Mercedes engines--unrefined at idle??
I've noticed that all newer Mercedes models (except the V12's) have a noticeably rough sounding, almost diesel like idle. I've noticed this on some of my family members Mercedes (ML55, E320's, SL500, ML320, CLK320, CLK430,S500...)..has anyone else noticed this and do you know a reason why they sound like this?? Just curious thanks!
Every Mercedes I've been (various 500's, 55's, and two 600's but one doesn't count because it's RENNteched) have an almost silent idle. The r230 is a little raunchy, sure, but then again it's supposed to be a sports car. The w220 was absolutley silent at around 500rpms I believe. It's almost amazing how smooth these cars are.
On the gas, supposedly all the majors use high quality detergents now. However, about 15 years ago, a dealer told me to use only Shell, Mobil, Exxon, and Amoco because of the quality of their detergents. Every time I used a different brand, the engine would run rough.
Another thing: here in the DC area, the daily commute is usually stop-and-go all the way. I would sometimes find that by Friday the car would be rough so I would take it out on the freeway on the weekend and run it at a lower gear than usual to blow all the crap out.
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Hows the 7-speed in your E-500??Do you know how many MPH is redlines in first gear??I'm curious...thanks!!
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Check:
Injectors,
Fuel Pump,
fuel filter,
O2 sensor
knock sensor.
iat sensor,
maf/map sensor (I don't know what MB uses),
ignition wires,
plugs (actually, the plugs can go a long way to diagnosing this problem),
coils
It sounds like a knock at no load (diesel sound at idle). Too lean? Faulty info to the ECU? Inaccurate ignition timing?
Is it a hot only or cold only problem?
Remember the ECU is plotting sensor inputs against lookup tables, so if the engine isn't doing what the ECU commands (injectors, fuel filters, fuel pump), or the ECU misunderstands what the engine is telling it (bad sensors), you have a problem.
This isn't a clearence problem, busted cam lobe, bad valve seat or guide, bad lifter, etc.
RJC---this is a weird coincidence--there's a guy that lives down the street from me, and he has a 2004 CLK500 EXACTLY like yours, and his personalized license plate says "RJC" on it lol



