cneedham810

This problem just occured and I can't put my finger on it. When I am stopped, in drive and have my foot on the brake there is a loud rattle. Once I start moving the noise is gone as well as when I put it in park. I can't seem to figure it out. Any ideas?

meooem1

it is your motor mounts probably. had the same problem. diy at benzworld.org

TMAllison

If it sounds like a loose heat sheild it could be a cat.

cneedham810

I can feel the rattle on the brake pedal. It seems like its coming more from the engine area, but its deffinately louder and only happens when I'm at a red light or whenever my car is stopped in Drive with my foot on the brake

citruspilot

I agree with TM..............check the catalytic converter/s. Sounds almost like a loose torque converter bolt.............but then gets quieter as you rev the engine or drive. I just bought an E430 that has a bad cat and thats exactly what it sounds like.............its about to get replaced.

Jeff

TMAllison

If you can "feel it" in the peadls or steering wheel, it may well be motor mounts. Using a floor jack, lift the engine 1/4" with a big bushing between jack and oil pan and see if the vib disappears.

ejsheltra

Don't jack the pan! These are thin wall aluminum and will crack under the pressure and weight if you go too far. Find another jacking point nearer the edge or wall if you have to. Better still put a scope on the cat or have someone rev the motor as you listen. Probable the cats are first. There is a work order on the cats and they are covered 8yrs/80k miles for dealer replacement so likely that is the issue since so many have come before it to have MB try to adrress problem of bad cats. Keep the forum posted on your results.

cneedham810

I'm going to try to get to it today. It doesn't sounds like the cats to me but then again i'm not an expert. I'll look more into this and keep everyone posted

ohlord

you would hear the rattle more than feel it.Sounds like your shifter bushing is worned out and the vibration is making it's way into the cabin.Check them out,$5 repair.

gmacosta

My 96 E320 would rattle only when in reverse, especially when warm. It sounded like rocks in a can. I was sure it was the catalytic going bad. Too my surprise it was the gasket needing replacement. The gasket that connects the cat with the muffler piping. Have a trustworthy muffler shop bang on it and the rattle might sound from that area. I called 2 dealers and right away they said it was the cat. They say they always replace that gasket with a new cat replacement. Its called a seal ring gasket. Just wanted to share.

Vertigo RT

I have the exact same story as Citrus, I just bought a 2000 E430, it had a bad cat... was rattling whenever at idle. Cost me less than 200 to replace the part and have it installed. Best way to at least rule out the cats is to tap them with a rubber mallet.

citruspilot

Vertigo, where did you get it replaced for less than $200? I was told by another member that a cat, part #53005, is an exact replacement from allexhaust.com. Cost, $65.00 shipped. Then it needs to be installed by a reputable muffler shop. Is that what you did?

Thanks.

Jeff

Vertigo RT

I believe the part was ordered direct from Eastern Cat. Dont remember the part number... but know it was the 'universal' 60 degree, and also fit a Ford Explorer v8. It ended up being 45 for the part, then 125 to get it installed... At Ice Cold Air.