Hello,
My 1998 E300td has been making a growling noise for a while when cold at 2000 rpm and higher. When warm the noise goes away, it sounds like the turbo to me even though the car performs well.
I've checked the compressor wheel and it spins very free but has a little side play. I have a feeling that the hot side has more play but there is no way to check it without disassembly.
I would like to know which brand turbo comes with these cars and a good source for repair parts preferably in the new england area. I would like to atempt to rebuild it before any more damage shows up.

Would appreciate hearing from someone who has crossed this bridge.
thanks
acerejo

Diesels make lots of noises when cold. I would not worry about it.

__________________
2002 G500 74K
1998 E300 200K and rising
1995 S600 73k


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if they've made a difference. The Marines don't
have that problem."-Ronald Reagan

"Never tell people how to do things. Tell them
what to do and they will surprise you with their
ingenuity."-General George S. Patton

#1. Acc. Belt Idler Pulley.
#2. Acc. Belt Tension Damper.
#3. Acc. Belt Tension Adjuster; Pulley Lever: Lower.
#4. Acc. Belt Tension Adjuster; Pulley Lever: Upper
These are common parts that go bad and make bad noise.
NOTE:
You have an E300D not an E300TD, the TD = Wagon.

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1998 Mercedes Benz E 300 D Turbo
Part: Acc. Belt Idler Pulley
Note: Tensioner Pulley
G6020-24744 Acc. Belt Idler Pulley Febi IN STOCK $46.29
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1I30J0PB01I41C7LMK&year=1998&make=MB&model=E-300DT-001&category=G&part=Acc.+Belt+Idler+Pulley

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1998 Mercedes Benz E 300 D Turbo
Part: Acc. Belt Tension Damper
Note: Shock absorber
G6003-35686 Acc. Belt Tension Damper IN STOCK $49.00
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1I30J0PB01I41C7LMK&year=1998&make=MB&model=E-300DT-001&category=G&part=Acc.+Belt+Tension+Damper

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1998 Mercedes Benz E 300 D Turbo
Part: Acc. Belt Tension Adj.
Note: Pulley Lever : Lower
G6002-102696 Acc. Belt Tension Adj. Lemforder IN STOCK $93.22
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=mercedesshop&cookieid=1I30J0PB01I41C7LMK&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1998&product=G6002-102696&application=000456732

PART NUMBER SEARCH RESULTS WITH PRICES
Vehicle 1998 Mercedes Benz E 300 D Turbo
Part: Acc. Belt Tension Adj.
Note: Upper
G6002-81346 Acc. Belt Tension Adj. IN STOCK $11.27
http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/quote.jsp?clientid=mercedesshop&cookieid=1I30J0PB01I41C7LMK&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&partner=mercedesshop&year=1998&product=G6002-81346&application=000700985

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Thermal & Aerodynamic System Engineering (TASE) Senior vehicle instrumentation technician.
Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH).
Dynamometer.
Heat exchanger durability.
HV-A/C Climate Control.
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Fleet Durability
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1985 300SD
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2003 Volvo V70
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Thanks for the replies, I will replace the idler tensioner because is does sound like a bearig noise and the damper because of some clacking at idle.
I still think it may be the turbo because of the side play on the compressor side blade wheel. The car has 210K miles and I am runing TotellaT synthetic with 6K change intervals. The next oil I want to try is Delvac 1 5w40.
Thnaks again, I will post results

Delvac is much better