Engine groaning when you turn key in ignition

[Gertie3]

Hallo,

I hope someone can give me a heads-up please? I'm unsure if this is normal but it seems to be terribly loud these days. When you turn the key in the ignition to ON (but have not yet started the engine) she makes a very loud prolonged GROANING noise. It used to be mild but is now extremely loud (like a teen groaning not wanting to get outta bed). Took her in to see new mechanic recently as she started to also sound like a Ferrari when depressing the accelerator (that slight whine). The mechanic did have a good look and took some things off etc but said he'd need to hoist her up and take a closer look, which will be next week. Prior to this I rang the former mechanic/Service Dept at Mercedes who advised it could be the Power Steering Pump, the Serpentine belt, tensioner, bearings, idlers, AC compressor, Alt, or the pulleys etc etc etc. This new mechanic is a Euro specialist (very hard to find up here in the Blue Mountains) albeit an AUDI nut, but has been highly recommended by both Merc and Audi owners up here. Is this groaning the Power Steering too? It started not long after the last Service (10 months ago) and has gotten louder over that period. I just worry when they see lady is all. Oh she is a 2005 E240 in pristine condition and 119,000 kms. Thank you very kindly in advance.

 

[E55BOF]

Hallo,

I hope someone can give me a heads-up please? I'm unsure if this is normal but it seems to be terribly loud these days. When you turn the key in the ignition to ON (but have not yet started the engine) she makes a very loud prolonged GROANING noise. It used to be mild but is now extremely loud (like a teen groaning not wanting to get outta bed). Took her in to see new mechanic recently as she started to also sound like a Ferrari when depressing the accelerator (that slight whine). The mechanic did have a good look and took some things off etc but said he'd need to hoist her up and take a closer look, which will be next week. Prior to this I rang the former mechanic/Service Dept at Mercedes who advised it could be the Power Steering Pump, the Serpentine belt, tensioner, bearings, idlers, AC compressor, Alt, or the pulleys etc etc etc. This new mechanic is a Euro specialist (very hard to find up here in the Blue Mountains) albeit an AUDI nut, but has been highly recommended by both Merc and Audi owners up here. Is this groaning the Power Steering too? It started not long after the last Service (10 months ago) and has gotten louder over that period. I just worry when they see lady is all. Oh she is a 2005 E240 in pristine condition and 119,000 kms. Thank you very kindly in advance.

That could be the whine, but not the groaning if you get that before you have started the engine. Airmatic compressor perhaps?

I had, back in the mists of time, an Austin 3-litre with self-levelling rear suspension that groaned after I had started the engine while the rear suspension while it was levelling itself, but that was just the suspension needing some lubrication.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Take the serpentine belt off and start her up again , don't leave it running too long , but it would be enough to let you know if it was one of the ancillaries having a bit of a moan.

How is the fluid level in the power steering expansion tank ?

Hello and welcome by the way.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Northing driven off the aux bely could make any noise BEFORE he starts the engine as he claims.

 

[Bellow]

That could be the whine, but not the groaning if you get that before you have started the engine. Airmatic compressor perhaps?

As above, I'd look at all the electrically driven pumps (esp fuel) for torn mounts that are allowing vibration to transmit to the cabin.

 

[MSG2004]

I too was thinking fuel pump. On my gle, from the first few months of ownership from new - and more so recent years - when the radio is off our set at the usual low tone, as I engage the ketyin the ignition, the only whine./groan I can hear is the fuel pump. just before the engine kicks into life.

 

[Petrol Pete]

Northing driven off the aux bely could make any noise BEFORE he starts the engine as he claims.

Good point , I didn't read the post properly ! So fuel pump or airbag compressor ??