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E500 popping sound in front end...suspension related.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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06 E500 sport
E500 popping sound in front end...suspension related.
I've searched the forum a bit and have a strange problem. I've read some of your posts and you seem very informed.
06 E500. Front suspension makes a popping noise periodically, exclusively at low speeds (1 to 20mph)....or at least that's when I can hear it.
Speed= Just stopping (as in 1 to zero mph)...pop
Speed= Rolling in traffic 2 to 15mph. pop pop klunk. Seems to follow very small imperfections in the roadway (1/4" or less...almost imperceptible). But, larger bumps (3/8") that visibly move the suspension, don't cause the light pop sound. I can feel it in the wheel/floor boards a little.
it's felt a little and heard a little. The dealer says they don't hear it.
It usually happens when the car is hot (never cold). By hot, I mean driving for a while...then sitting in traffic.
A/C on or off makes no difference. Sport mode I/II or comfort makes no difference. Radio off to hear it.
Lugs are tight. Brakes are newer (10k miles ago).
Air suspension does not drop overnight.
This POP/clunk is up in the front, I feel it.
This may sound strange, but if you've ever moved a small refrigerator and tipped it sideways, you'll hear/feel a similar noise. It's the compressor insides bouncing around. I'm not sure how to explain it better than that.
Any ideas on what it might be? It really seems like "friction/sticking" in a shock, but only happens when it's hot weather.
Any input is appreciated.
Car has not been wrecked or hit curbs. 22,000 miles. March 2006 build date.
06 E500. Front suspension makes a popping noise periodically, exclusively at low speeds (1 to 20mph)....or at least that's when I can hear it.
Speed= Just stopping (as in 1 to zero mph)...pop
Speed= Rolling in traffic 2 to 15mph. pop pop klunk. Seems to follow very small imperfections in the roadway (1/4" or less...almost imperceptible). But, larger bumps (3/8") that visibly move the suspension, don't cause the light pop sound. I can feel it in the wheel/floor boards a little.
it's felt a little and heard a little. The dealer says they don't hear it.
It usually happens when the car is hot (never cold). By hot, I mean driving for a while...then sitting in traffic.
A/C on or off makes no difference. Sport mode I/II or comfort makes no difference. Radio off to hear it.
Lugs are tight. Brakes are newer (10k miles ago).
Air suspension does not drop overnight.
This POP/clunk is up in the front, I feel it.
This may sound strange, but if you've ever moved a small refrigerator and tipped it sideways, you'll hear/feel a similar noise. It's the compressor insides bouncing around. I'm not sure how to explain it better than that.
Any ideas on what it might be? It really seems like "friction/sticking" in a shock, but only happens when it's hot weather.
Any input is appreciated.
Car has not been wrecked or hit curbs. 22,000 miles. March 2006 build date.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
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From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Had a similar sound in my right front. Only heard it when going slow over bumps. Turned out to be a worn lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing. Was not warm/cold specific.
Last edited by Benz-O-Rama; Oct 2, 2008 at 07:26 PM.
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Part #A2113331114 (#105 in diagram)
DIY $37.50 list/30 net
Warranty mention DTB P-B-33.15/16b AUG08.
If you want a copy of the DTB, PM your email address.
Last edited by konigstiger; Oct 2, 2008 at 08:48 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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e500
I think I have the same problem. There is a stretch of one lane roads when I pick up my kids. It is usually backed up about 30-40 cars to get to the stop sign. With speeds at under 10mph, I hear a popping/clicking sound. I tried searching on here but was not successful in finding a solution. This looks promising.
Is this a warranty issue or wear and tear? If the latter, anyone know approximate costs for parts? for labor?
Is this a warranty issue or wear and tear? If the latter, anyone know approximate costs for parts? for labor?
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 470
Likes: 3
From: McLean, VA
2003 E500 Benz & 2015 BMW M235ix
I think I have the same problem. There is a stretch of one lane roads when I pick up my kids. It is usually backed up about 30-40 cars to get to the stop sign. With speeds at under 10mph, I hear a popping/clicking sound. I tried searching on here but was not successful in finding a solution. This looks promising.
Is this a warranty issue or wear and tear? If the latter, anyone know approximate costs for parts? for labor?
Is this a warranty issue or wear and tear? If the latter, anyone know approximate costs for parts? for labor?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 6,497
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From: Europe
223.168 & 213.012 & 906.633 & 214.005
Odd that the original poster of this thread did not come back with any comments. Anyway, I also had eventually pretty loud popping/thumb noise from the front. It appeared to be the joint, part #107 in the diagram konigstiger posted.
