Engine growl

[Hotpip]

I have recently purchased a very well looked after e250 CDI w212 blue efficiency estate to replace my c200 CDi blue efficiency w204 as we are expecting our 3rd child and need something bigger. Me and my dad who is a mechanic of 40+ years looked at the car and the only fault we found was how much more noisey the engine was on acceleration compared to my old c200 Cdi. The engine was very growly on acceleration. Is this normal? Apart from the noise the engine is spot on and pulls like a train. Also the sound deadening is all present etc.

 

[OneForTheRoad]

The c250 I had ( same om651 engine ) was on 79k was a bit rattly on tick over , but super smooth when putting the power down. 2 turbos joined at the hip on the 250 . Your 200 only one. Does it require an oil change ?? Check the air filter and pipes also.

 

[Hotpip]

Every 6k/12 months the previous would get a service done, so I should imagine it's sound. Pipes where check by my dad on viewing the car, so was air filter. That's why it's a bit puzzling.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Has the exhaust been modified in any way?

 

[Bellow]

It'd be a help to know which end of the car is growling. Little point in pursuing exhaust noise when it is induction created and vice versa.

 

[Tonygw]

They can be a bit growly.. Mine is on 135K miles but pulls like a train and always made a bit of a growl. But .. the gearbox mount can wear out over time. The gearbox drops a cm or 2 and can hit the exhaust.. Doesnt knock or rattle but it will increase the engine noise considerably. Its a known issue and a cheap fix, (think the part is only about £50 from Merc and 30 minutes to fit once the car is on a ramp. I would get it changed and see as it will eventually fail anyway.

 

[m80]

Check the exhaust for sooty deposits. It may be leaking.
A faulty flexi at the front could cause this.

 

[Davsha]

Are you able to post an audio?

 

[Hotpip]

Has the exhaust been modified in any way?

No all standard

 

[Hotpip]

Are you able to post an audio?

Let me see if I can.

 

[Hotpip]

It'd be a help to know which end of the car is growling. Little point in pursuing exhaust noise when it is induction created and vice versa.

The growl is coming from the front scuttle and roughly where the gearbox is. It also creates a slight bit vibration through the seat which would indicate it's more outlet then inlet, but I have heard about the engine mountings failing at about 100000 miles plus and these can cause vibration, but I'm not sure about noise?

 

[Hotpip]

They can be a bit growly.. Mine is on 135K miles but pulls like a train and always made a bit of a growl. But .. the gearbox mount can wear out over time. The gearbox drops a cm or 2 and can hit the exhaust.. Doesnt knock or rattle but it will increase the engine noise considerably. Its a known issue and a cheap fix, (think the part is only about £50 from Merc and 30 minutes to fit once the car is on a ramp. I would get it changed and see as it will eventually fail anyway.

This is what I've read too. Thanks for clarifying it.

 

[ChrisHGTV]

The growl is coming from the front scuttle and roughly where the gearbox is. It also creates a slight bit vibration through the seat which would indicate it's more outlet then inlet, but I have heard about the engine mountings failing at about 100000 miles plus and these can cause vibration, but I'm not sure about noise?

I would say engine and gearbox mountings for sure. Mine was quite growly until I changed mine at about 80k miles. If you can feel any vibration at all on the transmission tunnel inside the car with your hand I would say they need doing. Made a huge difference to mine. Not hugely expensive either.

 

[Hotpip]

I would say engine and gearbox mountings for sure. Mine was quite growly until I changed mine at about 80k miles. If you can feel any vibration at all on the transmission tunnel inside the car with your hand I would say they need doing. Made a huge difference to mine. Not hugely expensive either.

Thanks for the reply. It's looking very much like that could be the issue.

 

[Hotpip]

Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken time to help me with this issue. I really appreciate it. I will let you know how I get on with it and update hopefully with a successful resolution

 

[Bellow]

The growl is coming from the front scuttle and roughly where the gearbox is. It also creates a slight bit vibration through the seat which would indicate it's more outlet then inlet, but I have heard about the engine mountings failing at about 100000 miles plus and these can cause vibration, but I'm not sure about noise?

Mere noise will be audible only - not felt. The guys suggesting failed/failing mounts are on the money I think.

 

[colinallcars]

Mere noise will be audible only - not felt. The guys suggesting failed/failing mounts are on the money I think.

Or possibly exhaust heat shields?

 

[Gollom]

Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has taken time to help me with this issue. I really appreciate it. I will let you know how I get on with it and update hopefully with a successful resolution

That is why this forum is so good!
You sound mechanically minded - some words and pics of how you make the change may be helpful for others. Cheers

 

[Hotpip]

Or possibly exhaust heat shields?

My dad will investigate further when he can take it to work and put on the ramp or over a pit.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The growl is coming from the front scuttle and roughly where the gearbox is. It also creates a slight bit vibration through the seat which would indicate it's more outlet then inlet, but I have heard about the engine mountings failing at about 100000 miles plus and these can cause vibration, but I'm not sure about noise?

Given your comment about the sound originating from the scuttle then engine and transmission mounts would be the first thing I would eliminate.