MB says a rear clunk is normal on w211 03-06
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
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2004 e320 4matic
MB says a rear clunk is normal on w211 03-06
My car is at the dealer because when i go into reverse and apply the brakes i hear a clunking noise in the back. This only happens in reverse and only when i press the brakes the very first time. I need to drive forward and then back into reverse again to reproduce the sound. Mbusa states its normal for the car to make a cluncking noise when in reverse and applying brakes the first time. Supposedly it s something specific to 03-06 years but im not buying it and i dont think my service writer is either. Can someone confirm if this is normal or not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
I have this "clunk" when I shift into reverse with the brakes on the first time, it seems to be more prominent on an incline than anything. If I understand correctly, it is a "hard shift" into reverse that causes the noise, though it is a non-issue, but no I don't experience this when moving and then applying the brakes. Important to note I am in a 2007 W211. My friends 2008 E350 has that "hard shift" as well when getting into gear for the first time it seems.
Last edited by AMGAffalterbach; May 4, 2012 at 01:36 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Clunk comes from drive line slack. This could between ring and pinion or possibly loose flex disc. Check disc first. If it is in the ring/pinion you can measure the backlash to see if it is within spec. If it isn't making noise then the ring gear is either worn or has a little more clearance than desired. If it were set up tight no backlash it would burn out. So some small amount IS normal. Most vehicles can feel this Normal backlash when going from D to R. So yours may be ok and within spec. I would not get too excited but check the flex disc to be sure there is no loosenss there.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
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2004 e320 4matic
I appreciate all the responses......
QUOTE=vettdvr;5179411]Clunk comes from drive line slack. This could between ring and pinion or possibly loose flex disc. Check disc first. If it is in the ring/pinion you can measure the backlash to see if it is within spec. If it isn't making noise then the ring gear is either worn or has a little more clearance than desired. If it were set up tight no backlash it would burn out. So some small amount IS normal. Most vehicles can feel this Normal backlash when going from D to R. So yours may be ok and within spec. I would not get too excited but check the flex disc to be sure there is no loosenss there.[/QUOTE]
Its not that i clunks when i go into reverse. It only clunks when i hit the brake the first time while driving in reverse. Again this only happens the frist time i press the brakes. To make it clunk again I would need to put it into drive and go about 30ft , then i need to go back into reverse and hit the brakes again. Im thinking something in the suspension is loaded when going forward hitting bumps and such and the pressure is released when i load the suspension in reverse by hitting the brakes. Some wierd stuff... and i had a VW so i know weird well. Meh.....i love the car so much im willing to ignore it if neccessary, but i know something is up.
QUOTE=vettdvr;5179411]Clunk comes from drive line slack. This could between ring and pinion or possibly loose flex disc. Check disc first. If it is in the ring/pinion you can measure the backlash to see if it is within spec. If it isn't making noise then the ring gear is either worn or has a little more clearance than desired. If it were set up tight no backlash it would burn out. So some small amount IS normal. Most vehicles can feel this Normal backlash when going from D to R. So yours may be ok and within spec. I would not get too excited but check the flex disc to be sure there is no loosenss there.[/QUOTE]
Its not that i clunks when i go into reverse. It only clunks when i hit the brake the first time while driving in reverse. Again this only happens the frist time i press the brakes. To make it clunk again I would need to put it into drive and go about 30ft , then i need to go back into reverse and hit the brakes again. Im thinking something in the suspension is loaded when going forward hitting bumps and such and the pressure is released when i load the suspension in reverse by hitting the brakes. Some wierd stuff... and i had a VW so i know weird well. Meh.....i love the car so much im willing to ignore it if neccessary, but i know something is up.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 14
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2004 e320 4matic
Yup, thats what it sounds like . I still cant believe that its considered normal. Thanks everyone for the help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 16
From: Highlands Ranch, Colorado
2014 BMW M235i
Never experienced such a thing O_o but once again I am on the facelift 2007 model. Basically, I believe it has to do with the brakes and the idiotic SBC braking system that they replaced after 2006, so I guess Mercedes-Benz did address the issue after all - it took to many model years in my opinion. But, brake complaints for the 2003-2006 W211 aren't uncommon.
sucks for me, i guess! LOL
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3
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From: Chester le Street
merc E270CDi Avantgarde saloon 2003
Hello all, Yes I have had the same "clunk" on my 250D and my present W211. I have put it down to the pads been "lifted" when braking in reverse because this is what they do.
Last edited by Mercburk; May 11, 2012 at 07:47 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 30
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From: Portland, Or.
2004 E55 AMG
If your parking on a incline you should put on the e brake before you put the car in park. Then before you release the e brake put the car in reverse or drive wich ever way your going. This will save your parking pin in the transmission.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 407
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From: Walnut Creek, Cali (sf bay area)
(For Sale 03 G55), 08 G55K, 99 C43, 04 E55, 05 E63, 91 BMW E30, 05 BMW M3, 05 Audi USP Avant
I have an 03 e500 with 151k on it. It has had the clunk since day 1 -
not sure what it is, took it in many times - yet all is fine. I always felt like its just
a sticky caliper- It ONLY does this in reverse and ONLY he FIRST time i hit the brakes while traveling in reverse.
Sucks to say, but completely normal
not sure what it is, took it in many times - yet all is fine. I always felt like its just
a sticky caliper- It ONLY does this in reverse and ONLY he FIRST time i hit the brakes while traveling in reverse.
Sucks to say, but completely normal
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
Likes: 15
From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
It's gear backlash and all gearboxes have it. As they wear they stay within limits and will be more noticable. This is a normal event. The way you can damage them is to back up, stop put it in drive and slam the power to it. This will slam the gears together and with enough power/backlash they will fail. I have only done this once in a 64 corvette. It can be fixed. Just swap out the diff with a new one.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 299
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From: Colorado
'03 SL55 AMG | 2021 AMG GLE 63s Coupe
Bugger off dude! 
Clunking noises are never normal, so don't go slamming 4matic!
It's not like our AWD cars are huge trucks with 2 foot lift kits and 12 inch wide wheels that MAY have an issue in 4WD mode when turning!
Clunking noises are never normal, so don't go slamming 4matic!
It's not like our AWD cars are huge trucks with 2 foot lift kits and 12 inch wide wheels that MAY have an issue in 4WD mode when turning!
