E320CDI ENGINE NOISE.

[MikeAllan]

This is a cracking noise under light engine loads at 1000-1500rpm and is really noticeable when in built up areas and multi storey car parks where the noise echoes back.
I have had a new engine fitted at 6K miles but the noise persists even in this new unit. I presume it has something to do with the engine management system but trying to get info out of the Mercedes "Black Hole" is proving so far fruitless.
Mercedes are aware of this problem as they have issued a technical bulletin to their workshop managers.
This problem must be prevalent in other cars, but maybe you drive with the windows up all the time?
Has anyone rechipped their car and noticed a reduction in this particular noise.

 

[dieselman]

It's probably nothing to worry about, but it sounds like one of the injectors isn't delivering a uniform spray when openings are small. Alternatively it could be that the timing is slightly over advanced on light throttle.
It could also be down to a slight air leak causing the injectors to not spray properly.

Another thought just occured: Is this worse in cold weather, if so it is because the cylinder is going cold with the injested air on low load only. The fuel then fails to ignite properly causing the cracking sound, hence no.1 cylinder as its cooler than the rest being at the front.

Now I'm really on a roll. Maybe the injector on one cylinder is sticking so failing to deliver the pilot injection causing a greater rate of temperature rise hence the noise. Have you ever heard an early Di Ford Transit? :x They really crack and bang due to no pilot injection.

My E300td was doing this at idle and in neutural up to 1200 rpm earlier this year. After testing the injectors, timing, fuel filters and running several loads of injector cleaner it stopped.

If you are really unhappy I will swap cars with you for peace of mind.

 

[MikeAllan]

Yes, I am unhappy about it and a potential swap is on if you can come up with the price difference as well?!?!
I am however even more unhappy with the response from Mercedes and even went as far as driving down to head office in Milton Keynes to register my disgust, still no joy.
You would have thought that technicians were capable of a very quick fix on this, you know, a tweak here, a remap there, but no such luck.
I suppose I should think about fitting a Ford Transit body kit around it to stay in keeping with the tappet sounding noise as well but who wants a Transit to do 0-60 in 9secs? Don't answer.
regards

 

[Andy]

Hi

Did you drive from Aberdeen to Milton Keynes for the sole purpose of registring you complaint? I hope they took a look for you while you were there.

Regards

Andy

 

[MikeAllan]

Sure did, spoke to a Jasmin Watson from the directors office and had an engineer listen to it as well. The noise is so noticeable that all I have to do is stand on the brakes and put it into drive, eh voila. The engineer spent all of 45 secs and said it was an attribute of this type of engine and nothing could be done at present. My argument is that this engine has been around since 1999 and they have not fixed it so far so why should I take it lying down?
Regards

 

[piestore]

engine noise

hi
this is a known characteristic of the 320 cdi engine ther is no fix. the engine has now been superceeded . sorry

note :- there is no detriment to engine performance or wear.

 

[MikeAllan]

E320cdi

hi and happy new year.
there perhaps is no detriment to engine life or performance but there sure is to my peace of mind especially given the lack of response from MB UK. I am not even confident that anyone in Germania is even working on the problem?
I did try the brabus route but they would not supply me with a chip on spec, so it looks like I will be trying a more embarrassing route for MB by going for magazine support or 'Which' legal services.
Cheers
mikeallan

 

[Richarde]

Re: E320cdi

I have had the Brabus D6 kit fitted for 10 months and the annoying sound has gone.....

 

[jaymanek]

My Uncles E240 2.6 makes annoying noises- sounds like tappets are noisy and you can hear an 'alternator bearing gone' type of noise.... been there since new and has got better with 6000 miles now on clock, but still its a 'characteristic' and nothing can be done!
If you ask me its faulty! My 123 200 which has had more rebuilds than my PC at work, sounds ten times quieter.....

