Cosmic Benz

I did a search and discovered that there have been some discussions about start up noise on the E55s. My E63 has 400 miles on it. When I start it up (cold) I hear a thonk, thonk, thonk--kind of like the heat risers on older American cars.

It is not loud like a rod knocking--could be piston slap--goes away after the car warms up. Is there a consensus explanation for this phenomenon?

I do tend to be sensitive to automobile noises, especially when the car is new. The transmission on the E63 also seems to whine a bit (buzz, whine combo sound).

Anyway, have others experienced the start up sound on their E63s?

MBTECH2003

If you take it to a dealer you will find that there is a bulletin on that noise on E63's. I have already seen a few come in for that noise.

Bluemax

Cosmic,

I have five hundred miles on my car and no clunks in the morning here. But it's been very warm here in Phoenix. I do hear the transmission noise that your talken about it does go away after a few hundred feet.

Robert

Cosmic Benz

Is there any explanation for the noise? Or, more importantly, what is the fix?

05VENOM

Where do you find these bulletins. MB sure doesn't offer up any. In fact, if it weren't for this forum, we would never find any help with our service needs.

jangy

They are out there. It has been a known noise. I can see what the actual "fix" is. Using synthetics doesn't help.

Cosmic Benz

Does anyone have an official diagnosis? If there is a service bulletin on the problem, then there must be some idea what is causing the noise.

A $95,000 car with a hand-built motor that makes a strange noise? If somebody at the dealership says it is a "characteristic of the motor," I'm going to go postal.

My Z06 was hand-built American and it didn't make any strange noises.

gE63

I had a similar problem when my car was new. It was intermittent though. Does it happen all the time? I took the car to the dealership two times regarding this noise and their answer was “cannot replicate.” Sorry I can’t give you any more insight (the dealership gave me none). However, the noise has not occurred since about 2,000 miles (I’m at 7,000 now).

jangy

Be patient and no postality or stress. i'll get you the word. Give me a day.

Cosmic Benz

MBTECH2003

I am a dealership technician. Sometimes the response of (unable to duplicate) happens because it was not duplicated. Until a technician hears the noise it is impossible to fix it. Now that there is a bulletin regarding this particular startup noise it will be possible for a technician to perform a fix to a problem that they were not necessarily able to duplicate. These engines are VERY new, and there are not that many of them. It takes time for Mercedes/AMG to hear from the dealers and have enough dealers duplicate the problem to broadcast a fix for the problem.

The fix involves replacing a camshaft adjuster to an updated part that will resolve the problem.

jangy

Glad to have you onboard along with the few other techs that frequent the site.
Please take some of what we say with the grain of salt that is needed. Sometimes our frustrations are due to a few bad apples not doing their due diligence. Keep in mind that Cosmic just had his car in and the DTB has been out, yet he got no fix. I can name a half a dozen techs / SAs that would have done the background to find out, rather than the bland response he got. I am sure you are one of them.
In this case, where there is a "fix" and he clearly is not just saying stuff (since he didn't even know about it), how should Cosmic enlighten his dealership onto the fix? Is there a way for him to get a DTB reference number or something to provide?

Cosmic Benz

Cosmic Benz

This type of problem corroborates the perspective that many people have about buying new offerings from the auto manufacturers. This means I have to leave my car at the dealership for at least a couple of days. I bought the car 90 miles away (still the closest, best dealer), so it involves a minimum of 6-8 hours of driving to get the repairs, etc.

I am thankful that there are some Mercedes Tech folks who frequent the forum, because it allows us to more effectively participate with the dealer in diagnosing the problem. Thank you MBTECH2003 and Jangy for helping me with this one.

I only have 400 miles on the car, and I would like to drive it for awhile before taking it back to the dealer. Will it cause any damage or cause any ancillary problems if I drive it? I would like to get 1000-1200 miles on it so I can take it in for the oil change and initial inspection at the same time.

Thanks for the help guys.

stevebez

I am surprised manufacturers don't have a forum like this where they can address complaints first hand... I guess they dont like the dirty laundy being aired often.

It would save all concerned so much time and money...

jangy

Steve: I have spoken with MBUSA about just such a concept and they are actually open to the thought. Stay tuned....(and I don't mean a few weeks. Corporate takes time)

Yacht Master

Steve, Cosmic, try this TONIGHT!!! I think you need your VIN# to join.

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatelounge/index.php

AMG Chat Session Mar 21, 2007 8:00-9:00pm EST
Mr. Mark Ramsey, AMG Product Manager from MBUSA, will be available to answer your AMG inquiries. We look forward to chatting with you!

jangy

That is indeed a good opportunity. Some took it as a chance to bash, but I like that AMG is even willing to stick their neck out. Rob Allen is a cool cat in my book.

MBTECH2003

You wont see any additonal damage done to the engine by waiting for your first visit. When you return, mention that you were aware of a buliten describing this particular symptom.

Hint: dont mention that you read it on a forum... fair or not 9 times out of 10 it will take the credibility the advisor puts in you into the hole.

Cosmic Benz

Thanks MBTECH. I will follow your advice.

mche55!

the problem is your cats are getting fuked up they changed my cats once already at the dealer cuz of that noise about 2 months ago and now it came back

Cosmic Benz

Just to bring more information to this issue, the shop foreman at my dealership thinks it is the oil pump. Several S Class cars on the lot make the same noise.

He says MB is aware of the noise, but when and if they will issue a fix is uncertain.

MBTECH2003

I totally forgot to get the bulletin number today, but the engine in the S-Class bears NO similarity to the 6.3L motors. I'll get the number tomorrow.

mprsev

Does the noise sound like a "tick" or "clicking" noise on cold idle? My E63 only has 100 miles on it but I notice this noise every start up. Is this the same thing?

MBTEK

Dtb # For Engine 156(63) Motor Is P-b-05.20/20. This Dtb Applies To Engines Built Up To Serial # 60 001177,the Dtb States A Sporatic Noise When Starting Warm. The Cure Is To Get Kit # A156 050 31 47, This Kit Contains 2 Intake Cams And 2 Intake Cam Adjusters. Follow Directions As Per Wis Document Ar5.20p-6992amg. This Info Was Released Jan4/07. Hope This Info Helps.