2020 V250d - Absolutely terrible road noise?

[LostKiwi]

My stepson has a 63 plate Vito. I'll ask what the road noise 8s like in that.

 

[Droverunner]

It does look like your version has at least something on those arches compare to mine.

 

[gizze]

I took the EQV out for a spin a few weeks ago, mate was considering swapping his V250 for one.

I was quite shocked at how noisy it was in the cabin, we both said the same, one of the nice things about electric is about how quiet they can be, you couldn't tell any difference between the electric and 4 cyl diesel in the V Class to be honest as the cabin noise was so loud.

My mate, who uses them as Taxis, said "Well, it is a van after all, and in that regard it is quite good and that is what you have to compare it with."

I guess he is right.


I always found the early S212 really loud in the cabin, compared to the S211, really amplified the rear tyre noise, compared to the saloon the difference was huge. One of the reasons I fell out of love with my early E350 cdi S212.

I would download a sound level meter app and put it in various places around the cabin to find out where the noise is coming from before spending loads of sound deadening etc.

Good luck.

 

[Larkone]

Don't bother with a sound meter - the simple way to determine if a panel needs sound deadening is to tap it with your knuckle - if it sounds like a an oil drum being hit then it needs it, if it gives a dead 'thunk' then it doesn't.

 

[Gazwould]

As above it avoids a silly blanket covering .

 

[LostKiwi]

So had a word with stepson and he doesn't think they are unduly noisy (his previous 2 were BMW 640d convertible and Range Rover Velar).

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

I took the EQV out for a spin a few weeks ago, mate was considering swapping his V250 for one.

I was quite shocked at how noisy it was in the cabin, we both said the same, one of the nice things about electric is about how quiet they can be, you couldn't tell any difference between the electric and 4 cyl diesel in the V Class to be honest as the cabin noise was so loud.

My mate, who uses them as Taxis, said "Well, it is a van after all, and in that regard it is quite good and that is what you have to compare it with."

I guess he is right.


I always found the early S212 really loud in the cabin, compared to the S211, really amplified the rear tyre noise, compared to the saloon the difference was huge. One of the reasons I fell out of love with my early E350 cdi S212.

I would download a sound level meter app and put it in various places around the cabin to find out where the noise is coming from before spending loads of sound deadening etc.

Good luck.

Hi Gizze, what did your taxi mate think about the EQV? My friend (who is in the Car Trade and sourced the V-Class for me) advised me not to purchase one for some of the reasons you listed above plus he said the range wasnt anywhere good enough.

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

So had a word with stepson and he doesn't think they are unduly noisy (his previous 2 were BMW 640d convertible and Range Rover Velar).

Hi Kiwi, thanks for this. Sounds like your stepson has good comparisons with the RRS and 6-series.
I'd agree with your stepson in that the new V-Class isnt 'noisy'. It just isnt as refined or quiet as an leggy S212 Mercedes E class, which surpised me.
My learning from the inputs here is that is mainly down to the fact that the V-Class is still a Van, albeit a posh one.
As for the RFT's, they probably arent the cause but definitely are not helping and I'll switch them to non-RFT's when the time comes...

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

As above it avoids a silly blanket covering .

View attachment 73626

LOL!! ....Hopefully I wont go that far

 

[ajlsl600]

Prob Lreadyvsuggested. Try another set of tyres rims.
On another note I onece had a car re shelled, don't ask. But when it came back it had horrible road noise. I loosened the gear shift, it moved by itself around 1/4 inch. Tightened the shift back noise, prob gone. Somehow the guys who put box, engine back had "loaded" it up releasing load resolved issues

 

[Droverunner]

I hope Matt is just hoping for a bit better than these vehicles deliver rather than facing anything like the above.... however.

My unexpected NVH experience was with a BMW 5-series estate. It needed the fairly major job of four new main subframe bushes... each about the size of a very fat beer can and OE are oil filled. Word on the BMW forums was to try an aftermarket solid rubber version which would tighten up the handling blah blah blah. Just one trip up to motorway speed proved they ruined the cruising refinement by transmitting so much of the road noise/vibration to the cabin. Took them straight off and fitted OE... silence restored.

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

I hope Matt is just hoping for a bit better than these vehicles deliver rather than facing anything like the above.... however.

My unexpected NVH experience was with a BMW 5-series estate. It needed the fairly major job of four new main subframe bushes... each about the size of a very fat beer can and OE are oil filled. Word on the BMW forums was to try an aftermarket solid rubber version which would tighten up the handling blah blah blah. Just one trip up to motorway speed proved they ruined the cruising refinement by transmitting so much of the road noise/vibration to the cabin. Took them straight off and fitted OE... silence restored.

