[Dr K]

A friend asked me yesterday for help. They have a 2002 Mercedes E Class Diesel, and it's suddenly making a LOT of noise at idle. I haven't heard the noise, and frankly they asked me for a good Mercedes engine mechanic which would be a fine solution, but if anyone has any thoughts that could easily be checked, that would also be appreciated.

Peter

[Der ABT]

Give Art a call over at Intersport

[Dr K]

Thanks, Evan. I need to talk to Art anyway because I'm due for my tran$mi$$ion fluid change...

Peter

[Vicegrip]

Spend 20 seconds and check the motor mounts. They sag and the motor can knock into stuff

[hobiecat]

Would also consider checking with White Oak Auto Service. (http://whiteoakmercedes.com/)

It's an indy Mercedes shop in Silver Spring. They do good work (or at least they did for me).

[Jabs1542]

If your friend is in VA I would recommend Don Poole Mercedes, they are located inside the beltway near the intersection of Rt 29 and I-66. They are one of the few MB certified shops that is not a dealership. What I like about them is that they are practical and only repair what is really needed, which is a big deal on older cars.

You will always see older diesels and v12s in their lot.

BTW - I found them through MB of Tyson's, this is where they took my car (S600 v12) after their third failure to fix my car.

[Dr K]

Thanks all for the advice. I'll get a look at the car in half an hour, and if not something obvious I've already passed on the shop names to my friend. But first, actually look under the hood and check motor mounts.

[cmartin]

Originally Posted by Vicegrip

Spend 20 seconds and check the motor mounts. They sag and the motor can knock into stuff

x2

Lots of noise from busted airbox mounts too, although I'm getting rusty and cant remember the engine in that year.

[Dr K]

NOT CAR PEOPLE! Makes the noise only when cold, so they drove it to work for me to see (so no longer makes the noise!). Motor mounts look fine. Warm engine sounds great! They had a great deal of difficulty describing the noise, but best I can determine is it revs fast, rattles, and shakes the car when cold. Only change prior to onset was replacing glow plugs with new. They forgot the car is going to central New Jersey tomorrow morning - I might call Robbie Provost for a recommendation now.

[cmartin]

Restoring Vela

there you go. Bad plug(s), not connected correctly, loose or a bad timer will make just about any diesel run rough and noisy when cold.