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Opinions / Advice on 2017 E550 m278 engine noise

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Old Oct 15, 2024 | 07:56 PM
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Opinions / Advice on 2017 E550 m278 engine noise

2017 E550 m278, engine seems excessively noisy
I bought the car earlier this year with 90k miles. I do not hear the noise in the cabin and it is barely noticeable with the hood shut. I have removed my mufflers and resonators, but doubt that caused an issue. I am not sure if this is just the way the engine sounds due to the direct inject, turbos or general design or if I am in need of some repair work. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

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https://photos.app.*******/PhbzrySSKDGQiDEX8
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Old Oct 17, 2024 | 09:39 AM
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Not sure my video link is working

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AnaERzGmMz7bkucL...GlP4Q?e=SPaE1n

Last edited by jac1502; Oct 17, 2024 at 09:47 AM. Reason: link not working
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 09:04 PM
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there has to be someone with the same motor to compare?
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 09:11 PM
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I have a 2014 E550 m278…which afaik is the last year MB put m278 in an E-class. I’m not saying you don’t have one, but it would be the first one I’ve heard of…they still made S550’s until 2017 with m278, I believe.

Are you in the US?
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 09:13 PM
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Also, what is the manufacture date on the plate inside the driver door?
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 09:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
Also, what is the manufacture date on the plate inside the driver door?
I appreciate your response.
US car 2017 Mercedes E550 coupe with a biturbo 4.6L (edit 4.6L) V8. Am I incorrect about that being a m278 engine?
Manufacture date 10/2016.



Last edited by jac1502; Oct 21, 2024 at 10:13 PM.
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 11:23 PM
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Nope, I’m wrong and that’s a beautiful car!! Of course I’m a little biased, as it looks like a fresher clone of my black coupe! Nice wheels too (jealous!). Ok now I’ll try to listen for the sound issue
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Old Oct 21, 2024 | 11:33 PM
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That does sound rather familiar, and I’ve been told that’s mostly the DI engine. However, some within this forum would recommend a slightly thicker oil viscosity and/or more frequent oil changes, since our hot turbo engines cause the oil to shear faster, lowering viscosity and resulting in a noisier engine.

I’m no expert by any measure, though I’ve replaced VVT gear, water pump and turbo coolant lines on that engine…so I’m earning my keep at least. Lol

Hopefully others chime in soon! Good luck
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Old Oct 22, 2024 | 06:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
That does sound rather familiar, and I’ve been told that’s mostly the DI engine. However, some within this forum would recommend a slightly thicker oil viscosity and/or more frequent oil changes, since our hot turbo engines cause the oil to shear faster, lowering viscosity and resulting in a noisier engine.

I’m no expert by any measure, though I’ve replaced VVT gear, water pump and turbo coolant lines on that engine…so I’m earning my keep at least. Lol

Hopefully others chime in soon! Good luck
Thank you for the compliments as well as the information!
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Old Oct 22, 2024 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by jac1502
This is the normal sound of the M278 engine. I have same engine and vehicle, my year is 2012 and sounds identical.
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Old Oct 22, 2024 | 10:39 AM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
That does sound rather familiar, and I’ve been told that’s mostly the DI engine. However, some within this forum would recommend a slightly thicker oil viscosity and/or more frequent oil changes, since our hot turbo engines cause the oil to shear faster, lowering viscosity and resulting in a noisier engine.

I’m no expert by any measure, though I’ve replaced VVT gear, water pump and turbo coolant lines on that engine…so I’m earning my keep at least. Lol

Hopefully others chime in soon! Good luck
@Jaybird123 I see you have both an E63 Sedan and E550 Coupe. Is there noticable performance difference in terms of speed? I am sure the E63 Sedan handles better as it has a better suspension setup, but wanted to get a sense if there is a big difference in acceleration and speed given that the coupe is much lighter than the sedan.
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Old Oct 22, 2024 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by ibbij
@Jaybird123 I see you have both an E63 Sedan and E550 Coupe. Is there noticable performance difference in terms of speed? I am sure the E63 Sedan handles better as it has a better suspension setup, but wanted to get a sense if there is a big difference in acceleration and speed given that the coupe is much lighter than the sedan.
Great question! I do love both of these cars, though I’m a bit sad that the turbos are a weak link and such an $$ pain to replace (as my m278 needs done now).

So, the m278 is pretty quick due to the OETuner Stage 1 map. It’s also fun as it’s RWD and I’m very used to those (past BMWs and MBs). However, the E63S stock is significantly faster than the tuned m278. Almost shockingly so…when you punch the m157 at 30mph it’s what I call ‘video game fast’ up to 90mph without hesitation.

