2002 C230K.cold start "clacking" - Benzworld.org

dsilvar · 08-29-2005, 06:40 AM

Hi all,
Just got a C230 coupe with 40000 miles on the clock. Everything looks great..nice clean engine everything works and the car performs well at all speeds.
However, there is a definite "clacking" noise in the front top of the engine for a few seconds. Then it goes away and on subsequent warm starts it does not happen.
Almost like something is rattling under the grey engine cover..and rather loud for a few seconds.
Anyone have any idea what may be going on?..any timing chain issues with this model?
Comments much appreciated.
Thanks
Ray

**Buellwinkle** · 08-29-2005, 10:26 AM

I don't understand what you mean by clacking but the 2.3L motor is considerably louder for the first 30 seconds, usually by the time I get half way down my block it stopped. The recomended fix is to make the radio louder.

dsilvar · 08-29-2005, 01:49 PM

There is a distinct knocking..a rattling that is other than the engine revving. This is analogus to a chain rattling around in the top part of the engine..for a few seconds and then its gone. I agree the 230 is pretty loud initally...
Turning the radio on louder is a flippant solution that does not apply here..thank you.
Not a rocket science problem here..just a knocking that is other than the usual engine noise...

billyons · 08-29-2005, 02:30 PM

I had something similar to this to a Toyota 4X4. It turned out to be the timing chain, not belt.

I would take it to a MB service dept. have them keep it over night so they can hear when the car is cold.

cagalbraith · 08-29-2005, 03:04 PM

I've had 2 C's and 1 E and they've all done what you describe. I described it to the dealer as what an engine sounds like when it first starts before oil flow has been established to the top side of the engine. Itg usually lasts a few seconds, then goes away...

Hope this helps...

moosejaw · 08-29-2005, 05:35 PM

I have wondering if i have the same problem
For me it's not a clacking but rather a flatulence sound
Like a loose pulley belt always when i start up
But MB has not been able to identify this. Usually happens when i let off the clutch prematurely in low speeds

dsilvar · 09-18-2005, 06:23 AM

Update...the "clacking" noise on startup was colapsed engine mounts.
Dont ask me why engine mounts would deteriorate in a car barely 3 years old!!

billyons · 09-18-2005, 07:30 AM

Quote:

dsilvar - 9/18/2005 5:23 AM

Update...the "clacking" noise on startup was colapsed engine mounts.
Dont ask me why engine mounts would deteriorate in a car barely 3 years old!!

It sound like someone in Q&A was asleep on the job.

frost_dxb · 09-19-2005, 11:29 PM

I have thesame Rattling noise on cold start on my 2002 C200K (it last for 2 sec.) with 38K Kilometers on the clock. I have beed in MB and was told that it was normal during cold start but i dont really buy that there might be some thing going on and they dont want to do it as it is still under warranty.[V]

Gandalf Fett · 09-21-2005, 05:53 PM

I am having a similar problem with my C200K W203. A cold start-up in the morning would bring upon a rattling type noise which would stay around for like 2 minutes and then it would be gone for the rest of the journey and day. The next morning same thing. Car's in the shop now for repairs. Apparently something to do with the engine mounting or something. Car still under warranty - three years in November - done 47K so far. Not quite a confidence builder I've gotta say.