guitarcarfanati
New Member
Hi guys,
1 week and 1300 miles into Mercedes ownership and all going well
A 700 mile round trip, fully loaded with 5 people was done in great comfort averaging 39mpg The car is a 2004 320 CDI Avantgarde.
However, an issue I had slightly noted seems to be a lot more apparent when fully loaded. With 4/5 people in the car, pulling away and accelerating moderately produces a knocking/vibration I can hear and feel through the pedal.
When I am on my own, I really stuggle to replicate it. The vibration is only at around 2000-3000rpm and typically, worse up an incline.
The noise seems to be coming from the front right hand side of the car, but I suspect it may be the rear drivers side as I sometimes think the sound is confusing is confusing me by resonating through the chassis.
I am reasonable certain it is not the transmission/engine as the car pulls smoothly and rapidly under hard acceleration in all situations, even when the noise is happening. I think the torque of the engine when the car is fully loaded is putting something under pressure causing the noise.
Now, I know my front front ball joints are squeaky but assume they aren't the cause. I was thinking potentially rear springs or even a transmission/engine mount(although engine had to come out for a crankshaft replacement about 1 month ago by a well thought of merc specialist so assume it all went back ok and engines mounts would have been obvious)? Maybe driveshaft/CV joint?
Just wondered if anyone had any ideas or common faults - will try and take a look later today, but any suggestions gratefully received!
One thing to mention, the car isn't as comfortable as I was expecting. It soaks up bumps well, but seems easily affected by uneven road services. I just put this down to it having the Avantgarde suspension (which is apparently lower). The suspension did bottom out at the back going over a speed bump (slowly) with 5 large males and luggage yesterday.
Cheers,
Rob
1 week and 1300 miles into Mercedes ownership and all going well
A 700 mile round trip, fully loaded with 5 people was done in great comfort averaging 39mpg The car is a 2004 320 CDI Avantgarde.However, an issue I had slightly noted seems to be a lot more apparent when fully loaded. With 4/5 people in the car, pulling away and accelerating moderately produces a knocking/vibration I can hear and feel through the pedal.
When I am on my own, I really stuggle to replicate it. The vibration is only at around 2000-3000rpm and typically, worse up an incline.
The noise seems to be coming from the front right hand side of the car, but I suspect it may be the rear drivers side as I sometimes think the sound is confusing is confusing me by resonating through the chassis.
I am reasonable certain it is not the transmission/engine as the car pulls smoothly and rapidly under hard acceleration in all situations, even when the noise is happening. I think the torque of the engine when the car is fully loaded is putting something under pressure causing the noise.
Now, I know my front front ball joints are squeaky but assume they aren't the cause. I was thinking potentially rear springs or even a transmission/engine mount(although engine had to come out for a crankshaft replacement about 1 month ago by a well thought of merc specialist so assume it all went back ok and engines mounts would have been obvious)? Maybe driveshaft/CV joint?
Just wondered if anyone had any ideas or common faults - will try and take a look later today, but any suggestions gratefully received!
One thing to mention, the car isn't as comfortable as I was expecting. It soaks up bumps well, but seems easily affected by uneven road services. I just put this down to it having the Avantgarde suspension (which is apparently lower). The suspension did bottom out at the back going over a speed bump (slowly) with 5 large males and luggage yesterday.
Cheers,
Rob
