Window rattles with new 2011 E350 Cabriolet (A207)

[RAG]

Agree 100% about comparison to BMW but I always presumed the bavarian machines were on runflats which was why the ride was harsh?

Unfortunately I find myself acting like the guy in classic VW ad with the squeek. Couldn't link to it in youtube - came back as blocked. How does one link to a youtube clip?

It is true that BMW's have run flat tyres but I ditched mine after a year for conventional tyres, it improved things slightly but still very harsh ride in comparison.

re YouTube I think you should just be able to copy and paste the url?

 

[duberalles]

YouTube - Squeaky Volkswagen

 

[RAG]

YouTube - Squeaky Volkswagen

Great advert, rattles and squeaks in a car can be torturous!

 

[WDB124066]

I see. Did you know VW sell "Krytox" in a spray can. Krytox is the best anti-squeak lube for cars. Do a search on it.......

Part number G 052 172 A2

Makes the cars deafly silent.

 

[saorbust]

Go to another dealer. MB Brooklands servicing department is one of the worst I have ever used.

Hello all,

This is my first post so please be gentle on me. Just purchased a new E350 CDI Cabriolet - AMG Sport. The killer function for me was the Distronic Plus feature, which I think is 100% amazing especially in congested UK. Don't understand why more people aren't raving about how great it is. Anyway that's for another thread.

Even though this is a cabriolet (I know all about scuttle shake as have had other convertibles) I was very disappointed by the number of window rattles on the car when going over pot holes or coarse tarmac. The rattles are both driver side and passenger. They disappear when the windows are cracked open but reappear as soon as closed, regardless of whether roof is up or down.

Dealer (Brooklands) have looked at it, spent whole day with car and haven't solved the problem. They are almost implying that this is normal for a cab with a sports suspension. I don't think so, it's not normal that the rattles are only there when the window is closed. Scuttle shake isn't about windows rattling. This seems to be a question of poor build quality in an otherwise great car.

Questions
1. Has anyone else come across annoying window rattles on the E Class cab or other e models?
2. Brooklands were messing around with seal lubrication that did no good. Any other possible solutions?
3. Other than constantly driving around with the windows slightly open (annoying when it's cold outside or you're on the phone), what recourse do I have with the dealer? Can they just say it's within norms, they all do this?

Thank you in advance for any replies, advice.

John

 

[duberalles]

Go to another dealer. MB Brooklands servicing department is one of the worst I have ever used.

Wow thanks, that's quite shocking, especially as they sell themselves as officially the flagship of Mercedes. I enjoyed the sales experience, fantastic showroom/museum and facilities and took a few AMGs around the handling circuit. But have been very disappointed with the Service department. Each time they screw up I get another hour in an AMG, but I'd just like the car to be right.

What's the best Merc Servicing department in South East England? I'm in Kent but would travel anywhere for excellent service.

John

 

[saorbust]

Wow thanks, that's quite shocking, especially as they sell themselves as officially the flagship of Mercedes. I enjoyed the sales experience, fantastic showroom/museum and facilities and took a few AMGs around the handling circuit. But have been very disappointed with the Service department. Each time they screw up I get another hour in an AMG, but I'd just like the car to be right.

What's the best Merc Servicing department in South East England? I'm in Kent but would travel anywhere for excellent service.

John

Glad it's not just me!

Try Dartford I always had a great experience there. I think you just need some silicon grease.

 

[WDB124066]

Silicon grease wont last, don't use it.

 

[drchris]

Hi guys,

Im aware this thread is old - however I just want to point out that im having the same rattles in my e-cab 350 and ive been unable to solve them. Its been driving me crazy, and believe it or not ive visited 3 mb garages so far, and complained over a dozen times.

Has anyone else had this problem. Have you fixed it?

 

[WDB124066]

The first E Cabriolets (in 1991 - A124's) had felt on the seals, when the felt wears off the noise started. Have the new E cabs got felt on the seals........?

 

[Dr-Nab]

Hey Chris, have you identified exactly where the rattle is coming from - is it the windows? There is a rattle that will develop from the dash pod which is very noisy when you're on anything other than a perfect road surface. To check press the bottom of the dash pod just in front of the dials when you're driving and see if that makes any difference, if it does then you'll need the pod replacing with a newer sturdier one that doesn't flex.

With regards to the window rattles - I still haven't encountered that one (yet?) have covered 7k miles and I'm now back on my harsher 18" wheels so it could develop but I doubt it, I've heard that the seat belt handlers are sometimes responsible for rattles coming from either side so check those too.

Nab

 

[Michael111]

The first E Cabriolets (in 1991 - A124's) had felt on the seals, when the felt wears off the noise started. Have the new E cabs got felt on the seals........?

Hi

To all of you having window rattles I am an expert on this after the same issues with my BMW 320d m sport coupe. In owning the car from new it went back to the dealer 8 times with this problem. I had new seals fitted 6 times but after a couple of weeks the problem would return. The only thing that worked for me was a lubricant called carbaflo which when sprayed on the seals would cure the problem for a couple of months before another treatment was required. I have concluded that for some reason certain cars suffer from this if the windows are frameless (I have 2 other mates with 3 series coupes they had no problems!). Unfortunatly there is no cure!
I sold the BMW because of this and moved to Mercedes. I would never own a car with frameless windows again.
To all of you that suffer from this you have my sympathy.

Michael.

 

[WDB124066]

Have these new E Cabs got felt laced seals, can someone take a picture please.....

 

[drchris]

WDB124066: But even if new E cabs got felt on the seals would they wear off after 6 months. Shame mercedes quality is once again dissapointing.

Dr-Nab: I havent identified the problem yet to be honest and its driving me mental. Its definitely the windows because if I have them open - even slightly, the rattle goes away. I'll try the dash pod that you're mentioning but im pretty confident it comes from either rear or front driver window.

The dealers tried all sorts of things (even one had the brilliant idea of lubricating with oil all around the window frame and when i collected the car i realised it was dripping on my work suit! grrr! ) but to no avail!

Michael111: You're pretty damn right actually. Cars with frameless windows would never have windows that fit properly. One of the dealers even jokingly told me that convertibles are expected to rattle a little due to the "scaffolding" of the roof. But I'm actually pretty desperate now and might want to try this carbaflo that you mentioned. Even if it cures it for a few months - it will be summer by the time it wears out so I can have the windows open again!

 

[WDB124066]

The felt does wear off eventually, but I have a 124 Cabriolet with 40 odd thousand miles and it hasn't worn off - yet.

The A124's are dead quiet roof up or down, windows up or down, or even half way, even on rough roads. It can be done.

I know for a fact - not think, but know - when the felt wears off the front to rear window seal on the A124 it rattles, a new felt laced seal and it's dead quiet again. Might help, if the new E Cab doesn't have felt seals it might be worth finding some....?

To find my rattle I reached up behind my head and pinched the two side windows together at the top with my fingers, rattle stopped. New seal job done.

Try dropping your tyre pressure a couple of psi, or going for a tyre like a Continental Comfort Contact......??