What IS that noise!?!
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
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From: North Kingstown, RI
2018 C300 4MATIC; 2017 E400 Wagon
What IS that noise!?!
95 e320 with 115k miles. All services since new, plus many age/mileage related repairs from previous owner. Very gently used in the last 5-10 yrs (about 2-3k miles per yr - less in the past 2 or 3).
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
95 e320 with 115k miles. All services since new, plus many age/mileage related repairs from previous owner. Very gently used in the last 5-10 yrs (about 2-3k miles per yr - less in the past 2 or 3).
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 126
Likes: 3
W124, W220 S500 4matic, W140 S500, CLS55 AMG
Sounds like the bushing on the shock for the belt tensioner dried up!
There is a bushing in the little shock and when that dries up it vibrates back and forth on the mount causing a clacking sound. One way to test it is start up the car and apply pressure to the side of the shock with a screw driver to see if the sound goes away.
If so, then remove the bolt that goes through the top of the shock and replace with a bushing or washer that you can get at any local hardware store.
Here is an attachment:
Reference page 2 figure 10.
Sam
There is a bushing in the little shock and when that dries up it vibrates back and forth on the mount causing a clacking sound. One way to test it is start up the car and apply pressure to the side of the shock with a screw driver to see if the sound goes away.
If so, then remove the bolt that goes through the top of the shock and replace with a bushing or washer that you can get at any local hardware store.
Here is an attachment:
Reference page 2 figure 10.
Sam
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: North Kingstown, RI
2018 C300 4MATIC; 2017 E400 Wagon
I see in the previous owner's records that the belt tensioner and shock were replaced twice - once in 01 at 89k miles, and again in 04 at 104k. I don't see an item listed for the bushing. Why wouldn't that be replaced as well?
shdoug: The sound is somewhere between a whirring and rattly rhythmic sound. It's not a diesel, and this sound reminds me of the whiny power steering pump on the 1978 Ford Granada my mother had when I was in high school (and beyond). I thought the mechanic said injection pump, but it was 7am and I am sure I misunderstood!
shdoug: The sound is somewhere between a whirring and rattly rhythmic sound. It's not a diesel, and this sound reminds me of the whiny power steering pump on the 1978 Ford Granada my mother had when I was in high school (and beyond). I thought the mechanic said injection pump, but it was 7am and I am sure I misunderstood!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I see in the previous owner's records that the belt tensioner and shock were replaced twice - once in 01 at 89k miles, and again in 04 at 104k. I don't see an item listed for the bushing. Why wouldn't that be replaced as well?
shdoug: The sound is somewhere between a whirring and rattly rhythmic sound. It's not a diesel, and this sound reminds me of the whiny power steering pump on the 1978 Ford Granada my mother had when I was in high school (and beyond). I thought the mechanic said injection pump, but it was 7am and I am sure I misunderstood!
shdoug: The sound is somewhere between a whirring and rattly rhythmic sound. It's not a diesel, and this sound reminds me of the whiny power steering pump on the 1978 Ford Granada my mother had when I was in high school (and beyond). I thought the mechanic said injection pump, but it was 7am and I am sure I misunderstood!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: North Kingstown, RI
2018 C300 4MATIC; 2017 E400 Wagon
I know I'm not really describing this accurately. It's not a rattling sound - that is, it does not sound like somethin loose that is banging against something when the motor vibrates. It's definitely a mechanical whirring sound, and I hear when I'm driving the car as well. Not exactly a "tapping" sound - the closest thing I can compare it to is the model airplane engine.
I'm going to display my ignorance here - could this be feul injector/cam/valve related, do you think? The sound is definitely originating from the top/center of the motor. If I took off the cover, would I be able to see something?
This noise totally ruining my enjoyment of this fine ride, as it completely distracts from the silky "Mercedes-ness". Based on driving other W124s that did not have it, I have a hard time accepting it as normal.
I'm going to display my ignorance here - could this be feul injector/cam/valve related, do you think? The sound is definitely originating from the top/center of the motor. If I took off the cover, would I be able to see something?
This noise totally ruining my enjoyment of this fine ride, as it completely distracts from the silky "Mercedes-ness". Based on driving other W124s that did not have it, I have a hard time accepting it as normal.
