I have a 1991 300D 2.5 turbo diesel with 165K on the clock. When I first bought the car and had it checked out by a MBZ mechanic all was ok, including the diesel clatter. Today I rode in my friends 1983 300D and his diesel clatter is considerable quiter. Any explanation, is this normal?
Thanks!

My gut feeling is to ignore it as long as the car starts well (with no misfires afterward) and performs well.

I would use a catalytic fuel additive like redline to be sure you don't just have a minor injector/carbon problem.

We have found that delivery valve leaks internally in the pump will cause idle knocking. It doesn't seem to matter and the solution is fairly easy, but there is no way to know but to do it. Its probably not a DIYer job. The elements require a special socket to torque them (a retorque often solves the problem alone).

The car starts instantly, does not use oil, get 41MPG and runs like a champ, but I just though that since mine was a later model than my friends (more than 10 years), it should be quieter.

How long had your friends been running when you got in it and listened to it?

I find that my '85 300D (269K) does have more clatter when it first fires up but after it gets going and has been running awhile it quiets down considerably?




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FrankieZ
84 500SEL EURO 87K
85 300D 267K (and still goin' strong)

His car had been running for a 30 minutes or so. Mine does not quiet down after warming up. I have been told that my car is supposed to sound like this. I never thought it was too loud, until I listened to my friend's car today. His was very quiet.

arosen,

You're comparing apples to oranges, these are two completely different engine designs. Just enjoy it. This is like having your music volume turned up louder.

Have a great day,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 516K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles