I have read with interest a number of posts where members complain of 'obtrusive' noise coming from the SBC system. I have NO doubt the complaints are genuine and reading some of the comments, the noise is unacceptable.

Because SBC is used throughout the 211 range could members add their model details i.e. E200, 220, 240, 270, 320, 400, 500 or E55 and also build date?) has the fault been rectified on newer build models?)

Thank you very much
John

 

E320CDI Estate January 2004 build
No noise

John

 

E500 wagon sept.2003 build
Also no noise.

 

E320 CDI January 2004 build ~ no obtrusive noise.

 

Sorry to be a pest, but is yours a saloon or estate (I think you have previously told me, but I have forgotten)

Thanks for the input

John

P.S. Sorry to hear about the Wooden Spoon

Viva la France

 

2004 E320 November build. No noise.

 

2004 e320 4Matic - January build. Compressor noise clears in a few seconds. High frequency bleed noise heard intermitantly while car is in the garage. Both of these are minor issues. I would consider them more a curiosity than a problem.

 

Noise does not bother me, what bothers me is that I can't change the brake pads myself because of SBC...

 

Glojo.

Mine is a saloon.

Don't worry about the wooden spoon. I'm going to use it as a secondary antenna for my integrated telephone kit as the reception is so bloomin' awful.

M

 

2003 E320, September 2002 (an early US W211)--no objectionable noise at all. A minor hum only occasionally when it's doing its work. No performance issues, either, such as grabby stops or touchiness . 'Just don't overthink what they're doing.

 

2003 E500 July build

Very noticeable frequent vibration and loud noise in heavy, slow traffic with foot on the brake. Not really a problem at highway speeds with foot on accelerator.

 

'03 Nov. build E320.

Loud when the pump activates - but it doesn't bother me as much as the feel of the pedal.

 

2003 - E320 - build Jan 03 - Only a little buzz for a few seconds at the start and after shutdown. The brakes are much better than '99 W202.

 

October 2003 build - E500. No noise that I can hear. Our old '91 Chrysler minivan, and just about any Chrylser/Dodge/Plymouth have some sort of pump in the brake system. You can hear it all the time when you are walking thru parking lots and such where there are lots of vehicles of that brand. It "recharges" about every 4-5 applications of the brake. Some are louder than others.

Bruce

 

I don't understand....

Why some W211 owners experience the moaning/groaning while others don't.

Are we seeing a sympton of past ills of Detriot ... some W211s are built on Mondays and Fridays while others on other days of the week?

I thought the manufacturing process is pretty automated and should be consistent. Therefore the SBC recharging characteristics should be consistent too. So why this inconsistencies?

Any ideas?

 

I own one of the very first E500 saloon delivered April 02...

Noise can be eared inside the car in heavy stop and go traffic but not intrusive.

 

Proxy vote for colleague out of the country

E500 saloon (believed Jan 04 build??)

Very loud and obtrusive noise that is unacceptable on a vehicle of this quality

John

 

I have had both an August 2002 build and a June 2003 build E500. They both make some type of hydraulic humming sound occasionally, and it seems to be related to the SBC.

However, the noise is less irritating than the creaking of my bones as I stand up or sit down...

 

E240 Avantguard - November 2003 build - SBC noise is the single most disappointing thing on my car. My dealer will be fitting the damper shortly and I really hope it helps resolve the problem. I get groaning at all times but especially in heavy traffic and when using the SBC - Stop function. I agree with other posts that it happens every 5 brake applications.

I have to say that if I had know I would have had to live with this noise / vibration on the brake peddle I probably would not have purchased the car. In fact I'm not looking at moving to a new Audi A6 or BMW 5-Series if the damper doesn't reduce the noise level to something I can live with day to day! Very disappointing in such and otherwise quiet and accomplished car

James

 

the noise is quite annoying. The whole car, especially the front right side shakes. Just wanted to know this is not happening to everyone.

 

Car makes various interesting noises so not sure which one is being referenced... None too loud or annoying though, not really a concern. Now only if the transmission was smooth... At least the radio static issue has been fixed...

E320, October '02 build (pre-Nav) and May '03 build (w/Nav)

 

got SBC noise?? YES! Damper "fix" lasted all of two weeks.

 

Clarification question: I hear a loud, low-pitched foghorn like sound...it lasts several seconds...I hear it ususally when I open the driver side door in the morning in my garage...I also hear it when I turn off the engine...the noise is very frequent, but not 100% of the time...I never feel or hear it while driving...Do you think that this is the SBC noise that is on this and other threads? Is there a fix?

 

I would say yes, and no in that order.

Yes it ismost probably the SBC system and no there is not a fix because the system is simply doing its 'thing'

Most of us have stated that the noise is certainly NOT loud and it would be interesting if you could compare the noise of yours to another 211 just in case the acoustics in your garage are acidentally amplifying (struggled spelling that one) the noise.

Regards,
John

 

Just got back from the MB dealer and he replied that the SBC sound is normal, and that there is nothing you can do to eliminate it.

Actually he says it is a "relay" (do not know if my translation is correct) which makes the noise.

Just wanted to share with you this info.