champaigntaste

I realize this is probably just paranoia, but I noticed a ticking noise between 6,000 and 18,000 RPM at startup. Not coincidentally, the temperatures here have dropped down around 40 degrees lately, much colder than have been the case until recently. The noise seems to decrease over time and once the car has warmed up I barely notice any noise, except at around 15,000 RPM where I can still barely pick it up.

Is this a matter of letting the car warm up or should I be worried? Does my description match other E500 owners?

Thanks

CASL55

Redline on an E500 is 6000 rpm. What kinda motor you got in that thang?

Jim

akbro93704

I think you mean between 600 and 1800 RPM...no car can rev 18,000 RPM lol
As for the ticking noise, my dad's 03 ML55 does that when it's started when the engine is cold(sometimes), and so does my grandma's 01 SL500, so I don't think there's anything to worry about

champaigntaste

Not only am I paranoid, I have poor math skills. Glad I didn't pay $550,000 for the car.

SAguirre

I was going to say. . . I am surprised that it is only a ticking sound at 18,000 RPMs.

I have an E320 and it ticks a bit when the garage gets under 40 degrees, but it only lasts about one second. The ticking never has never lasted longer. If it makes you feels any better, my AUDI with 260,000 miles (this is the correct mileage) ticks for about one minute at all RPMs when it sits outside and the temperatire is below 20. It has done that since day one so I am not really concerned about it. I just drive them right away and don't rev them past 2000 rpms for about 1 mile or so. I am lucky because my house location lets me do that without people lining up behind me. I think that is partially why my AUDI has lasted so long.

Steve A.

F1Fan

I think it is a characteristic of this particular engine. The same 18-valve 3.2L V6 in the W210 chassis made the same sound. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

FJPM

Mine is doing that noise after being kept stored for more than 2 weeks.

I suspect that it comes from the oil which in your case is frozen and in my case fallen in the bottom of the engine and which do not lubricate any more the cameshaft and the cam chain. Anyhow, it disapear after 30 seconds.

benzboy

I had the ticking noise on start up but also after some drive time as well. When my service manager listened he thought it might be a lifter. He pulled the valve cover and then the heads and found some strange wear marks on the cam shaft and rocker arms. I'm now having them all replaced. The MB V8 should NOT be sounding like a sewing machine at any rpm! I've had two previous Benz V8s and both were Rolex quiet. Have someone look at it!

cte430

Most of the posters on this thread seem to be relatively new here. Some may not be aware but many of the '03 W211 had a "ticking" sound. There was a service bulletin out for this and it involved replacing the motor mounts. When I had my '03 E500 I had this and they were changed. Not sure if the problem still exists, but curious as my E55 is "ticking" a little these days.

sl561

Interesting....my 2001 C320 had a very distinct ticking when it was cold. I thought it sounded like a lifter and asked them to check it, but was told it was "normal." I haven't noticed this sound in my new 05 E320.

champaigntaste

Thanks for the responses. I will query the MB service department when I have them perform the brake recall service tomorrow morning. Thanks.

benzboy

FYI, did the motor mounts and replaced the belt tensioner - ticking still there. Now they are doing the work I described above. I'll let you know how it worked on Friday!

cte430

Wow, that's scary. Let us know what they say. BTW, thinking about an ML for my wife. Do you find the 350 adequate or is it underpowered? thanks. (you may have answered this question in the ML forum. If so, sorry)