SL/R231: 2015 Sl400 tapping/ knocking at cold only startup.




That sounds like tensioners. But if they did them properly that “should” have gone away.
Take a look at your invoice did they do the check valves along with tensioners?
There should be part numbers on that invoice.
What are they?
Do you see a 2780503300 or similar?
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Aug 30, 2021 at 01:25 PM.








I don’t see check valves on his invoice…
There should also be a choice of two different size check valve sizes, see the Service Bulletin:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...6435_ver_3.pdf
Last edited by crconsulting; Aug 30, 2021 at 03:25 PM.








My engine # is 276825 30 130705 (I think)
Yes I agree. But as long as ALL recommended parts were installed and none were defective (rare but always a chance)
I don’t see check valves on his invoice…
There should also be a choice of two different size check valve sizes, see the Service Bulletin:
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...6435_ver_3.pdf
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Aug 31, 2021 at 02:22 AM.








There is no “testing”. Just replacement.
The repair should be two parts as described in the Service Bulletin.
Many people on mbworld have done the job, here’s a brief view.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-c...-rattle-3.html
Here’s what a proper kit should look like. (There are two different size bores, so you need both size check valves unless you’ve pre measured them.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...SABEgLFaPD_BwE
Last edited by crconsulting; Aug 31, 2021 at 09:58 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




there is upgrading of tensioners in cars that already had check valves installed.
there is installation of check valves in one or both sides in cars that did not have them from the factory along with new tensioners as well.
meaning a car repair sheet/ invoice does not necessarily have to include the check valves as they may have been in there making the tech think only tensioners need it. I do not imagine the valves themselves ever needing replacing. It’s a Schrader valve




The TSB is quite clear even if it has the valves they should be replaced to the new check valves. The newer engines within the affected range that already have the upgraded tensioners, and have the older check valves installed, Mercedes only recommends replacement of the older check valve and not replacing the tensioners. Those check valves are pretty important piece of that procedure.
There’s a tool to remove and replace the check valves. $20 in parts & a few minutes to rule out oil pressure issues to tensioners vs having to rip it apart again is cheap insurance.
“Engine 2769:
1) Up to engine number 276 9xx 30 365996 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 276 9xx 30 365997 up to engine number 276 9xx 30 406603 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range) “
Last edited by crconsulting; Sep 1, 2021 at 01:03 AM.




The TSB is quite clear even if it has the valves they should be replaced to the new check valves. The newer engines within the affected range that already have the upgraded tensioners, and have the older check valves installed, Mercedes only recommends replacement of the older check valve and not replacing the tensioners. Those check valves are pretty important piece of that procedure.
There’s a tool to remove and replace the check valves. $20 in parts & a few minutes to rule out oil pressure issues to tensioners vs having to rip it apart again is cheap insurance.
“Engine 2769:
1) Up to engine number 276 9xx 30 365996 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 276 9xx 30 365997 up to engine number 276 9xx 30 406603 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range) “




My service adviser returned my call yesterday, but I missed the call while in the shower. I hope to speak with him today to inquiry about why my valves weren’t done with my tensioner. I plan to also share the bulletin info that was posted in this thread that outlines my problem that others have had.
Maybe it’s me, but if you look at my engine number above in this thread and look at the engine list from MB that shows which engines should get the valves and or tensioner repair I think my engine is not in that range. Or am I reading it wrong? I have been working super long days on a business project so I could be seeing it wrong.
Also all of my tensioners weren’t replaced, so I guess in theory it could be one of the other ones that didn’t get replaced that is bad right?









Service adviser still hasn't returned my call yet, but I did get a nice $300 text bill about my diagnosis fee from that dealership though. Funny how that works, when he hasn't returned my call yet. All this hassle better nt be because they did my tensioner without doing my check valves!
Non mechanic question for you or anyone. Say I do have to do this check valve, is it a whole big thing to go back in and do after the tensioner was already competed, or can you get too and replace one if not all of them easily compared to the tensioner? How much would a check valve swap cost?
Thanks as always...




