Cooling Fan
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
Cooling Fan
I've seen the topic here before, but I have not seen any comments by owners who have asked their dealer about the noise and vibration the electric engine cooling fan generates when the radiator temperature calls for added cooling. Is there a fix or a comment? Mine makes enough noise outside to be a head-turner when I restart after the A/C has been on and initially the engine is hot. It's not that noticeable inside, but I am aware of the vibration. Thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 924
Likes: 0
From: Northern VA
2003 MB E500
I don't get any vibration but the outside noise is VERY loud. It sounds like I'm reving up the engine. Inside I can't hear it. It also seems to engage when it isn't even that hot outside.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: OKLAHOMA CITY
2003 E500
I don't get any vibration, but I DO get the looks!!! Sounds like a jet revving up to take off. I haven't had the dealer look at it, but it has been doing it for some time. I will get a new E500 because of NAVI, so I haven't really cared about it being fixed...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
My CLK 500 is in the shop for this right now. There is a laptop re-programming that can be done to lower the super high fan speed and reduce the roar, also I was told fan units (drives and blades) have been replaced for this as well. My car has a nasty vibration that can really be felt when the fan goes into super high speed, they changed the drive first with no success and now are changing the impellar. The 209 CLK does have a different fan design than the w211and the 211's is of a much better design. I don't mind the sound but the vibration I have is bad..I'll post the repair results tommorow.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Texas
04' E500 w/Appear. PKG, Panorama Roof
Mine is as loud as a jet !. No vibration but it sure is not the sound I expected to hear from a $65K + car. Expect to mention it next service visit. Got a growing list.....
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
a clarification on my initial post--the "vibration" I mentioned is only noticeable at rest through the steering wheel. It makes me aware the fan is on, but it's not objectionable--the "jet" noise outside is as others describe.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Dubai Tuner Gives the Mercedes G-Class An Entirely New Look
Verdad Gallardo
Six Gift Ideas Your AMG Loving Dad or Grad Will Cherish
7 Craziest Things AMG Gas Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Almost a Member!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Cary, NC
2003 E 500
I just took my car in for service last week and specifically asked about this problem. I was told by the service dept that this is normal and that there is no "cure" or service bulletin about this. I tend to believe them, 'cause thet was the only item on my list they said there was no cure for- they even volunteered to put me in a new rear differential to fix a "whine" sound from the rear end.
-Bob
-Bob
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
I went to the dealer today for a rotation and balance and asked about the noise from the cooling fan. His response was: "Isn't it awful? It sounds like an airplane." They had several inquiries, checked them, and determined it's the size and design of the single fan--nothing can be done. I believe my prior models had two smaller fans. I've gotten used to it for the few minutes it's on.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Just got my car back from the dealer for a brake problem. I asked them about the fan noise and the service rep said that I wasn't the first to complain. He also said "That's the way it is. You bought a car with a loud engine." He said it nicer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
As I mentioned before your fan speed can be adjusted for different climates etc via the star laptop at your dealer. MB is aware of the problem, beleive me, as they offered to reprogram mine. Ask to speak with the shop foreman, these guys are the one's that really know these cars best and are into the latest service bulletins and updates. In addition there is a techline the dealer can call to get this info if they don't have it.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
RJC: I'll just keep it as is, but thanks for the info. It's 95 here today, traffic is very slow, and the cooling fan probably needs all the rpm's it can get. The gauge remains at or below mid-point so far in all temps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Jim and CM
That's the reason I left my fan settings alone, liked having the engine temp lower (I live in S FL). I don't really mind the noise but I was getting a bad vibration, that's how Ibegan founding out about all this stuff for the fans. You Eclass guys have a much better fan set up than the clk's, yours seems to be a direct descendant of the S Class's. Remeber if something does not seem like it was engineered right, most of the time MB has a fix for it and if your service adv does not seem to know or care ask to speak with the shop foreman...
That's the reason I left my fan settings alone, liked having the engine temp lower (I live in S FL). I don't really mind the noise but I was getting a bad vibration, that's how Ibegan founding out about all this stuff for the fans. You Eclass guys have a much better fan set up than the clk's, yours seems to be a direct descendant of the S Class's. Remeber if something does not seem like it was engineered right, most of the time MB has a fix for it and if your service adv does not seem to know or care ask to speak with the shop foreman...
