Need Advice/ tech info about purchasing a Mercedes C240 - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

trueog · #16 04-17-2009, 11:57 PM

Hey guys, so I finally bought my C240. I ended up buying a 2003 C240 from a seller on Craigslist. So I want to thank everyone for their advice during my shopping.

Pretty happy with the car but I already have my first problem to fix. I noticed today that my car makes a loud clunking noise when I go over speed bumps, indents in pavement or small curbs. This rattling clunk appears to happen more often when its raining for some strange reason??? The noise sounds like its coming from the rear, can't tell if its from the suspension or if my exhaust is lose??? Anyone got any idea's about what it might be??? help, thanks

C280 Sport · #17 04-18-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

And yes the W203 interior creaks a bit more then a W202,

No way. I think the W202 interior makes all kinds of noise. The 203 interior is by far better and it has much better materials used. No plastic like the 202.

Ethan · #18 04-18-2009, 01:41 AM

1) make sure spare tire and everything in trunk is secured

if rain is a factor (as opposed to a coincidence) check to make sure rear tires are the same make and style with similar tread pattern and depth along with air pressure - I'm guessing the traction control may be going off - indicator on dash going off when noise occurs ? - will it happen if ESP button on dash is turned off?

Did I read you have new catalytic converters? if so I would guess most likely source is a missed hanger on the exhaust system, have you tried shaking the piped at different ponts to feel if your getting up-down or excessive sideways movement? maybe the rain is making things easier to slide about

trueog · #19 04-18-2009, 01:41 PM

Hey Ethan thanks for the response. I will check my spare tire area today to make sure everything is secure. I didn't think to do that. I don't think this clunking noise has any relation to the ESP and the tires are matching all 4 around.

I think your right about perhaps the exhaust missing a hanger? the car recently had its cats and o2's replaced by mercedes and perhaps they forgot a hanger on the back? I'm also suspicious of my suspension making this bouncy clunking noise. I'll check under the car tomorrow to see if anythings loose.

Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

1) make sure spare tire and everything in trunk is secured

if rain is a factor (as opposed to a coincidence) check to make sure rear tires are the same make and style with similar tread pattern and depth along with air pressure - I'm guessing the traction control may be going off - indicator on dash going off when noise occurs ? - will it happen if ESP button on dash is turned off?

Did I read you have new catalytic converters? if so I would guess most likely source is a missed hanger on the exhaust system, have you tried shaking the piped at different ponts to feel if your getting up-down or excessive sideways movement? maybe the rain is making things easier to slide about

Ethan · #20 04-18-2009, 07:39 PM

I realized when doing an oil change on my C240 today (that if the Canadian market cars are like US spec), the under-engine plastic cladding is a two-piece affair with the rear mounts at or near the mid-way point of the car.

If one of the eight (or maybe ten) bolts affixing it is missing it may make a banging noise, rain could pool on the up-side of the shield and that extra weight could make it bang.

That shield would have to had been removed temporarily for the exhaust work.

Ethan · #21 04-20-2009, 06:01 PM

Trueog,

Read this post;
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=250244

I just found out about this yesterday - so check your radiator by using a flashlight and observing the manufacturer of the unit just under the radiator top mounting cross-member at the center point.

Chances are your 2003 may not be using the Valeo unit.

sd300td · #22 04-21-2009, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueog

I'm still shopping and looking for a good C240. I've looked at a couple but am having a real hard time finding exactly what I want. Looking for a 2002 or newer white/silver or black C240 with black leather interior with not out of this world mileage with a documented service track record. Perhaps i'm looking for too much......

While searching online for a C240 I came across this site listing common problems with the C240, thought i'd share it with everyone and use is as a checklist while shopping for a good used one myself.

Common Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems

Brakes Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.

Source: " http://repairpal.com/cars/mercedes-benz/c240 "

My brakes squeal sometimes. THough I have the cross drilled slotted discs that are on the c230K. Still, they're more than 50,000 miles on them and will be replaced in the next 12-months (been saying that now for 12-months...)

Brake fluid should be flushed every two years regardless of make, model, year.

don't worry about brakes, having some of the best brakes available is nice.