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1992 190E 2.6L
95 e320 with 115k miles. All services since new, plus many age/mileage related repairs from previous owner. Very gently used in the last 5-10 yrs (about 2-3k miles per yr - less in the past 2 or 3).
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
Starting cold - sound like model airplane engine comes from the top / cener of the motor. Rises and falls in time with the motor revs. Doesn't ever really go away, just gets less intense as the car warms up. Hear it while driving, and it's making me crazy! I want this car to be a little more "smooth and creamy" sounding. This noise, while not as loud and clack-y as a diesel, reminds of that!
Local, recommended, MB mechanic said it may be injection pump and would not be unsual.
Any thoughts?
Thanks.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
I know I'm not really describing this accurately. It's not a rattling sound - that is, it does not sound like somethin loose that is banging against something when the motor vibrates. It's definitely a mechanical whirring sound, and I hear when I'm driving the car as well. Not exactly a "tapping" sound - the closest thing I can compare it to is the model airplane engine.
I'm going to display my ignorance here - could this be feul injector/cam/valve related, do you think? The sound is definitely originating from the top/center of the motor. If I took off the cover, would I be able to see something?
This noise totally ruining my enjoyment of this fine ride, as it completely distracts from the silky "Mercedes-ness". Based on driving other W124s that did not have it, I have a hard time accepting it as normal.
I'm going to display my ignorance here - could this be feul injector/cam/valve related, do you think? The sound is definitely originating from the top/center of the motor. If I took off the cover, would I be able to see something?
This noise totally ruining my enjoyment of this fine ride, as it completely distracts from the silky "Mercedes-ness". Based on driving other W124s that did not have it, I have a hard time accepting it as normal.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: North Kingstown, RI
2018 C300 4MATIC; 2017 E400 Wagon
hear it
I've managed to make some technology useful. (It's only how I've made a living for 20 yrs - I should be able to figure something out)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBK_tpY3ZNA
The video starts right after I the engine starts, just after the buzzer stops sounding. You can hear how loud it is intially, then after about 10 secs it gets lower as the idle slows down to normal. When I step on the gas the noise gets louder as the engine revs up - you can hear as I maintain the engine speed for a few seconds. It might be slightly less obnoxious as the engine warms up more, but it never goes completely away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBK_tpY3ZNA
The video starts right after I the engine starts, just after the buzzer stops sounding. You can hear how loud it is intially, then after about 10 secs it gets lower as the idle slows down to normal. When I step on the gas the noise gets louder as the engine revs up - you can hear as I maintain the engine speed for a few seconds. It might be slightly less obnoxious as the engine warms up more, but it never goes completely away.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
Sounds just like mine did. I just assumed it was normal for the M104 engine.
How long has yours sounded like this? If it always has, it's probably normal. Maybe it's related to the valve timing mechanism. That is the only thing I can think of that's at the top of the engine where you say it's coming from.
How long has yours sounded like this? If it always has, it's probably normal. Maybe it's related to the valve timing mechanism. That is the only thing I can think of that's at the top of the engine where you say it's coming from.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,325
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From: Seattle
1990 300ce
My car sounds like that as well. Is your car idling at high RPMs at first?
To me, it just sounds like an engine idling at high RPM. I don't hear any rythmic clicking noises so maybe I'm missing something.
To me, it just sounds like an engine idling at high RPM. I don't hear any rythmic clicking noises so maybe I'm missing something.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 302
Likes: 1
From: Salem, OR
08 Lexus GS350 AWD. 08 Lexus RX350 AWD - wife's. 94 MBZ E320 - still have it.
I've managed to make some technology useful. (It's only how I've made a living for 20 yrs - I should be able to figure something out)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBK_tpY3ZNA
The video starts right after I the engine starts, just after the buzzer stops sounding. You can hear how loud it is intially, then after about 10 secs it gets lower as the idle slows down to normal. When I step on the gas the noise gets louder as the engine revs up - you can hear as I maintain the engine speed for a few seconds. It might be slightly less obnoxious as the engine warms up more, but it never goes completely away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBK_tpY3ZNA
The video starts right after I the engine starts, just after the buzzer stops sounding. You can hear how loud it is intially, then after about 10 secs it gets lower as the idle slows down to normal. When I step on the gas the noise gets louder as the engine revs up - you can hear as I maintain the engine speed for a few seconds. It might be slightly less obnoxious as the engine warms up more, but it never goes completely away.
