2015 4matic transmission sound
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
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2015 4matic transmission sound
Hello!
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
Last edited by SamDan; Feb 5, 2026 at 04:18 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Not This One!
Hello!
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Gd0QE8TU1XA
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Gd0QE8TU1XA
Find one that you'll have a chance to maintain before repairs cost is greater than bluebook value.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2026
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So it's not just me hearing the clunk? The sales person stated the following via text:
"There were no concerns when shifting/regarding the transmission at all. The noise we're hearing is brake noise. He's positive it's due to the cold weather and salt build up. I want you to review the video and let me know your thoughts before making the drive Saturday."
I've only driven one of these once and I never see them where I live so I have no idea what normal should sound like.
Here is another video taken yesterday:
"There were no concerns when shifting/regarding the transmission at all. The noise we're hearing is brake noise. He's positive it's due to the cold weather and salt build up. I want you to review the video and let me know your thoughts before making the drive Saturday."
I've only driven one of these once and I never see them where I live so I have no idea what normal should sound like.
Here is another video taken yesterday:
Last edited by SamDan; Feb 5, 2026 at 05:24 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 609
Likes: 242
From: Suburban Maryland
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Nice body, but good case of beauty being only skin deep. Not brake noise. If you like it, ask them to take to a Mercedes dealer or independent mercedes person, risky to go non dealer with you put of town, to check out. You pay for the evaluation. If it needs repairs maybe they will split the cost with you??
Last edited by smiles201; Feb 5, 2026 at 05:49 PM.
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From: Jakarta-Indonesia
2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
The clunk is from braking to a stop...something...somewhere at the rear wheel ( assumd sound ) is loose bad or broken
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
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2011 Mercedes E350 4Matic Wagon
Hello!
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Gd0QE8TU1XA
I'm looking to possibly buy this car but it's a bit far from me. The dealer took some videos and I'm not sure if there is a weird sound, a clunk, that is normal when switching from drive to reverse. Can you all help me understand if this is how it is supposed to sound? This is a 2015 luxury with a little over 100k miles.
https://youtube.com/shorts/Gd0QE8TU1XA
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Thread Starter
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So the dealer is willing to pay for a PPI at a local shop we works with and possibly a Mercedes dealership if I agree to purchasing the car at the listed price. When I checked with the Mercedes dealership closest to where the car is being sold they quoted me $450, which I'm not sure the selling dealer will go for. I would personally feel better having a Mercedes dealer do the inspection as I believe they'd be more thorough. Is that naive?
I haven't ever done a PPI, so does anyone have any advice on how to navigate this to make sure the dealers aren't in cahoots? Or am I just being paranoid?
I haven't ever done a PPI, so does anyone have any advice on how to navigate this to make sure the dealers aren't in cahoots? Or am I just being paranoid?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 266
Likes: 305
2011 Mercedes E350 4Matic Wagon
I'm assuming the selling dealer isn't a MB dealer. I would personally search your local area for an independent Euro car specialist who is knowledgeable and has recommendations/positive reviews in MB to do the PPI. It will be more than likely cheaper than a MB dealer. As to the purchase price, I don't recommend buying at the listed price if the vehicle passes inspection. You are buying a used Mercedes not a Picasso imo.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 5
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I'm assuming the selling dealer isn't a MB dealer. I would personally search your local area for an independent Euro car specialist who is knowledgeable and has recommendations/positive reviews in MB to do the PPI. It will be more than likely cheaper than a MB dealer. As to the purchase price, I don't recommend buying at the listed price if the vehicle passes inspection. You are buying a used Mercedes not a Picasso imo.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 68
Likes: 28
From: Denver, CO
2013 E350
Line up a shop you trust to do the PPI. Drive or fly over Friday evening. Deal with the PPI and any fallout on Saturday morning. Seal the deal on Saturday afternoon. Drive both cars home on Sunday.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 35
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From: NewEngland, SouthFlorida
E350,GLK350,Ducati
Could be many things. Mine made a noise and then the drive shaft broke. Took out both 02 sensors, $500 bux engine light still on. Drive shaft about $800. Look luck.
