Rumbling noise when going above 70!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 723
Likes: 32
From: Central Jersey
2003 E500, 2004 G35X
Rumbling noise when going above 70!
This past weekend while I was driving on the hwy, all of a sudden I heard this unusual rumbling noise when cruising at 70 and above. When the car slow down the noise decreases as well. I exited out the hwy and pulled into a parking lot to check my tires visually......all looked good. Since I checked the tire pressure before started driving I knew it's not a pressure issue. Next, I opened the hood and listened for any engine mount problem......no noise from the engine compartment when the gas peddle was pushed. I was really at a loss. Got back on the hwy and drove for a while. The noise was gone. This was not due to the surface of the road either since the noise also surfaced on a strech of newly paved road! The noise came back intermittently since. I have not taken to the dealer yet since it is an intermittent issue.
Any one has experienced this before or heard of it?
Any one has experienced this before or heard of it?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
A speed-related rumbling sound can indicate a bad wheel bearing, although I wouldn't expect it to be intermittent at a given speed. If you've got high mileage or have had any kind of a side impact I would have it checked out, though. While you're at it, check that all your wheel lug nuts are tight.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
I've had this with other cars and trucks with high mileage when differential bearings and rear end gears are going bad. Usually it's when I've used the vehicle to tow trailers. However, I've never had the problem with a MB. The problem usually starts at higher speeds on hot days and gets progressively worse. It's not intermittent but never gets better or goes away; however, you may not notice it on a cold day at lower speeds until rear end oil warms up. A dead give away for this problem is to feel the rear end and if it's really hot to to the touch, you probably have gears and bearings on the way out.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
Can it be possible something to do with the Airmatic suspension?
Even though you mention driving on a newly paved road you could mention this DTB in that it states the rumbling noise can be caused when the Airmatic compressor activates regardless of road conditions.
P-B-32.22/32 AUG05 Sporadic knocking/rumbling noise from front left of vehicle when the Airmatic compressor activates or when driving over rough roads – replace the compressor bracket. My copy claims up to VIN A735291 for the 211.070 (e500) however, this may have been updated.
Last edited by konigstiger; Mar 9, 2007 at 03:32 PM.
I will ask my dealer to look into that.
