Just picked up a 2005 s500 4matic. Used to have a 2001 s500 and I missed the ride so I had to get back into a S-Class. Anyhow, been searching, see lots of threads, but nothing definitive.

Basically, when you turn hard, you feel a rubbing or grinding sound. Feels like it is coming from the rear. Interestingly, in a large abandoned parking lot I drove the car in reverse in tight circles (both left and right). After a few revolutions, the noise went away. Put the car in drive, tight turns seemed ok. Later that day - problem came back. I have seen the post for Mercedes 2007100004, but the reason I am posting this is that I have not seen a post any more recent than 2010 and I am wondering if there is anything else that this could be (other than transfer case). Bearings? I'm not super-mechanical, but do enough to be interested in what is causing this.

FWIW, I called my dealer about MSC 2007100004 and when I provided the VIN, the service manager said that the only recall is for a faulty instrument cluster that is covered in full by MB if it happens before 1/2015.

Did this MSC expire and is it possible that the dealer didn't tell me that? (I realize it makes no difference at this point).

Thanks.

 

Do a transfer case and Differential fluid change and more figure 8s after the fluid change in the parking lot

See
https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w220/561928-transfer-case-differential-fluid.html

 

Second the suggestion for a fluid change, and would add that you should make certain that the fluid used is exactly that specified by Mercedes.

 

Replaced with OEM gear oil, problem not corrected.

 

Ditto on the transfer case fluid change. Worked for me!