My 2000 SL500 Sport has a problem with the passenger side front wheel. When I cut the steering wheel hard left (when it is cold out) and drive slowly - maybe 3-4 MPH - I hear and feel a mechanical clicking with each wheel rotation which feels like the wheel is moving/shifting on it's studs.

Now that it is warm it doesn't do it ... but it does feel like the alignment is off for the 1st few minutes until the car warms up. I confirmed that the wheel is properly bolted on and I jacked the car up but didn't see anything obvious.

The wheel has never hit anything - I've driven every one of the 22k miles carefully. However it had a couple of scratches on the passanger side front wheel (AMG) when I picked it up new from the dealer so I suspect that it may have taken a knock before I got it. When I took delivery the salesguy told me that it had a vibration which they fixed by replacing the rubber.

I will have the dealer look at it when I bring it in for service but I would like to give him a little more to go on than "it comes and goes depending on the temps."

Ideas ? Suggestions ?

 

Sounds like you have a wheel bearing problem. You probably need the bearing repacked and tightened. When it warms up, the needle bearings and grease expand slightly silencing the problem.

However, if the bearing is bad it must be replaced. You should have this checked asap, as it could heat up and seize causing greater problems.

 

You have got to be kidding me.. Saying a wheel bearing made out of the most tempered steel in the world and the grease along with it are subject to temperatures extremes that cause them to make noises... Listen from dead cold to operating temp. the tolerances of wheel bearings are in the hundred of thousands of inches.. get a grip.. what is causing your noise is a brake pad on the rotor. IF A BEARING IS BAD IT WILL HOWL COLD OR HOT...
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A NICE TECHNICAL EXPLANATION BUT ITS WRONG!