Engine "Clacking" Noise and Carbon?
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 175
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Engine "Clacking" Noise and Carbon?
The Run Down - 2002 S500 48k miles. Took car in due to a rpm sensitive clacking noise from what I believe to be the front of the engine. Dealer calls me, they want to decarbonize the engine, clean the fuel injectors and the EGR. I question them as to why they do not think it might be a lifter. Dealer indicates the way the sound presents they feel confident it is carbon related. Now the rub the maintenance services are not covered under my MB CPO warranty, obviously the lifters would be and the cost for the maintenace service is $600.00.
Further Details -
The dealer did ask to keep the car overnite so they could assess the noise under all heat conditions.
I acquired the car with 39k on it and it did have the "look" of a car that was driven on short trips exclusively.
Now I have no problem paying for the service but damn I hate to think I'm being taken. I guess the proof will be in the pudding, ie, if the noise dissipates as result of the service. We shall see.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Further Details -
The dealer did ask to keep the car overnite so they could assess the noise under all heat conditions.
I acquired the car with 39k on it and it did have the "look" of a car that was driven on short trips exclusively.
Now I have no problem paying for the service but damn I hate to think I'm being taken. I guess the proof will be in the pudding, ie, if the noise dissipates as result of the service. We shall see.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
I use a high quality fuel system cleaner (not just a fuel injector cleaner - the fuel system cleaner is more concentrated). I use it in accordance with instructions - and I take the car out to the interstate, drive the limit while manually selecting as low a gear as possible. 40 miles of driving at 5000 to 5500 rpm or above usually cleans it out pretty well for me. Don't exceed red line. Watch your engine temps (though mine have held pretty well even at 90 degrees here in Florida).
I'd try that before spending $600. However, if the clacking noise gets worse, that's not the problem.
I'd try that before spending $600. However, if the clacking noise gets worse, that's not the problem.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 175
Likes: 1
I use a high quality fuel system cleaner (not just a fuel injector cleaner - the fuel system cleaner is more concentrated). I use it in accordance with instructions - and I take the car out to the interstate, drive the limit while manually selecting as low a gear as possible. 40 miles of driving at 5000 to 5500 rpm or above usually cleans it out pretty well for me. Don't exceed red line. Watch your engine temps (though mine have held pretty well even at 90 degrees here in Florida).
I'd try that before spending $600. However, if the clacking noise gets worse, that's not the problem.
I'd try that before spending $600. However, if the clacking noise gets worse, that's not the problem.
Well, Well, Well, Got the 2002 S500 back from the dealer.
Work related to clacking Noise as following -
Cause: Carbon Build-Up in Cylinders.
Work Done -
R&R Spark Plugs Add Cleaner, Perform Injection Flush
Perform EGR Service.
Injector Cleaner was added into each cylinder and allowed to soak overnite.
They also gave me a can BG44k to put in myself when I fill the car up with gas and recommended Chevron Gas, and additional cans of BG44k monthly if the car was going to be driven short distances frequently.
$600.00 later --------------> Noise is Gone. (I know don't say it - I paid _ $600.00 for a can of BG44k LOL NO,
So for now "sounds" good.
On a side note, I have got a clunk noise in the driver seat particularly when turning left and your weight shifts. Told SA this and mentioned there is a TSB on the seats. Dealer checks it out, SA informs me it is cracked plastic covers at seat bottom, not covered by CPO imagine that? I mention TSB again, he says that is for seat rails only and my seat rails are fine, go figure! They want another 600 bucks to fix this. I'll tell you this, the MB CPO warranty while not having a deductible does have some gaping holes in it.
And here I thought BMWs where expensive to maintain, I got one of those gems as well.
Such is my lot in Life
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 27
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Thank you for the feedback.
The plastic covers cracked (at the top) in my '00 S500. Twice. Each time I ordered the part ($80; MB is certainly proud of their plastic) and had it installed separately (about $40). I didn't do it myself because the very large Torx (or Star, I don't recall which) bolt holding the seat belt had to be removed, and was far too tightly installed for the tools I had.
However, if my dealer had even suggested $600 for the repair, I would not have hesitated to ask an independent to install the parts.
Fortunately I haven't had that problem with my '05.
If having problems with expensive cars gets to be a trial sometimes, remember one gem I learned in law school. My tax professor said "I know this is hard to see as students; but once you're in practice, get yourself a tax problem. You'll enjoy it." It took a moment to sink in, for some. With no income, we had no tax problem. To have one....
The plastic covers cracked (at the top) in my '00 S500. Twice. Each time I ordered the part ($80; MB is certainly proud of their plastic) and had it installed separately (about $40). I didn't do it myself because the very large Torx (or Star, I don't recall which) bolt holding the seat belt had to be removed, and was far too tightly installed for the tools I had.
However, if my dealer had even suggested $600 for the repair, I would not have hesitated to ask an independent to install the parts.
Fortunately I haven't had that problem with my '05.
If having problems with expensive cars gets to be a trial sometimes, remember one gem I learned in law school. My tax professor said "I know this is hard to see as students; but once you're in practice, get yourself a tax problem. You'll enjoy it." It took a moment to sink in, for some. With no income, we had no tax problem. To have one....
Last edited by Skylaw; Oct 21, 2007 at 08:01 AM.
