Noises coming from my W202

[Jumpfer]

Hi

I have a 1997 C180 and love it. It had been to garages for servicing, checkups and flies through MOTs, BUT I have a couple of noises that tell me something is amiss.

On startup, I get a plasticy noise like the fan blades are catching. After a few minutes of driving the noise goes away, but returns at the next cold startup. Garages have looked and said nothing wrong.

Occasionally when I brake, I get a light clonk noise as if the brake pads have a bit of give in them. Again I have asked garages to have a look and they say everything is fine.

Other than that, of course I would never drive over 70 on the UK motorways, but at 75 I get a slight judder. I have been told one of the metal wheels is slightly warped. Does this sound right?

Appreciate any input as regular garages either treat me like a cash cow and say there are five million things wrong with the car, that will cost thousands to put right, or they say the car is good and solid. That leaves me completely in the dark.

 

[LostKiwi]

Without hearing the noise impossible to say. Try getting a video of it then posting it to YouTube and linking back to here.

Clonks can indeed be a pad moving in the caliper. It can equally be a worn suspension bush. Have it checked by a reputable Mercedes independent specialist.

Not uncommon to get bent rims on UK roads. A decent alloy repair shop can usually sort it. Common causes are straddling speed humps (so all the weight of the car is on the unsupported inner edges) or potholes.

 

[John Laidlaw]

Welcome