Just wondering if anyone here has had the same issue I am currently experiencing. On the '99 E320 sedan (not 4matic), with 126,000mi., I have a noise from the front suspension. I took it to the MB dealer to have the balljoints replaced, it didn't fix the noise. Took it back, they say nothing seems to need replaced. It happens whenever I'm going over small bumps in a parking lot, most recently, it is getting worse. I have used the same tech for years and trust he sincerely can't see an issue, but we have duplicated the noise over and over. Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!

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2015 E250 Bluetec Black/designo Sand
2014 GLK250 Bluetec Iridium Silver/Almond
1999 E320 Sedan Bordeaux Red/ Parchment
1999 E270CDI Estate Black Opal/Black
1983 300SD Champagne/Palomino Leather
1982 300SD Silver Blue/ Pacific Blue Leather

What sort of noise? Squeaking? Groaning? Clunking? Slapping? Snapping? Can you produce the noise by pushing down on the front fenders? With nothing more to go on, I'd be thinking struts.

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1988 California version 260E (W124)
Anthracite Grey/Palomino
Owned since new and still going strong and smooth
MBCA member

Past Mercedes-Benz:
1986 190E Baby Benz
1967 230 Inherited from mom when she downsized
1959 220S Introduced me to the joys of keepin' 'em goin'

There are only 10 kinds of people in the world--those who understand binary and those who don't

Check both the bolts that hold the lower control arm to the frame of the car. My car was doing the same thing, we replaced the coil spring perch thinking it was that. We finally found that one of the bolts for the control arm wasn't tight, just simply tightening it up fixed the problem. It was making a squeaking noise going over a bump or when you hit the brakes hard. Very similar to the sound of a bad lower ball joint.

Check your steering rack - mine is doing it too. Sounds almost like a bad ball joint, but isn't. With both front wheels sitting on ramps, have someone gently wiggle the steering wheel back and forth, then put your hand on the rack right by the input shaft. If it's your rack, you'll know right away because you'll "feel" it. It's only apparent if you move the steering wheel ever so slightly, maybe just a half inch back and forth, enough to wiggle the pinion gear. I can't think of a better way to describe it. I discovered this while inspecting the tie rods, ball joints, and other suspension parts; my wife was moving the steering wheel. I was stumped because everything was tight, no unusual tire wear, steering was not sloppy, etc. but then I stumbled upon this and was able to duplicate it quite easily.

Mine makes the noise occasionally, but there's not enough lash in the steering wheel to warrant replacing it. When I looked into it, I believe I read somewhere that Mercedes won't replace a rack under warranty until there's about 1 inch of play in the steering wheel??!! I just put up with it as an occasional light clunk when going over very bumpy roads. None of my passengers can even tell. And if I do ever decide to replace the rack, I've priced it, and it's not expensive. About $300 to $400 for a reman, and a few hours on a rainy day...

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08 W251 R350
97 W210 E320
91 W124 300E
86 W126 560SEL
85 W126 380SE Silver
85 W126 380SE Cranberry
79 W123 250
78 W123 280E
75 W114 280

99% its your sway bar bushings. These are often overlooked because they never appear to be worn. They are cheap, probably less than $50 for the parts. Order the two inner bushings and then the outer "links". It will quiet it right down and make it tight again. Ball joints are common on those, but are simple to replace. Even worn ball joints wont make those noises.

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93 300D 2.5 Turbo, Black/Palomino 273K
09 E350 Black/Black 41K

A quick shot of silicone spray on the sway bar bushings will confirm 280AMG's post.

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

X2, this is the problem that causes noises over small bumps - if your dealer didn't know this shame on them!

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Marty D.

2013 C300 4Matic
1984 BMW 733i
2013 Lincoln MKz