I have a few noises in my new ML350 and I was wondering if anyone can tell me if they are "normal", for this car at least.

When I'm moving along slowly in traffic I can hear the drivetrain whine. It sounds like my old Triumph with its straight cut first gear. It seems to go away when the transmission upshifts to 2nd or 3rd. Does anyone have a noise like this?

When the air conditioning system is on and under load on hot days, the compressor noise is really audible in the cabin. You can also feel the compressor vibration in the accelerator pedal. Have others experienced this?

Lastly, the noise from the cooling fan in the Command unit seems to be really loud. I can easily hear it while not moving and the volume turned down. I didn't notice this on the demo I drove.

I'm taking it in for a 1500 mile check this week, so any feedback would be appreciated (they are also going to have to fix the 12 vdc power outlets which were DOA and the climate control panel which came loose on one side). I'm hoping that none of these are "normal" as that would be a great disappointment for a car like this.

Thanks again,

- FD

 

Sorry, I forogt one more noise . . .

When I go over bumpy pavement, somethings seems like it is loose in the suspension and/or steering column. I have read about the steering column bearing issue on the '06 ML, but I don't know if that would apply to an '07. Any thoughts on this one?

Thanks again,

- FD

 

I havent experienced any of the above. Perhaps my ears arent as sensitive as yours

 

The only thing I have noticed is the AC compressor makes the engine vibrate some in our 350...

 

Yes - there is a known fault in the steering column. It took my dealer two attempts to fix it. First time they replaced it (steering bearing joint?) with the same superceded part that had the problem, second time it was replaced with a completely new design. Steering is now much firmer and the noise has gone.

I get the same loud A/C noise. When I complained about it, they took me around the block in a demonstrator and it was just as bad. So I think it's "series standard". (A term I've become very used to when discussing my car with the dealer.)

 

Was told by the dealer that all said noises were "normal". Tragic.

- FD

 

Normal? Sure is disappointing to hear that. Especially to one considering getting the same model.

 

Is this a MY 06 or 07 ?

 

I also have not experienced any of the above. However I had a rattle omitting from the front dashboard area on the passenger side. I took it to the MB dealer and they fixed a loose connection cable with some velcro. That's it.

When the car is cold the tranny does seem to "whine" a bit but after a mile it's gone... so I do not worry about that. Car is a 2007.

 

I'm still looking into the "noises" issue. I'm going to test drive drive another ML at the dealer and see if it makes the same "noises". I hate to say it, but even though the other qualities of the car (after I modified the audio system to whip it into shape) are fantastic, the A/C and transmission whine noises are enough to make me consider selling the car. Even my old Triumph has fewer audible engineering blunders.

- FD

 

Suggest that he check his TSB's:

May 17, 2007 T-B-46.10/32a
Revision: Applicable Models and Technical Content Updated
Model 164.122/175/177/186/871, Up to 12/06 Production
Model 251.122/165/175/177, Up to 12/06 Production
Groaning/Cracking Noise When Steering: install modified upper steering column bearing

 

Hey flooby, I have the 06 and came home to drive it at my parents and this is something I noticed too. I too have the transmission whine when I'm accelerating or even when I'm not giving any gas. It seems to me that it's extending through the entire gear range and doesn't matter what gear I'm in. What did they tell you at the dealership?

 

transmission whine...i have that too. it sounds like pieces of metal hitting each other, you guys agree ?