sbkim

I have noticed a fairly loud metallic rattle in the engine bay when you first start the car in the morning. Anyone else? No error messages etc but just doesn't sound normal to me but who knows.

This is on a 2013 GL550

1stGL

Yes, I too have noticed this on my wife's GL550. Didn't give it much thought. We've only had it for two weeks? I'll have to look into this further.

sbkim

Evidently, we are not alone on this issue:

https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...ml#post5640806

sraza

exact same rattle with our car and my brothers as well (both 13s)

sbkim

So is this worth raising with dealer or just the nature of the beast?

fabbrisd1

I understand there is a certain "startup rattle" with certain gizmo's go into action on startup to bring the pollution/exhaust system up to par in a couple of minutes.

Once the car is warmed up - that start-up rattle will "shorten" - you should compare the lenght/time of the rattle on 1st-morning-colder startup to later-engine-warm start-up rattle.

That said - if you have questions on your rattle sound - I would suggest a quick stop at your dealer so a experienced sales adviser can listen/diagnose - which is a bit harder since normally they will only be able to hear/diagnose the start-up rattle when engine is warm.

Keep the beat !

blittle

I notice that my 450 rattles a bit on cold start..... sort of like a "diesel sound".... that being said, I only hear it if i am OUTSIDE the vehicle...once doors are closed I hardly here the engine at all! The rattle was not present in the previous generation engine. It does not seem to be a problem , and can "rattle" all it wants as long as it maintains its wonderful performance!

sbkim

Correct. You can't hear inside the car. If you open the hood you can clearly hear the rattle emanating mostly from the passenger side

blittle

Just finished an 900 mile round trip..... outside of the vehicle, the engine sound reminds me of the "diesel rattle" My 07 and 2011 did not sound like that BUT.... from what i have read, and the available knowledge base, it is normal and simply part of the new engine/environmental controls configuration. But again..... I hear none of it inside!

Germancar1

Welcome to the world of direct-injection. All DI engines make a little more noise upon startup than their predecessors did. My 650i sounds like tractor for a few moments after start up.

M