W211 AMG Discuss the W211 AMG's such as the E55 and the E63

Thump in rear over bumps

Old Jan 12, 2015 | 08:15 AM
  #1  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
Thump in rear over bumps

This has be coverd many times but still looking for answer. I have a 2005 E55 thats had this noise for 9 months and is getting louder ...mostly on the right side on certain bumps.
Replaced sway bar links, bushings, removed factory air suspension and installed coil overs with brand new lower controll arms. Just did rear subframe bolts to be pro active, bigger bolts with steel plates and nuts on top, rewelded all back togather, and replaced front bushings for the hell of it but did not need them. Removed rear spare tire and taped down rear seat head rests. Car sat a while to do custom fuel rail and filter install/project and this morning on first drive....still there like nothing done to rear suspension. All controll arms where also removed on that side to check bushings as well.
Only way to lessen the noise is to set rear shock on soft settings.
Funny thing is I am teaching suspension systems this term in school and cant even fix my own car...not even with my own guys at my dealer at work at on the side. Any help would be great, Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 08:36 AM
  #2  
TheTherapist's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 847
Likes: 31
From: Australia
2004 W211 E55 AMG >>gone but not forgotten > W123 280E > W124 E280 > W126 380SE
Have you checked the diff mount? Torque can rip it out the then it settles back in the hole where it's not immediately obvious except you know something feels wrong and it can bang at times over bumps depending on where it's currently sitting. Had me baffled for a while - I ended up replacing bushes and shocks/baffles before we noticed the real problem one day when under the car.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 09:18 AM
  #3  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
Wow never really looked that hard at the diff. I will throw it on the lift today and see. See.... thats why I love this site. Complete wealth of information!!! Thanks
PS never looked to much at thet because the bumps where so minor to make the noise I couldnt see that being an issue. I will keep you posted.

Last edited by SICAMG; Jan 12, 2015 at 09:37 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 09:25 AM
  #4  
TheTherapist's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 847
Likes: 31
From: Australia
2004 W211 E55 AMG >>gone but not forgotten > W123 280E > W124 E280 > W126 380SE
Denroll ripped both his out at the same time! That's when you know you're getting respectable horsepower to the wheels lol. The good thing is it's easy to repair stronger than it was before.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 09:38 AM
  #5  
shardul's Avatar
Former Vendor of MBWorld
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,139
Likes: 295
From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
you will need to replace the shock absorber to eliminate the thud.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 09:50 AM
  #6  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
All shocks are brand new....brand new coil over set up. Even swaped to another set of shocks in the rear to be sure, no difference.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 09:56 AM
  #7  
MomentumE55's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
2004 E55
Thud here too

Shardul I want to get rid of this also. Is there a way to diagnose rear shock? The fact I have 125k on them makes them suspect. I also have lowering links and 20" 10.5 with 305's on rear which I thought was the cause. Car came with these so never was able to determine onset of thud. Love the car but hate driving it because of jarring thud on any decent size bumps while cruising. Never can use sport settings because it is then unbearable. There are no fluid leaks on shock and bounce test by pushing down and releasing on trunk of car is inconclusive as it barely moves. I would GLADLY spend what looks like nearly $1,000 for parts alone for two rear shocks if it would improve this issue if I was sure it would " help".
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 10:01 AM
  #8  
shardul's Avatar
Former Vendor of MBWorld
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,139
Likes: 295
From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
Originally Posted by SICAMG
All shocks are brand new....brand new coil over set up. Even swaped to another set of shocks in the rear to be sure, no difference.
can you change the dampening on the shocks?
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 10:02 AM
  #9  
shardul's Avatar
Former Vendor of MBWorld
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,139
Likes: 295
From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
Originally Posted by MomentumE55
Shardul I want to get rid of this also. Is there a way to diagnose rear shock? The fact I have 125k on them makes them suspect. I also have lowering links and 20" 10.5 with 305's on rear which I thought was the cause. Car came with these so never was able to determine onset of thud. Love the car but hate driving it because of jarring thud on any decent size bumps while cruising. Never can use sport settings because it is then unbearable. There are no fluid leaks on shock and bounce test by pushing down and releasing on trunk of car is inconclusive as it barely moves. I would GLADLY spend what looks like nearly $1,000 for parts alone for two rear shocks if it would improve this issue if I was sure it would " help".
you can inspect the shocks for leaks etc. Majority of the times when the shock s have been replaced the problem has gone away
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 10:40 AM
  #10  
chawkins2001's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 7,659
Likes: 67
From: Atlanta
2006 E55 AMG
Have you checked the trunk for a dead body, solved a few members issues when they heard the rear thud. Just a thought
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 11:48 AM
  #11  
MomentumE55's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
2004 E55
Does sound like a dead body flopping up and down back there! Don't ask me how I know haha. I'm off to buy some shocks, I'll spend a grand, it has to make some difference. Thanks guys.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 12:31 PM
  #12  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
Originally Posted by shardul
can you change the dampening on the shocks?
Yes. When set on soft it gets very quiet. If set on normal to stiff and its very cold ,it really thumps. I just asuumed less impact on the suspension when on soft and thats why it gets quieter.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 01:00 PM
  #13  
Max.H's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,681
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
E55
So, is this thud an issue with diff mounts or shock absorbers? I only get that going over speed bumps.

Can it cause other issues if left alone?
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 02:28 PM
  #14  
shardul's Avatar
Former Vendor of MBWorld
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 12,139
Likes: 295
From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
Originally Posted by Max.H
So, is this thud an issue with diff mounts or shock absorbers? I only get that going over speed bumps.

Can it cause other issues if left alone?
most of the time it is shocks
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2015 | 08:22 PM
  #15  
kponti's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,394
Likes: 239
E63
Trans mount. I thought mine was the rear shocks too and after new coilovers I still had that sound. Trans mount later it went away.

Only made noise when I hit bumps. Got worse with coilovers especially when I set the shocks to stiffer. Seemed louder in the cold (but that could have been my imagination)
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2015 | 12:18 AM
  #16  
TheTherapist's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 847
Likes: 31
From: Australia
2004 W211 E55 AMG >>gone but not forgotten > W123 280E > W124 E280 > W126 380SE
Originally Posted by kponti
Trans mount. I thought mine was the rear shocks too and after new coilovers I still had that sound. Trans mount later it went away.

Only made noise when I hit bumps. Got worse with coilovers especially when I set the shocks to stiffer. Seemed louder in the cold (but that could have been my imagination)
Trans mount or diff mount?

If it was the trans mount that's a new one? Surely that issue would have manifested in other ways also like clunky changes?
Reply
Old Jan 13, 2015 | 08:25 AM
  #17  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
Too busy at shop so Wed. will go on lift. This morning verified that left and right side will do it {right side louder}. Its a very quick knock/thump when something like a man hole cover set 2 inches below the surface is driven over. Every day its the same bumps and every day same thing. If you do not hit a bump that is quick and abrupt...it will never happen. I will start with the differential and if nothing pull the shocks out and drive it to see. Trans mount new by the way.
Reply
Old Jan 14, 2015 | 10:19 AM
  #18  
SICAMG's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 583
2005 e55 AMG
Diff is very tight and solid. Guess I will live with it because it is not a safety issue.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:28 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE