Dear all,

I have these three issues with my car (W124, E280 model 1994) that I would like to sort out myself over the next couple of weeks, they have been with the car since I bought it so I am not really aware of any background:

1- There is an intermitent but repeating noise that comes out from the engine bay, right underneath the windshield on the right side (the brakes master vicinity area). The sound is very similar to a meat grinder or some machine like that, but is completely independent from the engine. One time it came on while I only had the key in contact position (number 2 position), the engine wasn't running. Is there any experience with what that could be?

2- The ride is quite choppy and hard, and while it was lifted I noticed that the shock absorbers were Bilstein and yellow. Now I checked on their website and yellow means that the shocks are sport, which would explain the hard ride. But what it doesn't explain is the crashing noise that I get with the smallest potholes. Is this a shock absorber problem that will be solved with a swap to original valving shocks, or is there another problem I have to address?

3- I am getting way too much brake dust on my alloys, specifically the front. It doesn't wash easy, it needs that special cleaner which is ok, but then it is clearly visible again in about two weeks. I am concerned however it is indicating a problem I need to address, or perhaps is my driving too aggressive (the dust is mainly on the front alloys, much more than the back)?

Any input would be appreciated.

Sam