I have recently bought an SLK200 automatice convertible 2003 model. There is a rattle in the engine when the revs are between 1300 and 1500 rpm. The Mercedes dealer said this is normal - are they correct? If not, what could it be?

 

it's not normal on my 230 or 320. do you know someone around town that has one? ask them to rev it up and see if it's normal. pumps, pulleys, loose brackets, etc can rattle. an automotive stethoscope can help pin point the noise. how many miles are on her?

 

Thanks for your reply. The car has nearly 100,000km and I bought it in early December last year. Unfortunately I live in a very small country town and am the only Mercedes convertible owner. The closest Mercedes dealer is 200km or 3 hours drive away. Thank you for letting me know the 230 and 320 do not experience the same noise. I will investigate further and when I have time I will go back to the dealer and get them to have a better look and listen.

 

does it matter if you're driving or setting still at 1,500 rpm? have someone rev while you listen with the hood up to get an idea of the general location of the noise. on the 230 there is a grommet on the automatic transmission shift linkage that can breakout and cause a rattle at about that rpm. I don't know if the 200 has the same issue. put your hand over the console with the shifter between your 2nd and 3rd fingers. if it's that, you should be able to feel it when it rattles.

 

I would change the timing chain ASAP.