I have had my 02 c230 kompressor coupe for about 6 months now and I am starting to get a clunk in the front while going over bumps. I have jacked it up and checked everything and havent found anything loose. Just wondering if anyone else has had this problem and if so what it was. Also I have about 46kmi does Mercedes cover steering and suspension components on their warranty.
Thanks in advance,

Carl

 

Try checking it again but use ramps this time. When you jack it up you change the suspension geometry. Something that was loose may not be loose when the car is jacked up and the wheels are hanging. Use a rubber hammer and whack stuff until you hear the clunk. Also, visually check bushings for usual wear.

I don't know about the warranties.

 

My 2001 C240 had a similar problem (after a valet parked it for me - I don't valet anymore for that reason alone). It was "liquid-filled Bushings" that had to be replaced, under warranty in my case. I believe virtually everything is covered with the 50K warranty and, if you have the extended 100K warrent from MB, it's almost just as good. They just replaced fuel tank sensors for me for free under the excellent extended warranty, at 66K miles and just before it expired 5 years after the date of purchase. I hope this helps.

 

I'm with LUGNUT on this one.

Only time I had this on my C320 was the front anti roll bar, straps and bushes - I got a definate weighty clunk when breaking over a pot hole.
MB replace bushes and roll bar, problem solved, NOT in warranty tho (ouch!) [:@]

My MB dealer (UK) do the diagnosis for free if they think you will give them the work. Maybe worth a shot if you don't have ramps or tools.

Make sure you clean the car to give it a little bling, then put on a black suit, they will then look for free for sure (no joke).

Best of Luck, and keep us posted.

w203 C320 Elegance - 2001 - Brilliant Silver - Black Leather - CD - Premuim Alloy Wheels

[IMG]local://upfiles/8150/7FA357FE4B3C4DBBBCF75E895202A136.jpg[/IMG]

 

thanks for the help I will probably check it out this weekend

Carl

 

have the dealer check the thrust arm bushings, sway bar mounts, and sway bar links.

 

Yes thats what I said, anti roll bar, straps and bushes (as described by european manufacturers) = thrust arm bushings, sway bar mounts, and sway bar links (in USA)

Some People!!

 

Clunking Front End
If you have an early MB with a clunking front end, especially when applying the brakes, it could be the “caster” bushings. Sometimes these bushings go overlooked during inspection of the front end because they have a black rubber cover over them that look like the bushing itself. I can’t tell you how many times we have had cars in with this problem that other shops overlooked.

These bushings are on the opposite end of the rod that connects to the lower control arm, in the fore/aft direction, and end up behind the wheel well opening. You will see the threaded portion of the rod at the bushing. Just lift the rubber cover to inspect the bushings, if it’s cracked, torn, or in some cases nothing left, it needs replacement. Do both sides at the same time.

And you will need a quality alignment; I stress quality because after replacing these bushings your alignment will be so far off that it will take patience to set it back up properly.