Low toned rattling when W201 is in Drive, but not moving.....(HELP!)
 

Hi there...

I'm about to have my local shop look at this, but I thought I'd post here incase someone can tell me what to tighten. There is an off and on low rattling when the car is in drive, but I'm not moving (IE a stop light.) For some reason the rattling goes away when the RPM's are up. It's located around/behind the front wheels. What should I check?

Check the heat shield above the catalytic converter.

Mine was due to the heat shield on the cat converter. My guy just removed it - now I am wondering if it would cause any damage! Its a 85 190E 2.3

more than once i have found that the shock tensioner at the front of the engine could be loose or worn out

I had similar symptoms a couple of weeks ago and had the belt shock tensioner replaced. That took care of the rattle. When stopped at a light, try turning on and off your AC / heating system and you'll hear a difference in the rattle. Not too expensive to replace, about $140 Canadian (taxes, labour, part included). -> or about $5 bucks US :eek: h

mine was the heat shield.... have it removed ...