98 e320 exhaust rattle
 

I have come to really appreciate this mercedes site. It gave me the confidence and help to allow me to change the (12) spark plugs in my e320. I still have my mechanic do oil changes, though, so I can get his 32 point inspection. Anyway, I noticed an exhaust rattle, I assumed to be a heat shield causing the racket. Rather than go to my mechanic, I imposed upon a friend of mind to put the car on his lift and inspect the underside. After some gentle banging around it sounds like there's a baffle that is loose inside the muffler that is under the center of the car (the one just after the cat). It makes an awfull racket at idle at times, especially when you are next to a building (such as at a drive through window) but is unoticable at speed. Anybody else had this problem? Any suggestions for a fix that would not require a complete new "cat back" exhaust (it's all one piece). The exhaust system looks perfect on the outside, no corrosion or holes.
Thanks for any help.

Dave

exhaust
 

Hi Are you sure its a muffler and not the rear cat also they have a problem with the cats breaking loose and parts going into the rear exhaust,if you are under 80,000 miles and 8 years dealer must replace them.joeym

Thanks for the reply. While the cat seems okay with the bulk of the rattle coming from the first muffler in-line, I guess something could have come off of the cat and become lodged in the muffler. The car is 7 years old and has 104, 00 + miles. Does that make it out of warranty?

cats
 

Hi You are over on the miles,MB EPA warranty is 80,000 miles ,how ever you are under the years and considering the problems with the cats on your veh you might get some good will it can not hurt to call.joeym PS watch the engine temp if you get some restriction it might start to run hot and or get some invaled codes

Just a thought - have you checked the transmission exhaust hanger? It has 2 bolts sized 13 mm that often come loose causing it to rattle noticeably at idle, especially with the A/C on. Check that first; they often just need to be snugged up.