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Funny Exhaust Noise - e320

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Old Sep 9, 2003 | 07:31 AM
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2004 s600
Funny Exhaust Noise - e320

When I have the windows down on my 2000 e320, I can hear the exhaust system making an odd pipe rattling noise. It's not the exhaust hitting anything, rather it's sounds like a exhaust gas going through a hollow pipe. This is hard to describe - it's most noticeable at lower engine speed. I guess it sounds a little like there's an unusual exhaust leak coming from the major clamp just under the front seats, but I've checked and can't find anything wrong (no telltail black smoke marks indicating a leak, clamps all tight).

I've worked on cars all my life (as an amateur) and so I'd know the obvious stuff. The sound is tinny sounding, like someone put a cheap exhaust on the car, but the overall sound of the exhaust is not loud like a hole in the muffler.

This is a tough one to describe - wish I could do better.
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Old Sep 10, 2003 | 03:05 PM
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Its most likely one or both of the cats. Thr internal baffles break loose and rattle. Recently changed both on my 01 E320. This sems to be a common problem on several MB models.
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Old Sep 10, 2003 | 03:48 PM
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2004 s600
That could be it, because they seem to rattling now and it's not like the exhaust is loose and hitting the heat shields or anything.

Are there more than one muffler? If so, is there any method to identifying which one is bad, since it's internal baffling.
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Old Sep 10, 2003 | 07:56 PM
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
On mine, one was changed and the noise lessened but was still there and they changed the other one. Noise abated. Believe that if you put the car on a lift and rap on the cat with a rubber mallet you can tell if its the one. Al I have heard about required both cats to be changed. My 01 E320 4matic has dual cats and one muffler plus a resonator. mine was done under warranty
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Old Sep 11, 2003 | 07:43 AM
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Thanks, unfortunately my warranty just expired.
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Old Sep 11, 2003 | 09:13 PM
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2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
It may still be covered under the emmission warranty or, your dealer may "goodwill" it as its a known problem
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Old Sep 12, 2003 | 07:05 AM
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Good idea. Thanks a lot for your help.
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Old Sep 12, 2003 | 08:34 AM
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Under some law catalitic converters are now covered by an 8 year 80k mile warranty, your dealer should do it under warranty.
Check your manual also, they probably mention that warranty as well.

It does sound like the cats, my car did the same and that's what it was.
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Old Sep 12, 2003 | 08:37 AM
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Thanks Pocholin, I'm checking with MB.
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Old Jan 12, 2011 | 12:56 PM
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2006 c230(Sport), 2000 E320
Sorry to bring this back.....

Hello everyone....(1st post )

I have the same car 2000 E320 and just experienced this same issue.
Rattling noise, especially when the exhaust is still cold and the rattles seems to go away after the car fully warms up.

My car is now 12 yrs old and under 80k miles

Did the the noise go away after replacing the CATS?

Also where is a good place/Price to get new cats?
Do i have to use OEM or can i just go to a local muffler shop?

Thank you
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Old Jan 12, 2011 | 03:26 PM
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Yes the noise went away. If it's a metal rattling sound, it very likely the converter. I can't help you on best price.
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