1 second engine rattle on cold start up (M271)

[TucksMirror]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 2009 CLC C180k with the supercharged 1.8 litre engine. I believe after much research (including on this forum) that this is the M271 block that is prone to issues with the cam adjusters.

On a cold start up I get a slight rattle noise for about 1 second, which then goes away entirely.

I was just wondering if anyone with experience of these matters could listen to the video clip I have made and let me know of their thoughts.

It’s a low mileage at 57k lots of service history going back many years, but needless to say I am now very concerned after buying it for 4.5k.

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I was unable to upload the video so have included a link above that should enable viewing.

Thank you for your time.

 

[TucksMirror]

I have posted this to YouTube just incase the iCloud link does not work -

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[Gnasher141]

I think a 1 second rattle is nothing to worry about and is most probably oil drain down from not being used.

 

[BigJase88]

Sounds fine to me

 

[Oleks1992]

If it was continuous rattle for like 2 seconds then I'd be definitely concerned about it. I've replaced various timing chains on these and sprockets and the rattle was a lot worse than this. I've recently bought r171 slk with same 271 kompressor engine and it was non start. After further investigation I've found that sprockets were worn so bad that chain jumped 4 teeth on intake cam and bent the valves. So even if you do end up buying it, I'd strongly recommend taking off camshaft cover and checking sprockets and tension of the chain. Also check timing to see if anything has moved just as preventative maintenance.

 

[TucksMirror]

Thank you for the replies so far, I appreciate the responses.

Oleks, thank you, I’ll do that very soon, as I already own the car and think this will be a good step to take. Regarding the cam adjusters / sprockets, I have seen a few images of worn teeth, so I’ll inspect these and post a photo here.

Regarding the chain, in normal circumstances should this to be super tight with no play? This will be my first inspection of a chain so I am a little unsure of what to look out for. I have seen a slack one on another forum post, so that will help, but any tips you have for this check will be greatly appreciated.

To check the timing I just have to see if I have the right size socket to rotate the crank, but should be able to borrow one if not. Do I need to remove the spark plugs to turn the engine or can it be done safely with them in place?

Thanks again.

 

[Oleks1992]

Thank you for the replies so far, I appreciate the responses.

Oleks, thank you, I’ll do that very soon, as I already own the car and think this will be a good step to take. Regarding the cam adjusters / sprockets, I have seen a few images of worn teeth, so I’ll inspect these and post a photo here.

Regarding the chain, in normal circumstances should this to be super tight with no play? This will be my first inspection of a chain so I am a little unsure of what to look out for. I have seen a slack one on another forum post, so that will help, but any tips you have for this check will be greatly appreciated.

To check the timing I just have to see if I have the right size socket to rotate the crank, but should be able to borrow one if not. Do I need to remove the spark plugs to turn the engine or can it be done safely with them in place?

Thanks again.

Yeah so when checking sprockets just look for unevenly worn teeth and and sharp edges. When checking the chain on these, the way I do it is I take flat blade screw driver and push down on the chain between centre guide and where chain meets sprocket. If I flexes quiet a bit then chain or tensioner is worn. And when checking timing, there is OT mark on the crank and there are lasered lines on each of the cams. Once both crank and came are at tdc then the lines should be visible dead in the middle.

 

[TucksMirror]

That’s great, thank you. I’ll do a little more research tonight and flick through the Haynes manual, and I’ll update here with some pictures once I have taken a look.

 

[markjay]

It's worth taking the car to an MB specialist and get them to remove the cam cover and have the timing chain - and more importantly the camshaft sprocket wheels - checked for wear.

Unfortunately premature timing gear failure is a known issue with the M271 Kompressor engines. If this occurs and not attened-to in time, it may lead to sudden and terminal engine damage.

 

[TucksMirror]

It's worth taking the car to an MB specialist and get them to remove the cam cover and have the timing chain - and more importantly the camshaft sprocket wheels - checked for wear.

Unfortunately premature timing gear failure is a known issue with the M271 Kompressor engines. If this occurs and not attened-to in time, it may lead to sudden and terminal engine damage.

