DGFG99

After hearing a 'ticking noise' at low rev's (1000-1500 rpm), I took my 2001 SLK 320 into my local MB dealer for a check. They found valve rockers & shafts to have excess wear and replaced all, cost >$2000. Luckily I have an extended warranty, so cost was covered, but I was shocked to encounter this problem in a car with only 50k miles. Comments, feedback appreciated.

RJC

MB's modular engines are known to have noisy and sometimes weak valvetrains

TECHNICIAN

Usually just replacing the hydraulic lifters will cure the tapping noises

Kestas

The industry calls it "infancy failure"... usually the result of defects in materials or workmanship. It is these parts that come into my lab for analysis. No make or model is immune to these hiccups.

Or

You may have been a victim of a poorly maintained engine because of the FSS oil monitor system. This system has caused many a ruined engine because either it didn't work properly or the owner used regular oil instead of synthetic oil. Mercedes issued a bulletin and contacted owners of this problem, increasing the engine warranty from oil-related problems to 150K.

Now MB has dispensed with the FSS oil monitoring system and gone with a recommendation of 13K oil change intervals for new cars.