E320 210 Engine Ticking

[Andrew Moorey]

Good morning all.
I have an '03 reg E320 CDi which has an audible irregular ticking noise from the engine at around 1500 rpm.Almost like an exhaust blow. Its been back to the stealer twice. First time they couldnt hear it, second time I collared a tech and drove him around so he could hear it. Agreed there was a problem but official line from MB was it was 'a characteristic' on some engines.Wrote to MB came back with same line adding it was 'crankcase resonance'. I have been assured that it wont hurt engine or affect service life but it is SO irritating I want it fixed.
Anyone had a similar issue resolved or otherwise?
Andrew

 

[Bargain Bucket]

I have the same issue on my '00 (W210) E320CDi. I haven't started to investigate it yet but my initial suspision is a leaking exhaust manifold gasket.

 

[Andrew Moorey]

That was my initial reaction as it only occurs when you are on the gas then disappears when you lift off. The first garage who couldnt hear it did remove the manifold apparently and couldnt find a problem. What sort of mileage has yours done? Mine is 25000.
Andrew

 

[calum]

I know it's not the same engine, but I had a similar noise on my CLK 320 (petrol), very rpm dependent. It was traced to a loose exhaust mounting. Just a thought...

 

[Bargain Bucket]

Andrew - mine's at 82k miles now. If they removed the manifold, then they will have been able to see if any studs had sheared. So, it's not that. I wonder if they checked that the manifold wasn't warped? It's entirely possible for a manifold gasket to be perfectly OK but it won't seal a warped manifold.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I have the same sound, now at 100k and no problems. I too have heard the bit about crankcase resonance but not so sure thats what it is. Apart from replacing two injectors at 84k the engine is untouched.

 

[EPS]

Andrew Moorey,
i came across your thread from the below link stating that you found the fix to the problem. i know it has been a couple yars since you made the announcement that the injectors leak back and delivery was causing the cracking noise, but can you please confirm if the fix has still held up? is your e320 cdi still quiet since the mechanic reconditioned the injectors. i am asking becasue i have the same loud cracking noise exactly as you have described.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=33970

thanks for your quick reply,

EPS

 

[cturbo]

i had that problem b4, was under mb warranty, got it fixed in no time.

 

[EPS]

cturbo,
how did they fix it? do you have an E320 cdi? please let me know. was it your injectors that was casuing the irregular combustion and cracking noise? thanks for your help.
EPS