Is a loud engine normal for an E350 Sport?
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
Well, I would agree, my cars are quiet, if I didn't trade in S classes for them I would say they are the quietest cars I've had, but they are close, I can hear the engine under strong acceleration, but thats it, tire noise is loudest with wind next but not bad. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2012
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From: Pepper Pike Ohio
24 GLS580 '23 E450 4matic 12 E350 4Matic
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 356
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From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
2019 E 300 4matic 2013 SLK 250
My 2012 E350 Sport has been in five times for vibration and noise. I had them check the engine and transmission mounts and each time they say “no problem found”. I had them check to see if anything is rubbing against the body and they say “no problem found”. I told them to replace the mounts anyway and they refused because “it won’t achieve what you you want and you’ll just come back mad”. I took it to two different independents and they say the same.
The thing is that I have a 2012 E350 convertible sport and it is quiet and smooth. Even with the convertible top it’s much quieter and smoother running than the sedan. They claim it’s not possible but it’s true!
I'm thinking about just selling my W212 and just driving the convertible.
The thing is that I have a 2012 E350 convertible sport and it is quiet and smooth. Even with the convertible top it’s much quieter and smoother running than the sedan. They claim it’s not possible but it’s true!
I'm thinking about just selling my W212 and just driving the convertible.
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'11 E350, '11 E550, '98 M3, '95 E320
My 2012 E350 Sport has been in five times for vibration and noise. I had them check the engine and transmission mounts and each time they say “no problem found”. I had them check to see if anything is rubbing against the body and they say “no problem found”. I told them to replace the mounts anyway and they refused because “it won’t achieve what you you want and you’ll just come back mad”. I took it to two different independents and they say the same.
The thing is that I have a 2012 E350 convertible sport and it is quiet and smooth. Even with the convertible top it’s much quieter and smoother running than the sedan. They claim it’s not possible but it’s true!
I'm thinking about just selling my W212 and just driving the convertible.
The thing is that I have a 2012 E350 convertible sport and it is quiet and smooth. Even with the convertible top it’s much quieter and smoother running than the sedan. They claim it’s not possible but it’s true!
I'm thinking about just selling my W212 and just driving the convertible.
Visually its hard to tell their compressed without a reference... even new ones will compress some once you let the weight of the engine down. Besides checking for signs of oil seepage from the mount.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2021
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E350/2016
Noise Issue at Start-Up
I am experiencing a similar issue as stated in the initial post of this thread. I purchased a 2016 E350 in December with warranty and recently the car sounds like a mustang (interior) at start-up and purrs (exterior). I visited the MB service and they say it’s totally normal at cold start but I’ve owned 3 E class Mercedes at this point and NONE of them sound like this (throaty, rumbling sound). I’ve attached a video.
Last edited by Demi Washington; Apr 9, 2021 at 02:29 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
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From: SoCal
2011 W212 E350, 2012 W204 C250 sport
I agree with 👆mine is the same It doesn’t bother me. Kinda like it but, engine mounts need replacing. I took mine to MB to check them and sure enough need new ones plus the tranny needs one. You will lose a lot of power if not replaced.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
2011 W212 E350, 2012 W204 C250 sport
Thanks to those of you who have already replied.
It seems there are some differing opinions as to what it is.
To help hone in here is a video of the engine noise -> https://youtu.be/oFiVe7dj8Js
What is that?
I bought it used with 60K miles, if that helps.
It seems there are some differing opinions as to what it is.
To help hone in here is a video of the engine noise -> https://youtu.be/oFiVe7dj8Js
What is that?
I bought it used with 60K miles, if that helps.
Damn at 60k that’s too early for mounts to collapse. First owners must of driven that car hard.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 10
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
2011 W212 E350, 2012 W204 C250 sport
lol at least at acceleration on the plus side your ears are in safe range. Anything above 80 you can get long term hearing damage 😂
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
No power loss. Just noise/vibration.
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From: Miami, FL
2003 CL 600
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2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 RWD, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Can I replace just the transmission mount?
I have the exact same noise in my 2012 E350 rwd as the original poster's video. Car sounds like a sports car/race car when accelerating but doesn't have much vibration. I have no issues with vibrations at idle, I can barely tell the car is on when idle. The steering wheel does not shake, and the engine does not shift excessively when revving. I am not interesting in dropping nearly a grand on engine mounts, but I am willing to do the transmission mount. Can i just replace the transmission mount? Is it safe to assume that the engine mounts are fine? Will this fix my issue most likely?
