help!! I think my big ends r knocking

[UK S500L]

Hi guys,

Think that this is my first post on here. I hope you can help me with this. I have a 1999 S500 LWB (W220 shape). Came home last night and my engine is making a knocking noise that sounds just like big ends knocking. Had a mate who is a mechanic have a listen to it today and said the same thing. The car has 82000 miles on the clock full MB history up to 59000 and the last service was at 73000 which was a B service and had the plugs done. This was carried out by a MB specialist (James Leigh in Merton). Has anybody heard of these engines letting go this early? I thought these engines were supposed to be good for 200000 miles. The car does not have any warranty left, has anyone got any good ideas as what to do? I'm thinking of calling MB customer services in the morning to see if they fancy doing some goodwill warranty but have had bad experiences with MB Epsom, so don't feel that I can trust any MB dealer. Can anyone recommend a good specialist around the London, Surrey borders that I can feel confident in using? I'm a chauffeur and need the car repaired asap. Many thanks, Dave

 

[jaymanek]

Thats not good news.. Lets hope its a false alarm eh...

The specialist most of us around london use is George fraser in alperton..02087951055..
Although there is a good mix of stories about him on this forum, most will say he is still the most reliable, especially on newer stuff like ures...

there is also klasse of fulham who i have heard good things about, not sure of number right now, but on yell.co.uk

Cheers

Jay

 

[UK S500L]

Thanks Jay,
Got the car taken by the AA to my mate’s garage yesterday and got it on the pit to have a good listen round. It’s looking like it could be the left hand CAT. Doesn’t seem to be any excessive noise from the sump area (thank god). The noise seems to come from the left CAT and when hit with my fist it’s rattling. Everyone who has heard it can’t believe the noise! So I'm going to replace both as no doubt the other one will probably go soon. I guess £542 + vat & fitting each is better than the £8000 to £10000 I got quoted for a Short Motor from MB. Typical MB couldn't even look at the car for 1 to 2 weeks even though I need it to make a living.
Cheers
Dave

 

[mayoga]

Checkout the other thread in General about cats:

MERCEDES S500 5.0 SE/SEL 5/91-6/96 90301 £396.71 + vat
MERCEDES S500 5.0i V8 6/96-1/99 (nearside) 90655 £290.00 + vat
MERCEDES S500 5.0i V8 6/96-1/99 (offside) 90656 £290.00 + vat


See: http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=3884

Gav.

 

[Brian WH]

Might be a silly question , but have you checked your oil level?????

 

[UK S500L]

Hi Gav,
Just read the other thread about CATS, I found it just before I read your reply. Thanks for the reply. Problem is my car is 03/99 (W220 Shape) so guess they won’t be the same. The guy from James Leigh who had a listen to it told me to stay away from pattern part CATS as they have had nothing but problems with them!!! I’ve already ordered them from MB now, they should be here today, so should get the car back today or tomorrow depending on when my mate can fit them.

Hi Brain,
Thanks for your reply, yep oil level fine, the car has not used a drop in the 360000 miles I’ve done in it.

Cheers.
Dave.