I just purchased a 2005 CL500. I can feel a slight grinding vibration through the steering wheel from 5-60 mph, irrespective of the road surface I'm travelling on. It's as though the bearings are loose or there's some dirt in the bearings. The bearings have been tightened (but not opened to investigate) by Mercedes and they say this is a normal characteristic of the CL500. Has anyone else noticed this or does anyone have any advice ?
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SG CL500
Active Member
difficult to say given 'slight grinding vibration' is subjective but I wouldn't say it's standard. The CL's are supposed to be smooth & quiet touring cars - doesn't exactly fit does it.
I don't feel any vibration as such, over and above what I would expect (the steering wheel is afterall somewhat connected to the road wheels)
I don't feel any vibration as such, over and above what I would expect (the steering wheel is afterall somewhat connected to the road wheels)
glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
I would not be happy. Have you bought it from a main dealer? If so then ask to be taken out in a similar model. The car should still be under warranty.
Good luck,
John
grober
MB Master
my initial thought was some sort of steering pump fault transmitting vibration (faint) via the fluid to the rack/ box. this post of any help?? http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=34943&highlight=CL500+steering
you could also try searching on http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php
you could also try searching on http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/index.php
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glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
What I find so frustrating is the flippant attitude of the dealership. Buying a car from Mercedes-Benz Direct might not be the same as buying one from a main dealer, but these outlets carry the name and represent the marque. This type of service might not be in the best interests of Daimler Chrysler? A decision has been made to have these outlets, but they have a reputation to uphold?
nick005 said:
nick005 said:
I test drove another CL500 yesterday and it exhibited the same vibration in the steering wheel, so I guess this is a characteristic of the car. It is particularly felt at the top of the steering wheel.
I upgraded from an old 300CE which didn't have this vibration at all while driving. The vibration is not annoying, just a little surprising (perhaps due to the thinner tyres). However, I'm reassured that this is not a fault in my new car.
Thanks to all for your advice and comments.
PS The CL500 is one hell of a car.
I upgraded from an old 300CE which didn't have this vibration at all while driving. The vibration is not annoying, just a little surprising (perhaps due to the thinner tyres). However, I'm reassured that this is not a fault in my new car.
Thanks to all for your advice and comments.
PS The CL500 is one hell of a car.
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glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
I am very surprised that no one else has complained of this sensation, and I very respectfully wonder just what it is?
John
grober
MB Master
Maybe a consequence of the low profile tyres as Nick005 has speculated. That said I would expect a mechanical fault like a power steering pump to have a constant vibration frequency which might vary with engine speed only. Vibration due to low profile tyres should change with road surface characteristics which might be quite a good way to distinguish between the two?
Ultra low profile tyres are overated IMHO since the number of times their true performance characteristics are tested in normal motoring must be very few. The sacrifice in ride comfort, load carrying capacity and general durability in these days of speed bumps and potholed roads is questionable.
Their main appeal is in their appearance where they enhance the " performance " look of any car. This can unfortunately be offset by the "bling factor", "columbian drug dealer" or "rap artist" look of some wheels tacked on to cars they were never intended for. In recent years Mercedes has come out with some incredibly ugly optional alloys but this is in the true tradition of a company who, in the past has given us "malachite" , "nutria" and similar metallic finishes .
Ultra low profile tyres are overated IMHO since the number of times their true performance characteristics are tested in normal motoring must be very few. The sacrifice in ride comfort, load carrying capacity and general durability in these days of speed bumps and potholed roads is questionable.
Their main appeal is in their appearance where they enhance the " performance " look of any car. This can unfortunately be offset by the "bling factor", "columbian drug dealer" or "rap artist" look of some wheels tacked on to cars they were never intended for. In recent years Mercedes has come out with some incredibly ugly optional alloys but this is in the true tradition of a company who, in the past has given us "malachite" , "nutria" and similar metallic finishes .
SG CL500
Active Member
I have 19inch wheels with no vibration though...
grober
MB Master
Maybe a tyre tread/compound/inflation pressure/ tyre balance ( not wheel+tyre balance) thing all the same?? e.g. soft compound leading to minor flat spotting or harder compound transmitting more road noise etc . Always a good idea to go with the manufacturers original fitment tyre. Different makes/sizes can improve or ruin the " subtle feel" of the car since the suspension will have been developed with a specific make/model/ size of tyre AFAIK
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SG CL500
Active Member
Fair enough - if it helps, I have Dunslop SP9000's all round, at the recommended pressure
Hi SG CL500
Are you saying that the you have no steering wheel vibration while driving your CL500 ?
Note: The vibration in my car is not as a result of tyres as I've just had 4 new quality tyres fitted.
glojo
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Hi Nick,
I have been hoping that other CL owners would confirm what you have been told as I would find any type of unatural vibration unacceptable. I have never driven or owned this excellent model, but to me it is one of the flgship type range and having vibrations coming through the steering wheel is not something I would appreciate.
We have paid extra for 'vibrating' front seats
, but that is an optional extra. A great feature which gives you a massage, (Is that allo, allo talk for message? 
)Flash are you out there? Do you have a vibrating steering wheel? I won't ask Kinky
Regards,
John the curious
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