Thanks

j

 

[Dieseldonkey]

My E320Cdi makes a similar noise, but I'm not sure whether its the engine or the 'box - its almost like a light metallic tinkling/rattling sound, which is audible between 1200-2000rpm?
Anyone shed further light on this one? Box also makes a rough upshift from 3rd-4th under load, as the rev counter shows engine pickping up about 100rpm while shift takes place. All other changes are fine.
It's my second E320 CDi - my first never suffered at all and ran perfectly (and even better with a DMS chip on it, which has now been transferred to my current 320Cdi, though I think I've got an underpowered 320 anyway. It still feels sluggish with the box on, and would benefit from going on a set of rollers to confirm its performance - or lack of it - before I send it in for any work)

And does anyone know if the 400CDi V8 diesel will come in right hand drive - in any model?

 

[jwillett1]

Diesel noises

HI,

W210 320 CDi
registered May 2002

At 13,000 miles and in December also had new engine fitted unde warranty, due to noise from low rpm, particulary noticable with people in the car, i.e. more load.

Was told by MB dealer that noise "due to incorrect assembly of piston in one cylinder"??? don't understand this.

MY symtoms sound the same as in this thread.

Has anyone found the possible problems?

13,000 mile latter, am aways hearing for any noises. OK so far.

JW

 

[piestore]

E320 cdi

Hi guys

as in my previous post there is no fix for this problem it is due to no1 cylider knocking. MB have now dropped this engine and produced a new version, unfortunatley it has the same problem although not as noticable

 

[jwillett1]

Re: E320cdi

hi and happy new year.
there perhaps is no detriment to engine life or performance but there sure is to my peace of mind especially given the lack of response from MB UK. I am not even confident that anyone in Germania is even working on the problem?
I did try the brabus route but they would not supply me with a chip on spec, so it looks like I will be trying a more embarrassing route for MB by going for magazine support or 'Which' legal services.
Cheers
mikeallan

Did you resolve this problem? and if yes how?
My engine is starting to make the noise again.

JW

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I have this noise from new, now at 78,000 and engine has never missed a beat, does not use oil and pwer etc is all ok.

 

[Andrew Moorey]

Sorry Guys, new to this Forum so I started another thread on this problem. I wrote to Wilfried Steffen and Professor Shremmp as I was not satisfied with the response of this noise being a 'characteristic'.
Seems though I am stuck with it but was contemplating chipping anyway to get over the horrible hesitation on pulling away with the hope it might alleviate the noise as I am convinced its a software issue running a cylinder too lean, effectively causing the engine to 'pink'. How much is the Brabus upgrade and does it invalidate the warranty?
Andrew

 

[Andrew Moorey]

Since posting I have been away with the family on holiday, around 700 faultless miles 35+ mpg apart from this awful embarrasing noise. It is now audible inside the car with the windows up and is really doing my head in. I approached Brabus, they dont know about the fault referring me back to MB and naturally wont commit to the B6 kit solving the problem. Spoke to their agent in Kent, the guy there didnt know about the fault either but chuckled about the 'characteristic' bit. The kit is £2200 but I am loathe to spend the money on spec as I feel MB should really be doing more to help us. I heard mention of a DMS kit any more info?
Andrew

 

[tquattro]

Hi everyone!.

I have registered today after a long time enjoying this site. Have had to improve my English accordingly.

Have a question: Has anyone solved this embarrasing "problem"?.

My 2001's E320 CDI shows me same noise and my dealer have no clue how to work it out. Maybe injectors .. maybe exhaust system .. maybe catalysator ..

It sounds like when a home radiator gets cool .. click click click click ..

I've paid them more than 1.000 Euro for nothing. They have replaced several parts with no success .. :sad:

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance and kindest regards from Spain

tquattro

 

[dogsbody]

E320CDI Engine Noise

If it sounds like a tinkling noise could it be the matrix of the catalytic convertor rattling?
I have a E250 diesel (W124) which rattled slightly from new, due to the cat. When I queried it, I found out that it had a cat, which I thought was only fitted to petrol cars to reduce emissions

 

[tquattro]

Thanks Dogsbody.

I'll check it out in the next control. Will let you know.

tquattro

 

[johnmc]

Hi,
The tinkling sound that rises with the revs is the catalyst matrix rattling, also a problem on the S-Class 320CDi.


John