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Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Why is My Interior Rattling?

It's not uncommon to hear some squeaks and rattles in an older car. However, some Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners are reporting rattling in much newer vehicles. This guide will give you an idea of why your car's interior is rattling.

By Kate Halse - May 12, 2015
Contributors: albert101

This article applies to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007-2014).

There are many reasons why your car's interior might be rattling. Some Mercedes-Benz C-Class owners report rattles from the seat belts or car seats, while others note that the sound could be coming from a center console or arm rest. A trip to the dealership could be quite costly, and should be used as a last resort. Take a look at these common sources of rattles to get a better idea of where you should start looking in your car.

Materials Needed

  • Super glue
  • Felt or foam

Step 1 – Check the instrument cluster

A rattling noise from the instrument cluster could be caused by a screw that holds together the two plastic pieces of the instrument cluster. Over time, the screw will loosen up because of a design flaw. To fix the noise, remove the cluster, pull apart the two housing pieces held together by the screw, and super glue them together.

Figure 1. C-Class instrument cluster.

If the rattle persists, it's time to move on to Step 2.

Step 2 – Check the gear shifter trim

If the rattling noise is coming from the center console where the gear shift is, you'll need to secure the clips that hold the trim in place. These clips can come loose and move around over time. To fix the issue, super glue the clips, and then put felt around the corners of the trim. Be sure that it's nice and snug before re-installing the trim in the center console.

Figure 2. Check the trim around the gear shifter.

If the rattle still persists, it's time for Step 3.

(Related Article: How to Remove Center Console - MBWorld.org)

Step 3 – Check the trim around the A/C controls

You can solve this rattling sound by removing the trim, and putting felt around the corners of the trim. It should be as tight as possible.

Figure 3. Check A/C control trim.

If the car is still rattling and you haven't decided to push it off a cliff yet, then move on to Step 4.

Step 4 – Check the interior door trim

A design flaw means that the screws Mercedes uses won't properly secure the interior door trim. To fix this issue, remove the door trim, take out the side panel, and then insert felt between the door panel as well as trim. Re-tighten the screws that hold the trim together.

Figure 4. Tighten the door trim screws.

Rethinking the whole "push the car off a cliff" thing yet? If not, it's time to move on to Step 5.

(Related Article: How to Remove Door Trim Panel - MBWorld.org)

Step 5 – Check the center speaker

If you hear rattling from the center speaker, remove the center speaker and use felt to push up against the speaker. This should secure any looseness.

Figure 5. Secure the center speaker.

If your vehicle is still rattling at this point, and you are certain that you have everything in the interior as nailed down as it is going to be, then you may want to consider the following:

  • Is the rattle louder on the outside of the car than the inside?
  • Should you call your local independent Mercedes repair shop, and let them handle it?
  • Where is the nearest cliff?

Alternatively, you could check the forums for more information. Surely, your C-Class cannot be the only one with this infuriating issue.

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