loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

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mikemike39
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2008 G320CDI

I've recently been getting a loud booming noise which comes on at a certain speed - depends on the wind speed also.    It cuts in quite suddently at about 65mph.   I don't think it's the rubber seals around the windscreen, the windscreen was replaced a few monrths ago as it had a big stone crack, the booming was happening before and after that.  I think it's from the frame around the windscreen.   Is this something others have had and what did you do to solve it.   It's loud enough to act as a complete deterrent against going faster!!

Mike

tonyhayhighland
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Could it be something slapping of the bulkhead under the bonnet?

Theo
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

might be the plastic cover of the air inlets (before the windscreen); they don't age well and then rise in the middle making an unpleasant noise at speed.

Jdring
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

In a 463 I occasionally get more of a whistle or throbbing from the top of the windscreen which I think is the rain gutter.  Seems to depend on the wind direction.

The only boom comes from opening a rear window slightly and not having another open.... like if the folk in the rear open it I have to balance out the booming by opening another.  Luckily I have electric.

Are you sure the booming is the right description, or maybe its something from the drive-train causing a resonation of the windscreen, as a flat panel at certain speeds.

 

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Let's say if there's no wind it cuts in suddenly at 70mph - it's quite severe and seem to be from above the windscreen area, offside front

If there's a strong headwind it cuts in suddenly somewhere 50-60mph

If there's a strong tailwind it may not cut in at all below 80mph

I'm going to try some masking tape and see if I narrow it down that way

This only started last winter and I've owned it from new, 14 years now

I know what you mean about the boom from a single window being open, I don't think it's that

Cheers, Mike

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

 

"might be the plastic cover of the air inlets (before the windscreen); they don't age well and then rise in the middle making an unpleasant noise at speed."

 

I will check this thanks

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

 

"Could it be something slapping of the bulkhead under the bonnet?"

 

I will check this thanks

gav.helme
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Has it got a Sunroof?

gav.helme
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

If it has, maybe not quite closing flush? 

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

 

 

No sunroof Gav.    I had one in a Porsche a long time ago which used to whistle at 110mph and open with a loud bang at 115-120mph - was really annoying!!

I this is from the "frame" around the windscreen - not the rubber seal but the frame a couple of inches out.   I need to duct tape it and remove bit by bit to see where it's from. I think?

Cheers, Mike

tonyhayhighland
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Does the sound go of you open a window?

Theo
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Hi Mike, did you have any luck locating the source of the sound?

Jdring
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

I get it on my G350 at 80-85mph, which is motorway cruising, so annoying. 

Opening window, sunroof makes no difference.

The noise is like there is a short piece of tape stuck on the roof or rain gutter and is flapping/buzzing.  Definitely an air flow thing.  Oddly, it comes and goes and some days is not there... maybe the prevailing wind direction affects it (at speed?).

I'm going to tape over sections of the drivers side rain gutter one day, when I remember, and try to isolate the location of it.

markhowes
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

Could it be anything to do with the air intake on the passenger side wing?

I get a noticeable change in sound when I get to about 90mph - but I like it so try to do that as often as possiblecheeky

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

I have not located it yet.  To be fair I haven't really focused on it.   But I will..

It definitely is a function of the wind speed - if I'm driving into the wind it happens at lower ground speed etc

My G is LHD and it sound like it's coming from the offside, above the screen 

It isn't to do with opening or closing windows

Jdring
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

mikemike39 wrote:

My G is LHD and it sound like it's coming from the offside, above the screen 

lol. That could be anywhere!  But assuming you mean you have LHD but drive on the left (e.g. UK), then offside is above the passenger seat at the front.   Thats the same place I hear it in mine (RHD, above driver side window)

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

 

Yes that's exactly right.    I feel it's above where the driver would sit in a standard right hand drive car....

Mine is LHD because that's all they made at the time, I actually preferred the idea of it - ordered for the UK ie UK speedo and fog light position - flew to Austria and drove it back.   A few issues with the DVLA but MB Homologation helped me navigate

Cheers Mike

PS I guess some experiments on a suitable day with masking tape over certain joins might reveal the cause.   It is annoying at motorway speeds, well actually you have to slow down as it is so loud

 

mikemike39
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

 

 

Exactly the same thing - comes on suddenly and can't be ignored!

Mine is G320CDI 2008

I will post any masking tape experiments together with anything learned

Theo
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Re: loud noise from around windscreen area at speed

It might be an idea to ask a Mercedes dealership whether Mercedes has issued instructions how the issue can be resolved. In an internet forum a similar issue was discussed for the E-Class which occurred at speeds between 60 - 85 mph. The cause was a gap at the front of the car between the chrome surround and grill.