Thanks Droverunner. The thing is there is absolutely no vibration issues involved here. It is simply road noise. The rest of the V-Class is 100% as good as our previous S212 (in fact I'd say the engine and gearbox is even better and smoother which is understandable as I believe it is an upgrade in these 2 areas)
I took it for another drive this evening. And agin, on perfectly good road, there is no noise at all. Very quiet and smooth.
But as soon as the road surface changes to anything less than perfect, the road noise increases dramtically (but vibration / refinement doesnt change). I will download an decible App to see if I can record the change.

Just to rule it out, I might speak to my friendly local tyre fitter tomorrow to get his thoughts on the RFT's.

Thank you to everyone for your amazing inputs and suggestions. Based on the expert opinions here, I'm now thinking that this extra road noise is amplified by:
1. The huge increase of Volume inside a V-Class.
2. The twin pano Sunroofs (reflecting noise back around the car)
3. The RFT's (possibly but definitely dont help)
4. The fact it is still a Van, albeit a posh one but something that wont ever be as quiet as an E-Class.

Lastly, there is a Mercedes dealer about 20 mins from my house with a 17-Registered eLWB one. I might call down on the weekend and ask for a quick test drive. That would at least prove if my V-Class is different to another one.

 

[LostKiwi]

Do you have blinds over the Pano roof? Try closing them to see if the noise reduces.

 

[M80]

Further daft one,
are tyres directional, and in the correct direction?

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

Further daft one,
are tyres directional, and in the correct direction.

(Great question, I'll check tomorrow morning)

 

[BreadvanMatt2022]

Do you have blinds over the Pano roof? Try closing them to see if the noise reduces.

Yes, there are electric blinds for the Pano roofs. During my latest trip this evening, when the road surfaced deteriorated and the road noise increased, I did close them to see if it had an impact. Extremely difficult to tell for sure but it felt like the noise decreased (maybe a placebo effect)
I'll download an App to see if I can apply more science to this measurement.

 

[leespo]

I know not really the same car, but I'm having issues since picking up my c43 estate with noise, loud roaring and sound like you have left a window slightly open which I'm starting to think is more road noise than a seal causing wind noise, surface and speed make a difference to how bad but happens even at lower speeds and non windy days.

I've gone full hog and booked to change all tyres Saturday to non run flats, still summer performance tyres though so not quietest, will report back if that makes any difference, if not its under warranty and will be going to dealer for this, broken door handle light.

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[BreadvanMatt2022]

I know not really the same car, but I'm having issues since picking up my c43 estate with noise, loud roaring and sound like you have left a window slightly open which I'm starting to think is more road noise than a seal causing wind noise, surface and speed make a difference to how bad but happens even at lower speeds and non windy days.

I've gone full hog and booked to change all tyres Saturday to non run flats, still summer performance tyres though so not quietest, will report back if that makes any difference, if not its under warranty and will be going to dealer for this, broken door handle light.

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

Thanks Leespo. Does your C43 have run-flats on it now (that is how I read your post).
And does the car sound quiet on perfect newly surfaced roads but the road noise only becomes an issue on less than perfect roads? (that is how our V-Class is).

 

[M80]

Something to consider is that the V tyres will be load rated, with stiffer side walls. That will transmit road vibrations more.
The run flats can't I would think as there is less pneumatic suspension to soak that up.

Often the tyre load rating is greater than required, another negative for getting a smoother, quieter ride.

I'm on Dunlop Econodrive (225x55x17) at load rating 109H. The load rating is greater than needed and the tyres are rated at 72db. Today's 160 miles weren't as cosy as the 211, but v reasonable and I was happy enough.

I cruise at 58mph as my standard (today with a 6x3 trailer on as it 'appens). At 70 the noise increases a fair bit.

 

[leespo]

Thanks Leespo. Does your C43 have run-flats on it now (that is how I read your post).
And does the car sound quiet on perfect newly surfaced roads but the road noise only becomes an issue on less than perfect roads? (that is how our V-Class is).

There are no real perfect roads near me but yes if I find a bit of new tarmac it goes away as far as I can tell, not found a fast road new bit to fully test, on motorway M1 it's terrible.

I currently have run flat pzero on fronts and non run flat pzero rosso audi fitment on rear, previous owner not on my that one.

Changing them all to non run flats on Saturday now as appointment got moved

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