Thanks Markjay, I appreciate your input. I have found a specialist in Oldbury and could call them tomorrow for a quote.

Did you listen to the noise in the video? It’s very brief but I do get this every cold start up, usually once it’s been sitting overnight. But have also heard it once during the day after being parked up for 4-5 hours at work. Listening to the engine with the bonnet open at every startup is becoming a bit wearisome .

The job seems within my abilities but a professional opinion would help ease my mind a bit.

 

[Oleks1992]

It's worth taking the car to an MB specialist and get them to remove the cam cover and have the timing chain - and more importantly the camshaft sprocket wheels - checked for wear.

Unfortunately premature timing gear failure is a known issue with the M271 Kompressor engines. If this occurs and not attened-to in time, it may lead to sudden and terminal engine damage.

Yep bent valves being one of the consequences lol I thought I got lucky with just timing sprockets and chain until it turned over still without compression

 

[AMGeed]

I have the same engine in a 59 plate C180k and listen every time I start the car for a rattle.
It's done considerably more miles than yours but it is rattle free.
BTW a C180k has a 1.6 engine, and a C200k has a 1.8. Mercedes like to confuse with their badging.

 

[TucksMirror]

I have the same engine in a 59 plate C180k and listen every time I start the car for a rattle.
It's done considerably more miles than yours but it is rattle free.
BTW a C180k has a 1.6 engine, and a C200k has a 1.8. Mercedes like to confuse with their badging.

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I definitely have the 1.8 litre. I’m keen to resolve this so I can start to enjoy the car. I really like everything about it, and it’s got a nice smooth range power.

 

[AMGeed]

Ah, thanks for the clarification. I definitely have the 1.8 litre. I’m keen to resolve this so I can start to enjoy the car. I really like everything about it, and it’s got a nice smooth range power.

You have a C200k then.
As an aside, what sort of economy do you get on a run of 10-20 miles?
I feel sure mine is not doing that well at around 33mpg.

 

[Oleks1992]

I have the same engine in a 59 plate C180k and listen every time I start the car for a rattle.
It's done considerably more miles than yours but it is rattle free.
BTW a C180k has a 1.6 engine, and a C200k has a 1.8. Mercedes like to confuse with their badging.

1.6 was only on clc 160 and very early w204 c class c180k

 

[AMGeed]

1.6 was only on clc 160 and very early w204 c class c180k

Mine is most certainly a 1.6 according to the data card (below)
Its a 2009 as mentioned above.
Look for code M16

Apologies to the OP if I have the wrong info on his car.

 

[TucksMirror]

Well I used to track my Audi A3 1.6 8v auto by filling up 20 litres at the pump and checking the mileage, which averaged about 130 miles per 20 litres, which is approximately 30mpg. (Mostly for the work commute)

With the first run of the CLC I got 153 miles which involved a 50 mile motorway trip, approximately 35mpg. I’m only on my second tank of fuel at the moment so I haven’t got an average. I don’t do a lot of miles, but even less so with this current concern.

 

[Oleks1992]

Mine is most certainly a 1.6 according to the data card (below)
Its a 2009 as mentioned above.
Look for code M16

Apologies to the OP if I have the wrong info on his car.

Yes that's correct yours is correct year for that

 

[AMGeed]

Well I used to track my Audi A3 1.6 8v auto by filling up 20 litres at the pump and checking the mileage, which averaged about 130 miles per 20 litres, which is approximately 30mpg. (Mostly for the work commute)

With the first run of the CLC I got 153 miles which involved a 50 mile motorway trip, approximately 35mpg. I’m only on my second tank of fuel at the moment so I haven’t got an average. I don’t do a lot of miles, but even less so with this current concern.

Hmm I thought we'd be getting better economy than that.
I only got 27mpg on a run until I changed the thermostat.

 

[markjay]

The C180K with the M271 engine was originally 1.8L Kompressor, but the engine became 1.6L Kompressor before it became 1.6L Turbo, and finally replaced with the M274 1.6L Turbo...

So a 'C180K' can be either 1.8L or 1.6L, depending on the year.