It was really difficult to identify the worn joint irrespectively if the car was standing on wheels or lifted wheels off ground. Also very difficult to figure out where the sound would be coming, at the cabin it appeared like coming from one or the other side, sometimes like it was coming from the rear.
The anti-roll bar easily pushes the joint even if you try to raise only one wheel to make it free from pressure. I found it repeatable by driving pretty slowly and turning heavily from one side to the other, making the car lean left and right.
It was really difficult to identify the worn joint irrespectively if the car was standing on wheels or lifted wheels off ground. Also very difficult to figure out where the sound would be coming, at the cabin it appeared like coming from one or the other side, sometimes like it was coming from the rear.
The anti-roll bar easily pushes the joint even if you try to raise only one wheel to make it free from pressure. I found it repeatable by driving pretty slowly and turning heavily from one side to the other, making the car lean left and right.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
70,000 my balljoints made same poping sound. Got really bad going over speed bumps in parking lot.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
'07 GL450, '98 Wrangler
I'm having the same problem with my '08. Seems as if the sound gets worse when the temperature gets above 50F. Had it in the shop now 4 times because of this. First they changed some balljoints, then they said they would need to grease them using special "Mercedes grease". Last Thursday they said that the left strut is badly stripped and they need to replace it. Last Friday they said that Mercedes wants them to replace both struts. Sounds to me like a wild goose chase. Hopefully I'll get it back today and the noise is gone...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
I'm having the same problem with my '08. Seems as if the sound gets worse when the temperature gets above 50F. Had it in the shop now 4 times because of this. First they changed some balljoints, then they said they would need to grease them using special "Mercedes grease". Last Thursday they said that the left strut is badly stripped and they need to replace it. Last Friday they said that Mercedes wants them to replace both struts. Sounds to me like a wild goose chase. Hopefully I'll get it back today and the noise is gone...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
Guys can anyone help? I'm not sure which one is the "actual lower ball joint". Make a difference buying parts, right? I think if it's #107, then the control arm has to be replaced. If it's #20, then it's just the joint and a special tool, right? Where can i get this "special tool"? Is it just a ball joint "puller"?
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
2003 E500 W211 Sport
Great to hear that I am not alone! My 03 E500 is making the same sound at low speeds and is very obvious when going over a speed bump or entering an uneven surface such as a driveway. Bushing and Bearings sound like an good start. At 90k miles I'd anticipate this type of issues. Now let's hold our breath when it comes to costs! I knew I should have opt for a non adjustable suspension!
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
e320 cdi, 94 rx7
hey sorry to be bumping a thread this old but recently I changed the shocks on my 06 cdi e320 and now if i brake hard right when I release the brake pedal i hear a noise from the front right.. It just sounds like a clunk. I double checked everything with the shocks and everything is nice and tight.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 E500
I also have the same problem on my 05 E500, it's making the clicking and popping sound and especially when I brake. Anyone knows what to fix and or had it done at any indy shop? I have a mechanic that can put the ball joint, if that is the problem. Any special tool required? Please help thanks
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 E500
Same issue..Ball Joints are being replaced tomorrow
The sound described above( first post) only happened in our 2003 E500 when the temperature outside was hot. Both lower ball joints are being replaced tomorrow...They tried greasing and tightening with no success. 86k miles
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 743
Likes: 33
GLS450
Hey guys. I know this is an old post but I have a 2010 experiencing the very same symptoms as described in the original post. I had struts and control arm replaced but still have the same problem. Based on my reading these things need to be checked,
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2003 E500
Replacing the Lower Ball Joints solved this issue for our 2003 E500
Hey guys. I know this is an old post but I have a 2010 experiencing the very same symptoms as described in the original post. I had struts and control arm replaced but still have the same problem. Based on my reading these things need to be checked,
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
We had 84k miles and this was the 2nd time the lower ball joints were replaced, by the previous owner. Per our MBDealer
Last edited by bill.martin.jr; Jul 24, 2011 at 06:27 PM. Reason: adding more info
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 743
Likes: 33
GLS450
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,671
Likes: 60
From: NOMAD
EQS AMG, E53 AMG, GLE63s
Hey guys. I know this is an old post but I have a 2010 experiencing the very same symptoms as described in the original post. I had struts and control arm replaced but still have the same problem. Based on my reading these things need to be checked,
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
Ball joints
Lower control Arm bushings
lower ball joint/thrust arm bushing
torque strut bushings
Has anyone resolved their issue with the replacment of any of the above?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 743
Likes: 33
GLS450
