Comments: 1-15, 16-20
Squeaky noise from the Steering Rack when turning wheels.
The 2002 E320 model that I currently own is a second E class that I bought new within the last two years: Both had the same exact problem with their Steering Rack. At around mid 6000 miles, both cars started having loud squeaky noise when turning wheels. The flaw in the steering rack of the Mercedes-Benz E class in the last couple of years models is widespread, but somehow no one seems to be paying attention to this major design and manufacturing engineering flaw.
I totally disagree with whoever wrote this.
I own a Mercedes, and I tell you what, the car is very reliable, and if you know how to take proper care of it, it will pay off.
I own a 1990 Mercedes e300. I have only replaced the fuel pump, alternator, and exhaust system. That's all the problems I had with it.
The problem is that you have to know what those cars need. Especially the fluids need changing very often, and you need to know the car good in order to maintain it right. Mercedes Benz is a quality car and needs some quality care. I would personally recomend to use some synthetic fluids in your car, and change them often. Don't push it to the limit, it is not a sports car, it's Mercedes.
I bought mine in 1990 off the dealer and I TOOK QUALITY CARE of that car and it paid off.
Back to the problem, if the steering rack makes a noise, that means that there is a leak in the system somewhere, and it lacks oil, which is very unusual in a new Mercedes. This could be the dealer's fault. If you can go to the dealer, let him do his stuff.
For the best results, use Castrol synthetic oil for the engine, and every 3000 miles, change it. That oil works the best with Mercedes cars and had been used in Mercedes racing.
Change your transmission oil every year and power steering fluid. Get back to this website where you have written your story and read some comments on Mercedes cars.
I have just finished having the steering rack replaced for the second time in my 2001 E320 (first at 11k, second at 23k). The dealer indicated it was not a wear failure, but a seal failure causing the squealing sound/vibration heard and felt on low speed turns. Still, it is a little unnerving having this done for a second time in little over a year. Other than this, the car has performed well and gets remarkably good fuel economy for its size (21 mpg in mixed city driving).
E220 CDi
Running 5 of these as the last of the old shape 2002 model all of them have this fault with the power steering. In addition to this they all seem to go through ball joints and track rods at an alarming rate.
Having replaced 6 1998 E300TD models for 2002 new shape E220CDi's I am amazed at how poor the fuel consumption is mid 30's MPG on motorway driving when the 300's were doing 40 plus. Also why is a CD player an option.
Although all these cars are serviced by a Mercedes main dealer and on time (it's a condition of the lease contract) I am shocked at the amount of time they are off the road with problems. Mercedes used to be a quality product now all they are interested in is your money and not your custom.
A fleet user who gave his 2002 E270 CDi Elegance back and now has a new Audi A6.
I'm sorry to hear about the steering rack problem. I bought my 2002 E320 new and have had only a handful of minor problems and then only after 16K miles. First was an exhaust hanger, that broke. Fixed under warranty. Then I complained about my front brakes making strange noises... I believe around 16K, also. The recommended course of action was replace the pads or, for a more thorough resolution, replace the rotors and pads. I chose the latter, all at my expense. While failed rotors at only 16K miles is premature, I recognize that I drive only in heavy city traffic and, in fact, have had similar wear characteristics from previous BMWs and Porsche. Overall, the car has been nearly flawless and, ironically, quite boring. All previous BMWs have had problems from day one.
I come from a family of four generations working on or around Mercedes-Benz vehicles both here in the U.S. and in Germany. I know of the steering problem discussed in this forum. Mercedes-Benz has come out with a service bulletin to solve the steering rack problem. It is a common problem with 210 body E-Class vehicles. The steering boot has been updated by the factory and now the steering rack has an update as well. Your area dealer should know of this update. It is a lengthy procedure so make an appointment in advance with a loaner.
Based on reading all of your comments, my 1996 Mercedes-Benz C220 steering squeaks and it does not bother me. It has been squeaking since 2001 and I felt that it was unnecessary for me to take it the dealer and get ripped off. The steering squeaks when I back out of my driveway or in the parking lot. After that, it does not squeak while I am turning at the intersection. I will purchase a new Mercedes-Benz E - or S-Class sedan as soon as the C220 quits which I have a long way to go since my car only has 138,000 miles. You just have to be resourceful in finding and maintaining a good relationship with a private repair place that fixes Mercedes-Benz.
I just previously bought a 2004 Mercedes E500. It had no steering rack problems, handling problems, or squeaky noises of the sort. Also, before that Mercedes, I had a 2000 Mercedes e320 wagon. It performed, handled, and sounded like a sports car. No squeaky steering rack noises, or problems.
I just bought a 2001 Mercedes E320 couple of days ago and the car is in really good condition. I do hear minor squeaks coming out of the steering, but it is not major noise that will bother me. One of these days, I will stop by the dealer and get it checked. But overall I am really satisfied with this car.
Rizwan
http://www.techworldsolution.com.
I Just Purchase 2004 E320, this car has 69,000 miles. When I drive in the Highway at 65 miles my steering wheel vibrate a beat and then when it hits 70 miles it stops. Do I have a steering problem or a a tire problem? The tire seems are pretty new. Please help?
I have just purchased a E270cdi (2001 reg) with 83K miles on the clock, Previously owned by a diplomat company with f.s.h. After some 2000 miles since purchase I am having problems with the gears (by the way it is an Automatic with tip functions) problem was first encountered when on a journey. it appeared as if the gear had slipped into the neutral (revs went up, but no power). Since then I get the problem, it works from the cold for first 15 to 20 minuets as if everything is normal then the problem re-appears (i.e no transmission of power).
I have consulted two mechanics and I have been told the bad news that the gear box is in need of repair (sensor and the 3rd gear are in need of repair).I am finding it difficult to understand how the gear can pack up after just 85000 miles and why does it work from the cold? Has any one seen a similar problem?
My 2002 E320 has developed a rattle in the exhaust system. Have jacked it up twice and searched for the problem with no results. Using a mechanic's stethoscope I have isolated the rattle to be in the exhaust system but I think it is inside. I suspect it is the catalytic converter or a baffle disassembling inside. The rattle seems to go away at speed, but to be consistent at idle.
The cats are a common problem and are expensive to fix. Other problems I see regularly on the mercedes benz forums include rust, MAF sensors and trim problems. This is why I bought a BMW!
To the early responder: you cannot compare the build quality of a W124 300E to anything MB made after that series ended. You may as well post that response in relation to another make of car. My family has tried the S430, S500 and a 2000 E280. They are just not the same. All sorts of problems ocurred with them. Yes, under warranty - but what a pain! It should not happen. I still have my 1988 300E and will never sell it - the rest of the family switched to Japanese makes and happily so. It's a shame, but speak to any MB mechanic and he will (quietly) agree. Between W124 and until about 2 years ago MBs were disastrous.
I agree with the person who just purchased e270cdi.
Because I am having the same problem right now...
I tried revving the car, but I still do not get any power
and I tried stopping the car for a few minutes (took out the key and everything)
after that... everything went just fine...
We just purchased a 2001 E320 4matic wagon. The steering wheel seems to be not symmetrical, holding it with two hands and straight, the right side of the steering wheel seems to be closer. Is this normal?