HI, i have a 1998 ML320; my check engine light went on and i get a popcorn type sound near the engine or near the timing belt area... anyone know what it may be...if i dont drive the car for a day the noise seems to go away then if i drive for a bit the popping noise comes back... i have 81k miles on it.. any help appreciated. is it safe for me to drive it to my mechanic about 20 miles? should i take surface streets, not the the freeway; a mechanic told me without seeing it timing belt may come off and you would lose steering control so i got afraid to drive it the my mechanic... i know i shouldnt take freeway but what about local streets in case something bad happens i can just stop and pull over right? or should i just get it towed and not risk it. please note i had put automatic transmission fluid in my power steering tank a day before i did overflow it and put to much. DId this cause this or just a coincidence. thanks

 

I`m sure is not your timing belt(read some forum about timing belt)...Check your water pump...I have a 2001 ML320 with 88,000 on it and I just replaced my water pump...Take it to the MB. service center....