Service adviser still hasn't returned my call yet, but I did get a nice $300 text bill about my diagnosis fee from that dealership though. Funny how that works, when he hasn't returned my call yet. All this hassle better nt be because they did my tensioner without doing my check valves!
Non mechanic question for you or anyone. Say I do have to do this check valve, is it a whole big thing to go back in and do after the tensioner was already competed, or can you get too and replace one if not all of them easily compared to the tensioner? How much would a check valve swap cost?
I would ask a lot of questions…
Also easy to park the car in a warmer garage to see if it has any effect. (free) and put an oil pressure gauge to see pressure and how long it takes to get oil to the top end. (cheap). I definitely would be hesitant to throw more $$$$ at the problem without clear direction.
There is some very sage advice in Baltistyle three rules and post
Good Luck let us know how it turns out.
Last edited by crconsulting; Sep 1, 2021 at 08:59 PM.
My service adviser returned my call yesterday, but I missed the call while in the shower. I hope to speak with him today to inquiry about why my valves weren’t done with my tensioner. I plan to also share the bulletin info that was posted in this thread that outlines my problem that others have had.
Maybe it’s me, but if you look at my engine number above in this thread and look at the engine list from MB that shows which engines should get the valves and or tensioner repair I think my engine is not in that range. Or am I reading it wrong? I have been working super long days on a business project so I could be seeing it wrong.
Also all of my tensioners weren’t replaced, so I guess in theory it could be one of the other ones that didn’t get replaced that is bad right?
Your engine number is #130705. Engines from #0 to #365996 require check valves and tensioners. Your engine requires check valves and tensioners.
It seems to be difficult for you (not a criticism) to get information on whether or not check valves AND tensioners are installed in your engine. If they are installed, all of them, your problem lies somewhere else, or the valves or tensioners have failed. Rare but it's possible. If they are not installed, you need them installed.
Quotes from earlier posts:
From ThatsMyDawg: Good info. My engine # is 276825 30 130705
from crconsulting “Engine 2769:
1) Up to engine number 276 9xx 30 365996 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 276 9xx 30 365997 up to engine number 276 9xx 30 406603 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range) “
Service adviser still hasn't returned my call yet, but I did get a nice $300 text bill about my diagnosis fee from that dealership though. Funny how that works, when he hasn't returned my call yet. All this hassle better nt be because they did my tensioner without doing my check valves!
Non mechanic question for you or anyone. Say I do have to do this check valve, is it a whole big thing to go back in and do after the tensioner was already competed, or can you get too and replace one if not all of them easily compared to the tensioner? How much would a check valve swap cost?
Thanks as always...




EDIT----->>>> Nothing on VMI that shows any prior tensioner/check valve work.
Your engine number is #130705. Engines from #0 to #365996 require check valves and tensioners. Your engine requires check valves and tensioners.
It seems to be difficult for you (not a criticism) to get information on whether or not check valves AND tensioners are installed in your engine. If they are installed, all of them, your problem lies somewhere else, or the valves or tensioners have failed. Rare but it's possible. If they are not installed, you need them installed.
Quotes from earlier posts:
From ThatsMyDawg: Good info. My engine # is 276825 30 130705
from crconsulting “Engine 2769:
1) Up to engine number 276 9xx 30 365996 install check valves and chain tensioners
2) From engine number 276 9xx 30 365997 up to engine number 276 9xx 30 406603 (February 2013) install check valves only (optimized tensioners installed in this production range) “
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Sep 2, 2021 at 06:35 AM.








Well, I spoke with the service person and presented him with my findings and questions. Via phone he said “It does appear that MB wanted the check valves done with the tensioners to fix your issue, but it looks like we did not do the valves. Your engine is listed as one of those to do the valves.”
”let us research this to make sure that is correct and we have everything in order, give me until Tuesday to get back with you”




Well, I spoke with the service person and presented him with my findings and questions. Via phone he said “It does appear that MB wanted the check valves done with the tensioners to fix your issue, but it looks like we did not do the valves. Your engine is listed as one of those to do the valves.”
”let us research this to make sure that is correct and we have everything in order, give me until Tuesday to get back with you”
As suspected, it doesn’t appear as though they did the check valves when they did the tensioners 🙁
Does the VMI show they were done at any time?
and btw they did do both tensioners. Both part #’s are present on your invoice.
It may need both tensioners and check valves.
Last edited by crconsulting; Sep 2, 2021 at 05:56 PM.




Correct, my service rep confirmed to me today that they did not do the valves with my tensioners service. What he couldn’t explain is why they were not done. He also confirmed that both tensioners were replaced and pointed out to me that they have two different part numbers on my receipt.
He also confirmed that my engine does fall into the affected range, but mentioned that he didn’t even see a part number for the valves in whatever system is was looking in.
As suspected, it doesn’t appear as though they did the check valves when they did the tensioners 🙁
Does the VMI show they were done at any time?
and btw they did do both tensioners. Both part #’s are present on your invoice.
Tensioners are 50% of the proper repair, especially if his engine # falls into affected range.
It may need both tensioners and check valves.
Last edited by ThatsMyDawg; Sep 2, 2021 at 08:05 PM.





