ELENI

I have a 99 clk 430 with 54000 miles.

I notice that when my car hits 20,000 rpms I hear a rattling or sraping noise coming from under the car. After I pass 20,000 or go below it the noise stops. It just happens as I'm hitting 20,000 rpm.

Any idea on what this could be or any suggestions. I don't have a warranty on my car and so I would be taking it to a regular mechanic. Any ideas on what I shoudl recommend to him to check out first.

Thanks.

dtkw

Are you sure it's 20,000 rpm? or you meant 2,000 rpm? I haven't seen a car that could go over 7,000 rpm. And that probably in the red line already. Bad fuel? or filter? vacuum leak?

ELENI

OOPS sorry. I guess it's 2000 rpms. I had said 2000 rpms to someone and they corrected me and said its 20,000 rpms. So not knowing any better I believed them.

Yeah so I guess it's 2000 rpms.

sosh

Just had a similar problem with my E320 corrected. The dealer changed both cats and its now real quiet. I was told that some of the cats develop a loose internal baffle and rattle. Bet thats your problem

ELENI

Ouch that sounds expensive. Is it something I can hold off till I have a day off or do you think I should rush it to a mechanic.

In other words will it cause any other problems by delaying the repair. I don't want to make the condition worse.

sph17

Items related to emissions have a federally mandated warranty to 80,000 miles I believe. It is possible that the cats may be covered under this, so you may be able to get it done with no $$. Check into this at a MB dealer.

ELENI

Thanks for everyones help. I will try to check with my local MB dealership, even though I really wouldn't trust a word they say.

Hopefully it is part of a federally mandated warranty.

Thanks again.