Hey all.

I sent off for my high mileage badge today.

Anyway-there is a new noise. Whenever I step on the gas, whether moving or still, there is a rattling sound like a bunch of tiny metal marbles in a tin can. Its very tinny, and I can especially hear it in tight spots like between two rows of cars or in a garage, otherwise its pretty slight. I can sort of control it with the throttle. If the sound starts and I let off the throttle, it goes away. When I speed up to crest a hill it comes on, then when I go over the top and let off the gas it goes away again.

My guess is the exhaust is loose somewhere. Do these diesels have catalytic converters? My Explorer makes the same noise! Is there a heat shield or something that could be loose?

This may sound like a dumb question but I'm new to the benz diesels. Just want to be safer with some advice. The car goes to the shop in July for some minor things, sunroof repair, so I'll have them look at it.

Thanks,
-Ork