E280 Noisy brake modulator

[ipodbenz]

We have an '05 E280 that groans about a dozen times every five minutes. It is definitely the ABS modulator in the front RH corner of the engine bay and MB seem to be doing nothing so far to rectify it. I'm an automotive design engineer for a living and have never come across any vehicle that makes a noise like this. I can't beleive MB think they can just get away with it. It's either a problem with the modulator itself or it isn't sufficiently soundproofed/isolated. I'd like to know if anybody else has the same problem and on what model. We also have an E270 estate with the same problem but to a lesser extent.
If we can find enough people with the same problem or find that ours is unique then maybe we can force MB to do something about it. It may be that it only requires a redesigned bracket and rubber isolator design. Not beyond the designers at MB.
Thanks.

 

[television]

We have an '05 E280 that groans about a dozen times every five minutes. It is definitely the ABS modulator in the front RH corner of the engine bay and MB seem to be doing nothing so far to rectify it. I'm an automotive design engineer for a living and have never come across any vehicle that makes a noise like this. I can't beleive MB think they can just get away with it. It's either a problem with the modulator itself or it isn't sufficiently soundproofed/isolated. I'd like to know if anybody else has the same problem and on what model. We also have an E270 estate with the same problem but to a lesser extent.
If we can find enough people with the same problem or find that ours is unique then maybe we can force MB to do something about it. It may be that it only requires a redesigned bracket and rubber isolator design. Not beyond the designers at MB.
Thanks.

Are you sure it is to do with abs, its normally all on the bulkhead. If you SBC, There are mods for the SBC system by fitting a Damper in the suction hose

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

I doubt it's the ABS - oddly this is far quieter in operation than on my W210. But, yes the SBS is noisy. Its very noticable when the car is parked in the garage with no background noise and plenty of sound reflection etc, but I can't say it's that intrusive when on the move. Some seem worse than others from what I can tell. As you say, your 270 isn't as bad so perhaps they could put the mod on your 280 and you could let us know what difference it makes.

 

[television]

Are you sure it is to do with abs, its normally all on the bulkhead. If you SBC, There are mods for the SBC system by fitting a Damper in the suction hose

Malcolm

I should have added that only engineers that have had special training are allowed to work on this system, Maybe your local garage do not have a trained man, Why not try a different MB service outlet

Malcolm

 

[merc300e]

noisey SBC pump

'phone me on 0161 788 0194 - I have researched this and MB do have a partial fix - mine is being done next week - regards Julian Goodman.

 

[merc300e]

Mercedes noise reduction kit fitted

Yesterday -Mercedes main dealer fitted their noise reduction kit to my 2002 E240 - brilliant improvement well worth doing - and it was free courtesy of MB GB. I would say it reduces the noise/vibration by more than 50%.

 

[jberks]

Thanks Julian. I'll mention it to my dealer see what he says!

 

[rallen]

talking about noise on the ABS, just come back from france, all roads covered in snow and so the ABS had a lot of work to do, it was very very noisy, passers by were always looking at the car every time I tried the brakes. I cannot believe all those other modern cars did not have ABS, so it must be that the merc (E320 estate 2001) was more noisy than any other car.

 

[s2art50]

We have an '05 E280 that groans about a dozen times every five minutes. It is definitely the ABS modulator in the front RH corner of the engine bay and MB seem to be doing nothing so far to rectify it. I'm an automotive design engineer for a living and have never come across any vehicle that makes a noise like this. I can't beleive MB think they can just get away with it. It's either a problem with the modulator itself or it isn't sufficiently soundproofed/isolated. I'd like to know if anybody else has the same problem and on what model. We also have an E270 estate with the same problem but to a lesser extent.
If we can find enough people with the same problem or find that ours is unique then maybe we can force MB to do something about it. It may be that it only requires a redesigned bracket and rubber isolator design. Not beyond the designers at MB.
Thanks.

I know this thread has gone quiet since January, but I've just bought a Sept05 E280CDi that we have christened "Daisy" because of the loud cow-like noises from what I also believe to be the braking control unit. The main dealer in Cambridge says it's normal and refuses to do anything about it but I just cannot believe it. Can anybody help?

 

[jberks]

He's right in so far as 'they all do it'. It's pretty much the only critisism i have of mine. They can fit a supressor kit allegedly so I'd go in and insist that they do (assuming an 05 doesn't have it already).
That said, I haven't done this myself yet so I don't know what reaction you'll get. SBC is noisy, but I set that against the SBC hold function which I find brilliant, and console myself that way.

MB are aware and clearly can't fully fix it. That's why they've dropped SBC for the facelift E.