ceed09

I noticed that if I don't use my 500E for a few days and when I start it there is a clattering noise on the engine for maybe 2 seconds immediately after it fires up. Are they valve tappet noise?

teamadidas

Check the oil level just to make sure. Same thing happens on my 400e occasionally if I let it sit for a few days without starting it and especially when I let it sit for a week. Marvel Mystery oil also helps that since it helps the oil stick to the rockers for longer.

w124.036

no, its not your valves tapping. The noise is your timing chain guide rails chattering due to slop in your timing chain. how many miles on the car? if its over 100k, a new chain and updated guide rails(if applicable) would not be a bad idea. but realistically not a huge concern. really only the M119 motors with cis injection are known for timing chain issues.

spetz

I think it is the lack of oil on start up.

My car does the same thing, and if you pay attention, as soon as the oil pressure goes up, the noise disappears

ceed09

Thanks for all the replies. I checked my oil level and it was down by maybe a 1.5 liters of oil. I decided to do an oil change and since then the clattering noise is gone everytime I start it.