I’m still debating if or how much tuning I will do with the m157, both on account of stock performance being so great and fear of longevity concerns. There would be little to gain on street driving, as it takes full concentration as is…it’s that quick. Does that make sense? The AWD plus LSD also plays a significant part in delivering that higher performance I think…I do enjoy the coupe still…but it’s just not as exhilarating
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
Great question! I do love both of these cars, though I’m a bit sad that the turbos are a weak link and such an $$ pain to replace (as my m278 needs done now).

So, the m278 is pretty quick due to the OETuner Stage 1 map. It’s also fun as it’s RWD and I’m very used to those (past BMWs and MBs). However, the E63S stock is significantly faster than the tuned m278. Almost shockingly so…when you punch the m157 at 30mph it’s what I call ‘video game fast’ up to 90mph without hesitation.

I’m still debating if or how much tuning I will do with the m157, both on account of stock performance being so great and fear of longevity concerns. There would be little to gain on street driving, as it takes full concentration as is…it’s that quick. Does that make sense? The AWD plus LSD also plays a significant part in delivering that higher performance I think…I do enjoy the coupe still…but it’s just not as exhilarating
Sorry for my delayed response, busy couple of days. Thanks for this, I've always wondered how much the extra 0.8L of displacement played a role in the vehicle's ability between the two engines and their turbos. I do love the stock E550, I'm in no need for more thrust personally, my goal is to keep it well maintained and see how high of a mileage I can achieve. I'm averaging over 28 mpg highway most commutes, 23 mpg overall, considering my vehicle is at 120K miles, I'm gladit still has such high fuel efficiency. I have verified it by use of the miles driven from full tank divided by the amount of fuel refilled.
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 07:45 AM
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I definitely experience better mpg in the m278, which aligns with documentation from MB. I have not calculated exactly in the m157 yet, but I was getting 26+mpg in the m278 with 135k mi. I would guess low 20mpg’s max in the m157, also must factor in frequent WOT runs since it’s still so new to me and so fun haha.

I replaced SO many critical parts on my m278, I simply have to do the turbos and extend its life. My only longevity concern after that will be the tranny. I’ve heard a faint whine occasionally upon acceleration. :/
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 11:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
I definitely experience better mpg in the m278, which aligns with documentation from MB. I have not calculated exactly in the m157 yet, but I was getting 26+mpg in the m278 with 135k mi. I would guess low 20mpg’s max in the m157, also must factor in frequent WOT runs since it’s still so new to me and so fun haha.

I replaced SO many critical parts on my m278, I simply have to do the turbos and extend its life. My only longevity concern after that will be the tranny. I’ve heard a faint whine occasionally upon acceleration. :/
it may sound funny, but I have enjoyed a lot replacing old parts with brand new parts for the suspension and other critical systems. It hasn’t made me irritated, for some reason I love this car too much to care. I hit 120K miles on it this morning on the commute to work. At this point my hope is the vehicle runs smoothly for the next 10-20K miles before next needed part replacement.

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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 06:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Jaybird123
Great question! I do love both of these cars, though I’m a bit sad that the turbos are a weak link and such an $$ pain to replace (as my m278 needs done now).

So, the m278 is pretty quick due to the OETuner Stage 1 map. It’s also fun as it’s RWD and I’m very used to those (past BMWs and MBs). However, the E63S stock is significantly faster than the tuned m278. Almost shockingly so…when you punch the m157 at 30mph it’s what I call ‘video game fast’ up to 90mph without hesitation.

I’m still debating if or how much tuning I will do with the m157, both on account of stock performance being so great and fear of longevity concerns. There would be little to gain on street driving, as it takes full concentration as is…it’s that quick. Does that make sense? The AWD plus LSD also plays a significant part in delivering that higher performance I think…I do enjoy the coupe still…but it’s just not as exhilarating
Do you think the turbo failure has anything to do with the tune? I have also heard the lack of a blow off valve can be hard on the turbos, not sure the accuracy of it. I would very much like to tune my car and I am leaning towards adding a blow off valve system prior to maintain reliability, but if it is not a fix I will just live with high flow filters and a deleted exhaust from the cats back as it sits now. My wheels make it look fast enough.
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Old Oct 24, 2024 | 11:23 PM
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In short, I think the tune was likely a part of their demise…however, I should’ve installed decatted downpipes to alleviate some back pressure. Also, I went cheaper on tuning as I didn’t know as much about various methods to increase power back then. Finally, from what I’ve seen and learned from Tasos videos…those turbos are junk. They all fail due to wastegate issues, housing cracks, etc etc.

I will buy aftermarket improved turbos to replace them…but I don’t have a lift in my garage to facilitate the engine out repair.
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