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
well, if any one of the three engine/transmission mounts fails completely, you'll get a much bigger bill, especially if it happens under heavy throttle..
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From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
is it purely noise, or is it a vibration felt through the floor ? A speed dependent vibration/noise in the back could be differential or half shafts or something... it could be a flex-disk about to fail on the main drive shaft.
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 356
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From: Elizabethtown Kentucky
2019 E 300 4matic 2013 SLK 250
Replace all!
When the engine mounts and transmission mounts go bad you’ll get a lot of vibration when the car is in gear with the brakes on. If they’re REALLY bad then if you rev the engine it will almost look like the engine is about to tear itself away from the car.
Replacing only the transmission mount if all three are bad won’t do much good. In addition if the motor mounts have collapsed the engine will sit too low in the cradle and the drive shaft and the expensive exhaust system will be misaligned which could end up causing more damage.
Replacing only the transmission mount if all three are bad won’t do much good. In addition if the motor mounts have collapsed the engine will sit too low in the cradle and the drive shaft and the expensive exhaust system will be misaligned which could end up causing more damage.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2022
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2012 Mercedes-Benz E350 RWD, 2008 Mercedes-Benz GL450
Its not a vibration, but just a sound. it sounds like a modified sports exhaust and it rumbles like an expensive sport car, but it is throttle based only, not speed based, which leads me to believe my main issue is just the transmission mount collapsed.
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
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From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Engine Mount Priority
New engine and transmission mounts installed and guess what?...
Problem solved.
What I've learned:
- I am more sensitive to sound than most people. Some other Mercedes owners (including 3 Mercedes mechanics) thought the sound was normal. I knew it was not (and I've owned a Mercedes for only 4 weeks).
- Mercedes cars can, in fact, be almost as quite as Japanese cars in the cabin.
- Where to get my Mercedes fixed. I found an awesome mechanic who was really understanding and fixed the issue for a fraction of the Mercedes dealer's cost.
- These forums are quite helpful. Thanks to everyone for your input!
- @ItalianJoe1 is the man! He was the first to call out the fix and was right on.
Here's video after the new mounts, in case you want to compare to my earlier video
https://youtu.be/yBOReTgst60
Problem solved.
What I've learned:
- I am more sensitive to sound than most people. Some other Mercedes owners (including 3 Mercedes mechanics) thought the sound was normal. I knew it was not (and I've owned a Mercedes for only 4 weeks).
- Mercedes cars can, in fact, be almost as quite as Japanese cars in the cabin.
- Where to get my Mercedes fixed. I found an awesome mechanic who was really understanding and fixed the issue for a fraction of the Mercedes dealer's cost.
- These forums are quite helpful. Thanks to everyone for your input!
- @ItalianJoe1 is the man! He was the first to call out the fix and was right on.
Here's video after the new mounts, in case you want to compare to my earlier video
https://youtu.be/yBOReTgst60
I have the exact same noise in my 2012 E350 rwd as the original poster's video. Car sounds like a sports car/race car when accelerating but doesn't have much vibration. I have no issues with vibrations at idle, I can barely tell the car is on when idle. The steering wheel does not shake, and the engine does not shift excessively when revving. I am not interesting in dropping nearly a grand on engine mounts, but I am willing to do the transmission mount. Can i just replace the transmission mount? Is it safe to assume that the engine mounts are fine? Will this fix my issue most likely?
You CANNOT assume that the mounts are not leaking / get them inspected regularly by your trusted mechanic.
The rear transmission mount is rubber, like a donut, easy to replace & inexpensive, in relation to the front oil bags.
The 212 front engine bag mounts are expensive, & my Indy Shop Manager said the engine has to be pulled out & up to replace the right one, & he quoted $2100 to replace all 3 mounts.
FYI:
the W210 series has quite simple & inexpensive
rubber mounts at all 3 stations.
the W124 series also has rubber mounts.
I know because my ‘91 300CE & ‘94 E320
(rwd) Wagon had the rubber mounts which were
cheap to replace & lasted for years.
i think over 15 years, I replaced 1set on each vehicle - at a cost of under $500 / FOR BOTH!
