boilerbenz

A couple of weeks ago my 06 E350 4-Matic started making a weird noise up front. It sounds like it is coming from the wheel area and sounds like a rubbing noise. My friends I go out for lunch almost every day and they noticed it. The car also appeared to slow down faster than normal when I took my foot off the gas. Possibilities include: loose radial, wheel bearing, transmission or brakes. I have taken it to my dealer twice. The first time they kept it for a couple of days and returned it with no defect found. The second time I went for a drive with the lead technician. He ruled out the bearing and thought that it was tire noise coming from the front right tire. We moved the tire and the noise is still there. It is up front but I don't know if I can say for sure it is the rt. front tire. He concuded that it is "tire slap" and sent me on my way. These are the same tires that I have had on the car since I bought it. 13000 miles and the noise started literally over night on July 4.

It is driving me nuts.

Any suggestions?

konigstiger

I was going to suggest it may be the predictive brake priming (PBP) feature whereby when you lift your foot quickly off the accelerator the system primes the brake pads setting them closer to the discs for faster brake response. This will seem to slow the vehicle down faster than normal however, you claim it started overnight. Furthermore, it sounds like a rubbing noise and PBP will not sound any different than braking under normal conditions.

MBNUT1

To the original poster. Did you ever get to the bottom of this. I just bought a E350 4matic and I am experiencing the same thing. To me it sounds / feels like a wheel bearing.

tombenz

mbnut1, Does the noise you hear come from the front end at low speed ie. 10-20 mph? On my e350 4-matic it almost sound like you can hear the gears meshing in the transfer case. Dealer says it is nothing. I can hear it though.

MotorWerkz

Sbc?

MBNUT1

I haven't had much seat time in the car so I can't give you a clear answer yet. Yes the sound / vibration is most present a low speed like you say 10 - 20 mph. But your description fits my sense of things ie something mechanical. I'm pretty sure its not the brakes. They are smooth a silk when applied. Your dealers response is bumming me out. I expect that I will not be able to get it addressed. The best way I can descibe it is that the steering wheel doesn't have the absense of high frequency vibration that I would expect from a Mercedes. It's like a rough wheel bearing or something. Hopefully between the two of us we can get somewhere. I may end up taking it to a good indie to get it diagnosed.

MBNUT1

I haven't had much seat time in the car so I can't give you a clear answer yet. But your description fits my sense of things ie something mechanical in the front drive system. I'm pretty sure its not the brakes. They are smooth a silk when applied. Your dealers response is bumming me out. I expect that I will not be able to get it addressed. The best way I can descibe it is that the steering wheel doesn't have the absense of high frequency vibration that I would expect from a Mercedes. It's like a rough wheel bearing or something. Hopefully between the two of us we can get somewhere. I may end up taking it to a good indie to get it diagnosed.

konigstiger

Mention MBUSA Service Campaign 2007100004 DEC07, 211 & 220 4matic 2005 – 2006 if transfer case serial number is between 115925 and 137342 dealer will replace with an optimized transfer case that will reduce vibrations at low speeds (i.e.: cornering or when parking). Note service campaigns do not expire therefore work will be performed at no cost even if out of warranty.

MBNUT1

Thanks!! I will follow up on this.

torew

So, what was the end of the story?
I have exactly this problem with my E320CDI 4Matic. Finally found some help!! I talked to a workshop that can overhaul the transfer case, they expect to use about 6 hours and no parts exhange, only oiling the clutch inside. That will be what I do if I cannot get a replacement from MB.

konigstiger

If TC is not included in SC serial # range, as first repair attempt cost effective alternative may be to change oil without overhaul. PM email address if you want a copy of DTB P-B-28.50/11, which covers repair under warranty up to VIN X224020.

torew

Thanks a lot for your help, PM sent!
How do I find the serial number on the transfer case?

SunshineGirl

I know this is old, but I have similar sounds coming from my 06 E350. Having new trans put in, waiting on shipping of the new one now. Not sure this had anything to do with that noise.

Was that campaign good only for 4-matic? I have an E350 without 4-matic as i thought this would give me a more time with my trans, since our '94 and '99 E 4matics both had to have new transmissions at 96,000 miles.

Anyway, can you tell me if this applies to my car as well?

thank you.

konigstiger

Only 4matic.

torew

Only the 4-Matic has a transfer case, so how could it be valid in other case?

SunshineGirl

Thanks

Wasn't thinking.

torew

carloscorrea

Just to let you know all, I am very very happy with MB of Pompano Beach, I have a E350 4 Matic 2006, and 103K miles!, I had A TRANSFER CASE NOISE PROBLEM,(CHECK OUT THE CAMPAIGN) MB took care of the problem REPLACING FOR a BRAND NEW UPGRADE TRANSFER CASE at NOT CHARGE (ABOUT $6000.00) even they let me use a CAR LOANER for the period of the Repair one Week.,. GOOD JOB!

Aumimi116

hi I have same problem like u and contact dealer and MB but they said my car vin is no recall on TC and I found bulletin on line that Suggested to replace under warranty but MB said my car vin not in range. My vin is x205716 and from what u post I could get repair
please help
thank you