E350 starting to sound like a Massey-Ferguson

[Bopo]

I've seen a few threads on this subject historically but not referring to my particular model year.

Problem: my 2015 E350 CDI is getting noisy. When it is cold it has something of a diesel rattle which I can't really grumble about, but I don't know if this is normal though, as my old BMW 320d was quiet from the off.

Once I'm moving, part throttle is REALLY rattly and I can sometimes get the engine to feel like it is stalling when pulling out of junctions. Nothing... nothing... nothing... woosh! (clatter, clatter, clatter)

There's also a ticking noise. It isn't at engine or wheel speed, and changes with the gear indicator so it is something to do with the box.

When I got the car I was proud to take people out in it because it just surged silently down the road. Now I'm not so sure. I'm not sure if I'm just being paranoid and listening too hard as this car cost me a massive chunk of my savings.

Maybe useful if somebody local with a 350 could have a go or I could try theirs to see if there's a difference? Maybe the Portsdown meet?

 

[bembo449]

think you have a big problem here pal , sounds like timing chain to me , id get it into an indy asap before it goes beyond repair

 

[Bopo]

think you have a big problem here pal , sounds like timing chain to me , id get it into an indy asap before it goes beyond repair

It is in on Monday for a 'B' service and MOT with MBS Southampton so I'm sure they'll tell me if there's work required.

I'd not thought about chain and pulleys. Just looking for ideas on what it might be and/or cures, so thank you.

 

[fabes]

STAR will give you a clear idea of what the repurcussions are but either of the three at MBS will have ears tuned to your issue, certainly if it's that mechanical / vocal.

You've not had it long, did you buy from a trader,, should a few pounds or more be required?

Ps, I am in there on Wednesday, service and MOT

 

[Bopo]

STAR will give you a clear idea of what the repurcussions are but either of the three at MBS will have ears tuned to your issue, certainly if it's that mechanical / vocal.

You've not had it long, did you buy from a trader,, should a few pounds or more be required?

Ps, I am in there on Wednesday, service and MOT

Bought from an independent dealer and out of warranty.

I might just be imagining noises. I'm a bit paranoid having sunk a lot of money into it.

Experienced ears will tell, I guess, as you suggest.

 

[Blobcat]

Reading forums can be bad for your mental health...

Turn the radio up is the best solution (works in all hire and company cars)

 

[Tony Dyson]

Bought from an independent dealer and out of warranty.

I might just be imagining noises. I'm a bit paranoid having sunk a lot of money into it.

Experienced ears will tell, I guess, as you suggest.

Why don't you record and post a small video so members can provide some feedback?
A remap, if discovered will most certainly void any related warranties if you had any, if there is a problem it may be worthwhile restoring back to it's original before MB get their hands on it?

 

[matthew k]

How long ago did you purchase the car?

 

[Bopo]

I've had it for 6 months, now 4 years old. There is no warranty.

I can make the rattle appear at will, with some practice: it takes a light throttle loading at about 2000rpm to sound like a tractor. It is quieter when warmed up but still there.

I'm starting to wonder if it may be a product of my re-map. Running a bit lean at part throttle in some areas, perhaps.

As stated, I'm in MBS on Monday for B0 service and MOT so I'll see what they think. For all I know it could be perfectly normal, and I'm noticing it more because I'm very used to the car now, so I can predict it and make it happen at will.

 

[matthew k]

I've heard good things about those guys. Additional engine noise can sometimes be heard because of changes in things like engine mounts or heat shields rattling etc. It doesn't necessarily mean more noise is being made by the engine, it could just be more audiable.

 

[fabes]

GAD like MBS have a good rep. If their map is under question (and STAR should give you a hint) then contact them, whether you had it done or not.

No one's perfect, but I'd be hopeful they'd step up if necessary.

That said, it's as / more likely to be a loose thingy, or broken clip on a watchacallit (or something really expensive.....)
Good luck!

 

[Bopo]

MBS have done the oil change, oil, air and fuel filters and changed the brake fluid. They didn't do the pollen filter which was quoted for as they reckoned it didn't need replacing. An extra point for that.

I had a chat with one of the guys, not sure who, to tell him my car sounded really rattly when cold at about 2000rpm under light load in 1 and 2 gear. He said 'not normal' but also suspected my paranoid hearing rather than a problem with a 38k mile E350CDI that has had no probs identified and just had its second MOT with not a raised eyebrow.

I'm having a beer and calming down now.

And of course, as is the way with these things, the E was silent and felt more spritely on the way home. Quite probably aided by the wash, de-tox and carnuba wax I gave it in the Saturday sunshine this weekend. Always worth at least 20bhp, maybe up to 30 as I also polished the glass and dressed the tyres.

I'll shut up now.

 

[LostKiwi]

Yep MBS are a good bunch.

 

[range rover]

Yep MBS are a good bunch.

Maybe this is why MB are back to the straight 6? Mine is as sweet as a nut at 172k!

 

[matthew k]

Maybe this is why MB are back to the straight 6? Mine is as sweet as a nut at 172k!

Much better more efficent engine.

 

[range rover]

Much better more efficent engine.

Not ever having a V engine I will take your word for it, my neighbour down the road loves to hear the tone of the straight 6, but the silly part of me yearns for a V8 like Nairac or the 'reputedly' even more economical 4.7, probably only more economical because of the stop/start system?

Much better more efficent engine.

 

[LostKiwi]

Straight 6s are inherently better balanced than a V6. A V6 must have each bank fire end to end which affects primary balance. If you look at the Fing order for most V6 engines they fire 123456 where 1 and 2 are the front most cylinders on each bank. By contrast a straight 6 fires something like 152436.
A V6 however is better thermodynamically due to having less surface area in the block which reduces heat loss. It's also easier to package.

 

[Blobcat]

Straight 6s are inherently better balanced than a V6. A V6 must have each bank fire end to end which affects primary balance. If you look at the Fing order for most V6 engines they fire 123456 where 1 and 2 are the front most cylinders on each bank. By contrast a straight 6 fires something like 152436.
A V6 however is better thermodynamically due to having less surface area in the block which reduces heat loss. It's also easier to package.

You get nice chocolate balance shafts in the V6 - thankfully mine appear to be the harder "dark chocolate" versions

 

[bembo449]

you cant compare noise of the two though , V wins hands down , especially if its an alfa romeo V6 , no straight 6 can get near that noise

 

[LostKiwi]

you cant compare noise of the two though , V wins hands down , especially if its an alfa romeo V6 , no straight 6 can get near that noise

Oh I disagree. The BMW straight 6 sounds awesome. M635CSi in Group A trim anyone?