W208 noisy starting

KnightErrant

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CLK 230K W208 facelift
I've had my 1999 CLK230K coupe (facelift model) for 8 years and I'm still delighted with it. However, with 110,000 miles creeping up I'm wondering whether I should try to solve the bag-o-nails noise I get when starting. It's been like this for the last 3 or so years and not getting any worse. To be honest, I don't even notice it when I start the car with the doors and windows shut. But if I'm nearby when 'er indoors takes the car out, the noise sends a shiver right down my spine. I took it to the local German car specialist a year ago and he charged me £45 to grease the starter pinion and flywheel ring gear. This made it a little quieter at the time, but it's now just as bad as ever. Any suggestions?
 

television

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2002 SL500, 216 CL500, all fully loaded
Hello and welcome :D:D

The idler gear on the front of the engine can make a noise,,as can a timing chain, or valve gear.

Would not it be worth just leaving it over night with an indie who could start it up and know instantly what it was
 

BlackC55

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The other cause can be a leaky exhaust manifold that quitens as soon as it warms up a little.
 

television

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The other cause can be a leaky exhaust manifold that quitens as soon as it warms up a little.

Good point ollie,,I remember that one on your lift
 
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KnightErrant

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CLK 230K W208 facelift
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Thanks for the answers (and the welcome). Sorry, my description of the noise was clearly lacking. It's literally only immediately on starting when the engine has sped up enough to throw the starter pinion back. It lasts less than a second but sounds awful.
 

brandwooddixon

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Perhaps your starter pinion isn't disengaging properly - hence why the regrease in the past has had an effect.
 

5pares

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Its the flywheel that needs greasing with special mb grease.
 

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