. I traded in my 2001 BMW 330i for this car, having divorced myself from the whole BMW family for their horrendous design changes and now this happens

I'm just wondering if anyone else has encountered this issue before? I'm really hoping the MB service guys can determine what is causing this problem. It literally makes the car undrivable until I can find the right button pushing combinations to make the squelching stop (not to mention the nasty looks from people in the parking lot).

 

first of all congrats on the car!

second of all, it has been happening since the car was delivered? Do you have the regular sound system or the upgraded one? I don't think one of the wires would be short, because then it would happen all the time. Maybe the wire is loose? Hope the techs can figure it out. Keep us updated and good luck!

 

Thanks It really is a nice car, much better interior than my 330 was (no comparision really) and I can really feel the V8 power when I step on the gas.

The sound system is the standard with harmon/kardon speakers (no SIRIUS). It does have the DVD NAV and the 6-disc changer in the glove compartment. And in my frantic maneuvering of button pushing to get the squelching to stop, I do notice that the level of noise differs when I push the POWER button on the NAV.

I just hope they can find what it is and fix it! I'm at the point of dreading starting the car....I want to enjoy my new toy!

 

hmm... it's a short, but like I said, most likely just something loose. something interfering right behind the COMAND unit probably. The current difference when u turn on the COMAND made the level of noise different ah don't worry, warranty will take care of it, good luck

 

Hey, I had the exact same problem with ours, within the first week of owning it, no less. I would start the engine, turn on the stereo, and BLAM - the radio would come on FULL BLAST. No matter what I tried, I could not get the volume down. I shut it off for fear of blowing out the speakers. I took it in for service that week and they told me they "flashed" the radio and upgraded the program (I can't remember the techno-speak they gave me, but it sounded like they upgraded the radio's operating system/program). It's been working fine now for the last couple of months. Hope this helps.

BTW, we're starting to notice a rattle at the rear of the soft top (while the top's up). Sounds like something in the convertible top is loose. Anyone else notice this with their car?

 

Sounds like what would happen to my 745i. I'm betting this is a software problem, and a reflash may be needed.