Gear selector noise normal?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 443
Likes: 69
From: California
2013 E550 4MATIC - P1, P2, SPORT
Gear selector noise normal?
Okay guys, I've got another one. I don't usually drive with my windows down but today I had my door open to inch my car forward after parking and when I shifted from D to P I noticed somewhat loud "shifting" noises.
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
Last edited by TeeEl; Oct 8, 2019 at 09:36 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 85
Likes: 16
From: LA
E350
I think that sound normal to me as I heard it when I'm at the work parking garage. At basement level, all the sound revert back from all sides so I heard it when I back out(R) and drive (D). On out door parking, I can heard it a little when flicking gear selector. Maybe other can chip in if they have different experience with their car.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 725
Likes: 189
From: Chicago area
2015 E400 and 2015 GLK350
That is just the little German gnome, working the shift lever back and forth.
My E400 does the same thing. Think of it this way - gear selection is really an analog process. Something has to move the levers to select the gears. MB uses solenoids instead of levers and cables. I think it is really a solution to a problem that doesn't exist, but it works. Back in the 1950's, auto manufacturers used levers and connecting rods. In the 1970's they moved to levers and cables. In the 2000's, some of them went with solenoids and push-buttons or knobs. Give them time and they will probably revert to levers when they find out that it would be cheaper.
My E400 does the same thing. Think of it this way - gear selection is really an analog process. Something has to move the levers to select the gears. MB uses solenoids instead of levers and cables. I think it is really a solution to a problem that doesn't exist, but it works. Back in the 1950's, auto manufacturers used levers and connecting rods. In the 1970's they moved to levers and cables. In the 2000's, some of them went with solenoids and push-buttons or knobs. Give them time and they will probably revert to levers when they find out that it would be cheaper.
Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 153
Likes: 48
From: Nashville, TN
'18 E400 Cab
Yep
My 2016 makes the same noise. Mine also is making a loud clanging sound between 35-42 mph when the engine is under mild load. The gear shifter engaging doesn't sound like a concern, just weird design.
Okay guys, I've got another one. I don't usually drive with my windows down but today I had my door open to inch my car forward after parking and when I shifted from D to P I noticed somewhat loud "shifting" noises.
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWWT-n69gE
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWWT-n69gE
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 53
Likes: 14
2014 E350 4matic sport
Okay guys, I've got another one. I don't usually drive with my windows down but today I had my door open to inch my car forward after parking and when I shifted from D to P I noticed somewhat loud "shifting" noises.
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWWT-n69gE
Is this just how it sounds...? I don't hear it in the cabin at all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDWWT-n69gE