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 158
Likes: 44
From: San Francisco
2011 E350 4MATIC Estate Wagon
Engine Mount Priority
New engine and transmission mounts installed and guess what?...
Problem solved.
What I've learned:
- I am more sensitive to sound than most people. Some other Mercedes owners (including 3 Mercedes mechanics) thought the sound was normal. I knew it was not (and I've owned a Mercedes for only 4 weeks).
- Mercedes cars can, in fact, be almost as quite as Japanese cars in the cabin.
- Where to get my Mercedes fixed. I found an awesome mechanic who was really understanding and fixed the issue for a fraction of the Mercedes dealer's cost.
- These forums are quite helpful. Thanks to everyone for your input!
- @ItalianJoe1 is the man! He was the first to call out the fix and was right on.
Here's video after the new mounts, in case you want to compare to my earlier video
https://youtu.be/yBOReTgst60
Problem solved.
What I've learned:
- I am more sensitive to sound than most people. Some other Mercedes owners (including 3 Mercedes mechanics) thought the sound was normal. I knew it was not (and I've owned a Mercedes for only 4 weeks).
- Mercedes cars can, in fact, be almost as quite as Japanese cars in the cabin.
- Where to get my Mercedes fixed. I found an awesome mechanic who was really understanding and fixed the issue for a fraction of the Mercedes dealer's cost.
- These forums are quite helpful. Thanks to everyone for your input!
- @ItalianJoe1 is the man! He was the first to call out the fix and was right on.
Here's video after the new mounts, in case you want to compare to my earlier video
https://youtu.be/yBOReTgst60
I have the exact same noise in my 2012 E350 rwd as the original poster's video. Car sounds like a sports car/race car when accelerating but doesn't have much vibration. I have no issues with vibrations at idle, I can barely tell the car is on when idle. The steering wheel does not shake, and the engine does not shift excessively when revving. I am not interesting in dropping nearly a grand on engine mounts, but I am willing to do the transmission mount. Can i just replace the transmission mount? Is it safe to assume that the engine mounts are fine? Will this fix my issue most likely?
The 2011-2016 E350 W/S 212 engine mounts are oil-filled bags which deteriorate over time & with wear.
You CANNOT assume that the mounts are not leaking / get them inspected regularly by your trusted mechanic. You CANNOT assume X number of miles before replacing them due to the obvious vibrations & cabin noise.
The rear transmission mount is rubber, like a donut, easy to replace & inexpensive, in relation to the front oil bags.
The 212 front engine bag mounts are expensive, & my Indy Shop Manager said the engine has to be pulled out & up to replace the right one, & he quoted $2100 to replace all 3 mounts.
FYI:
the W210 series has quite simple & inexpensive
rubber mounts at all 3 stations.
the W124 series also has rubber mounts.
I know because my ‘91 300CE, my ‘94 E320
(rwd) Wagon, AND my ‘01 E320 4Matic Wagon, had the rubber mounts which were
cheap to replace & lasted for years.
i think over 15 years, I replaced 1set on each vehicle - at a cost of under $500 / FOR ALL!!!
Last edited by Jack McCarty; Oct 3, 2023 at 11:37 PM. Reason: Additional
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
2016 E350 Sport
Took the car to a Mercedes mechanic.
Me: The noise in the cabin sounds pretty loud. Definitely louder than my other cars. Other Mercedes owners [those of you who have responded to this thread] have said it sounds abnormal.
Mechanic: Sounds pretty normal. Nothing to worry about.
Me: You're saying other Mercedes are this loud?
Mechanic: Don't know. I don't have an E350 to compare.
Me (in my head): Then, how can you say its normal?
I suppose I need to try a different mechanic.
BTW - I rode in an E300 yesterday and it was very different - quiet like my prior cars.
I'm definitely not imagining this.
Me: The noise in the cabin sounds pretty loud. Definitely louder than my other cars. Other Mercedes owners [those of you who have responded to this thread] have said it sounds abnormal.
Mechanic: Sounds pretty normal. Nothing to worry about.
Me: You're saying other Mercedes are this loud?
Mechanic: Don't know. I don't have an E350 to compare.
Me (in my head): Then, how can you say its normal?
I suppose I need to try a different mechanic.
BTW - I rode in an E300 yesterday and it was very different - quiet like my prior cars.
I'm definitely not imagining this.
