chadbeard

Here is the you tube video of me driving it. You can hear it plainly. I have been told by MBUSA and my dealer that it is operating as designed.

PNTbenz

Mine sounds smooth. Yours sounds like maybe a belt is bad, or a bearing on one of the pulleys the belt pushes. It ain't right!
Suggest you find an independent MB mechanic in your area (an easy online search, and look for good reviews). Have them give it a listen.

Ps. You live in a nice neighborhood!

chadbeard

Took it to MB of Tampa(a different dealer), and they fixed it quickly.

Thanks PNTbenz!!

PNTbenz

What was the problem? What did they do and what did it cost?

'Curious minds want to know...'

chadbeard

Tensioner pulley. $0 cost. It's under warranty.

PNTbenz

Sweeeet!

I'm going to have to apply for a MB video diagnosis mechanic specialty position!

khelms_98

I wonder if this noise was present when the climate control was engaged as well as when it was completely off. I'm trying to pinpoint a noise my ML350 is making as well; the noise I'm dealing with is signifcantly muted after turning the climate control off.

Could the tensioner pulley and the climate control/AC have any connection whatsoever?

Thanks for the assistance!

06e320cdi

I hope you go back to original dealer and show the advisor. Thats unacceptable that a technician couldnt find the origination of that noise.

iankayem

The A/C is driven by the serpentine belt that runs on the tensioner pulley. So yes - the A/C load would affect the pulley load, hence noise.

khelms_98

Thanks! I'm hoping my issue has more to do with the tensioner or idler pulley and less to do with the A/C compressor itself. I'll get it checked as soon as I can.

The noise is very aggravating and is very audible at idle and low RPMs. It seems to be worse in damp/humid conditions, ie. leaving the house very early in the morning....not necessarily extraordinarily hot conditions as one would expect given that it's climate control related.

Thanks again!