Strange noise from behind instrument cluster of '93 300E(2.8)
 

Someone may have experienced this before. There is a strange noise coming from behind the left side of the instrument cluster every morning after I start driving. Only happens after I move the car and only after cold starting. Last about 5-10 seconds, short break and another 4-5 seconds. It definitely sounds like a relay. I am not sure what relays are behind the instrument cluster beside the warning buzzer/relay. I will check my manual when I get home, however somebody may already have the solution.
Thanks for your help.

Alex

Could be the speedometer cable needs lubrication?

See if it correlates to your vehicle's speed - if so its probably the cable.

Ken300D

I have the same problem
 

When it started to happen in my 300E 3.2, I just wrote it off as the speedometer cable. So I agree with Ken300D. But if you found something different after looking please let us know. Thanks.

i have that same noise in the mornings, i think it has something to do with the ventilation actuators because it almost sounds like a servo going on for a few seconds. a relay clicks and this is not a clicking sound. it comes from the drivers side by the vent and i get it two times also. maybe it's a special feature on '93s ;)

I too, hear the same noise when I get going first thing in the morning with my 93 300E. I probably should have investigated it since it has done so since I bought the car at 72K miles.

Good to know it's a normal function...

Our '93 300E 2.8 does the same thing.

All right then, by popular demand I will be the designated volunteer. :D
I probably take out the instrument cluster this weekend (the temperature display illumination is burned out, need to solder in a new bulb) and drive the car to see where exactly the sound is coming from. If I get around doing it I will post the findings. However it is definitely not coming from the speedo cable. I think jsmith is on the right track because it only started producing the noise when the outside temperature dropped (I park underground, and it happens once I am on the surface).

Alex

In mine, the relays are in the engine compartment, nestled up against the firewall (in front of instruments, but not accessible from there). I can occasionally hear a high-pitched buzz from them while driving.

Here, this might help with removal..

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=19628&highlight=instrument+cluster+tool

AM NOISE
 

Don't pull the cluster!
The noise you hear is coming from the vacuum switch over valve for upshift delay.The valve is located under the hood behind the brake booster.
You can verify this as the source by doing the following,unplug the connector from the valve and join the vac. lines togather and road test when cold.
If the noise is gone as I suspect it will be you can either leave it as it is or start looking for the interruption.
Good luck!MF

Mike,
My first gear upshift delay is working annoyingly well on cold mornings. Does that mean that the switchover valve is working properly? If I bypass it, will the upshift delay not happen anymore? When you say leave it as it is do you mean that the noise is ok or do you mean leave it bypassed?
Thanks