My '02 C320 3,500 miles has started making ticking noises comming from the center of the dash when ever the I first start up or when the air direction is changed in the Auto Mode. It is lasting for about 30 to 60 seconds. The noise, however is getting longer each time I start up. What the heck is going on here? I'm worred I'll have to give up my car for several weeks while they order the part from who knows where. My guess is the whole dash must be removed and will never fit back properly. Any one had this problem yet?

I have the exact same noise coming from my 2002 C320. It started this past weekend and each time the car starts, the harsh clicking noise engages, sometimes it stops, sometimes it doesn't. When it doesn't, I have to turn off the car and restart it. Did you ever bring your car in to have issue corrected. Does anybody know what this could be. I'm guessing a blower motor, or maybe the servo that engages the automatic steering column. Any tech's car to weigh in. What else is hidden under the dash? Almost sounds like it's right under it to the left of the center grill for the vent/center speaker???

That noise is ONE reason that MB never used electrical servo motors on the A/C system until this new generation C-class. When the move they can cause noises. YOU do have a problem IF you can hear the "noise" above all other things inside of the car.

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M.B. Doc, so you are saying that there are servo motor utilized under the dash of the W203? You seem to be displaying your distain for the new C-Class more then any specific information on where this clicking could be coming from. You didn't think the Pep Boy's over at Chrysler weren't going to go and mess up a good thing when they merged did you? At any rate, I just want to know what the heck it is before I drop it off to have it fixed.

There is a SERVICE bulletin on this problem ALREADY. The correct fix is to replace all of the stepper motors with a modified version.

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MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

for what its worth, i had this noise in my sdl in the rear door. for some reason it goes away when i hit the rear window switch. try hitting some electrical buttons related to the front of the car if it starts, this may help u in the meantime.

Took this to my local MB Service Center. It took them almost two days to replace 10 servo motors under the dash which control all the vents. They did a good job as the dash looks fine. This was a big, big repair, and if it was not covered under warranty, I would be out alot of cash at a $90/hr labor rate.

did you hear what the service bulletin ID was on this problem? I am having the same problem with my 203. I would like to discuss it with the dealer.

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