nancijr

HELP,
HAS ANYONE HAD THE CHURPING SOUND I HEAR WHEN STARTING OUT. LOW TO MEDIUM THROTTLE. ITS QUICK SOUNDING, ALMOST A CLICK. I HAVE JUST OVER A THOUSAND MILES. I HAVENT DISCUSSED OR BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER YET.

anerbe

i also have it on the e55. there's a slight hesitate when pressed. it happens low/ med throttle. it kinda sounds like a bird chirp

stockseer

I have the same chirp; dealer hears it and 'says' it's perfectly normal in the SL55 due to the free-flowing exhaust system.

It's a chirp or almost a 'twang', and occurs sometimes at less-than-full acceleration, or even in moderate cornering if you then sort of stick the throttle just a bit. It's not terribly bothersome, but I did call it to their attention. Again they say it's in the SL55 exhaust, and is because it's free-flowing. I would very much be interested should you learn otherwise, or if there's a fix for this.

thanks!

By the way, do any SL55 owners get brake squeal after driving a bit? Basically wonderful car, but these are the only 2 oddities.

thanks...

gene

___________________
'03 SL55 black/charcoal
all options but distronic

nancijr

WE MUST HAVE THE SAME CAR.

I HAVE THE BRAKE PROBLEM AS WELL.

IF I GET SOLUTIONS I'LL ADVISE.

THANKS JIM

stockseer

thanks Jim... it would be interesting if we are the only 'folks' with these issues; the 'chirp' (must be identical) isn't bothersome; the brake squealing is; it's primarily at low-speed only (works great on the highway and when cool); was said by them to be glazing at the start (they changed pads and rotors once), but it came back... I can't accept that this is considered normal simply as it's a fast car with superior brakes (though the material used in the discs on the 55 may be an issue). I would appreciate anything you learn about this, and I'll share the same.

Regards,

gene

__________________
'03 SL55 black/gray
all options but distronic

stockseer

By the way, I'm sure many of us would value knowing whether a low-speed break squeal is evident on other SL55's, or not, if you gentlemen (and particularly MB reps) might share that information

thanks!

gene
________________
'03 SL55 black/gray
all options but distronic
www.ingerletter.com

NewBlack55

I have the chirp on my E55 as well. Thought it may be the supercharger clutch coming in..... Would be intrested to hear a more formal opinion.

How could it be exhaust?

Thanks

ARCANE

I think it's a metallic "clanking" sound, and the dealer (Greenway Benz in Houston) confirms that it's the supercharger clutch going in. It only happens with a low to moderate acceleration, and not when you are more aggressive with the gas pedal.

Nothing to do about it, same apparently as the brake squeal, which I have still after 5,500 miles.

mss8022

I too had the churp in my SL55. Went to the dealer 2 times about it. The first time they said it was normal. The second time they put some type of material (I do not know what) on the supercharger clutch. It has reduced the noise substantially but it is sometimes still there. The dealer recommended that I call MB about it just for future protection in case there is a problem in the future.

Also, I have the slight sound from the fuel pump in the gas tank in the rear of the car. Am told it is normal even though I see that some others are having their tanks replaced.

BUT, I love this car!!!!

Best I have ever owned and I bought it to replace a 1999 Ferrari 355 F1 Spider and a 1996 Porsche 911.

Good luck with your churp!

stockseer

thanks gentlemen... appreciate knowing my SL55 isn't alone with the churp (and yes, light stabs on the throttle elicit that, not the full-throttle applications, which of course never occur.... too fast); it's very mild and not particularly annoying, just wondered.

As to the brake squeal; that's not always present; primarily on low-speed 'cruising' after being warmed up; not present at all in other conditions. Suspect it is the ceramaic disc material used to ensure high-speed superior braking.

I too should have noted that after 2 Ferraris, 2 Porches, 1 awful BMW 850 (years ago), this is my 8th Benz, and by far not only the best 'benz, but the best engineered and reliable overall car that I can recall owning, with the fewest irritations and no mechanical flaws (this one was build in Feb. '03, so I think has the gas tank change and some other minor changes since last year that I was luckly enough not to have to address). It is a fantastic car!

cheers..

gene

____________________
'03 SL55 black/gray
all options but distronic
www.ingerletter.com

London Lad

I have the chirp but it’s more like a very quick squeak. I was told it was the supercharger clutch. Brakes squeak when hot as well.

I have a 'donk' from the front nearside suspension when manoeuvring slowly on lock and also a 'grunt' from the rear offside area under heavy braking when pushing the car hard.

Still love it though

carcrazy

I think I have a donk as well. I thought it was something sliding in the trunk. Any idea what it might be? Anyone?

SL Boy

my SL55 is January 2003 and now done 4000 miles with no problems. I have the churp but I also had it on my SLK 230 Kompressor and when I asked the dealer he said it was the supercharger kicking in and not to worry. The SLK did 46,000 miles with no problems.

No brake squeal.

realcanuk

my sl55 just developed the same chirping noise you are all referring too. i have 4500 klms and heard it for the first time today. my brakes squeak as well but i didnt bother taking it to the dealer for that yet. this week i will take it in for both noises and they better not tell me that chirping is normal because i wont accept that for an answer. it cant be.
i will post when i find out what they say.

realcanuk

mss8022

I had previously replied that I had a churp on my SL55 and that the dealer had put something on the supercharger clutch that seemed to be helping. He called it a "compound" of some sort.

Well, after several weeks, the churp is gone completely. If you have the problem, you may ask your dealer about the solution my dealer used (RAB Motors in San Rafael, CA).

Good luck!