Jim K

Have any of you heard a ratcheting noise coming from behind the driver's seat? It is intermittent and random and sounds like the seatbelt mechanism. Lately it's been accompanied by a very slight rattle, seemingly from the same area. It's so infrequent that having the tech drive with me is likely to yield nothing. Thanks for any input.

Artyi

I had a similar problem a while ago. It was getting on my nervous like for a half year. Then I went to the dealer like for 5 times and he never found out what it is... And once, they just made a calibration of my trunk boot and it disappeared.
I always had this sound from the back of my head, like the roof moving or something behind me scratching, maybe it will help you.

Havoc

I remember some guys hearing a noise coming from behind the driver's seat which was from the fuel pump, if I'm not mistaken.

Jim K

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Artyi

Yeah, I heard there were some problems with fuel tank. People who had warranty, had it changed for free.

diablo2112

This may be the loose baffle in the fuel tank problem, well documented here. Pain to fix, but is covered under warranty if you still have it.

RJC

Fuel tank baffles should not be an issue for an 09 as it mostly affected 03 and 04 SLs but ya never know.

Sgooter

I've heard the racheting sound one or twice behind the driver seat, and this occurred while the car was on level pavement. I'm certain it's associated with the seatbelt mechanism. I think I was leaning forward while pulling out the belt and hooking it up in the seat clip, then as I sat back in the seat I heard the racheting sound. I then bent forward and back a couple of times to listen for it again, but all was quiet and the seltbelt functioned normally...as far as I know. Ignorance is bliss, they say.

Jim K

Thanks Sgooter. I know I'm not imagining this. I'm going to try and get lucky with the M-B tech and have him ride with me; maybe it'll happen while he's in the car. The odds are not good, I know, but I'll give it a shot.