Rumbling Groan...

[GohKevin]

I've just got my hands on a lovely pre-owned B170 and driving around nicely.

 

Until... a groaning rumbling sound I hear from under the engine compartment.

 

It comes on initially when I shift to reverse. It sounds like a taxi's disel engine rattle. I thought its OK and its only when I reverse that I hear this.

 

Now when I'm idling at the traffic lights, I get this sound. 

 

Getting more pronounced and its getting on my nerves.

 

Can I ask anyone if this is some warning sign? Better yet... can anyone shed some light to what it is and what I'm to expect?

 

Am thinking of going to C&C on Monday.

 

Mileage: 92K

Age: 2008 car

 

Thanks everyone!

[Ah Bui]

Better send to C&C fast... You bought from Republic right??? Should have extended warranty..... If no... Then be prepared to pay.....

[GohKevin]

Thanks.... going cold turkey on driving tomorrow.... Monday going to C&C.

 

Going to put on a sad face and hope rates aren't gonna kill me.

 

Anyways... what do you think it is?...

[Ah Bui]

But car still under warranty? ??

[GohKevin]

Unfortunately or fortunately from a dealer... not republic though.

[GohKevin]

While waiting for appt, I got advice from a WS that it could be from a couple of reasons. 1. Tensioner issue. 2. Old transmission oil . Now just waiting for appt to get to the bottom of it. I also noticed that when aircon is set at 22• the sound disappears. Correlation between aircon and tensioner?

[jackjack]

i feel it is the tensioner belt or something like that. 

Did you ask your mechanic to check the aircon?

[GohKevin]

Yup... am going today.

 

Doing a bit of work then he said he wanted to look into the aircon and tensioner.

 

I'll report in after....

[thaiedwin]

u bought not long ago right?

[GohKevin]

Yup that's right. Can never be too careful.

Sent it in. Done the deed and happy to hear from mechanic that the engine was in excellent condition. Heng ah!

Turns out the sound was gone after doing all the lube job. I did a 90k maintenance.

[GohKevin]

So here's some pix of the basket of goodies that were in the 90k job.

 

 

The ATF oil plus all the other stuff.

 

 

 

[Desloh73]

Better to services the car after collect from the dealer, you wouldn't know if the car well taken care off.

My car the auto oil and filter was like coffee black, and the aircon compressor oil have to service and filled in the fluid to prolong the life.

[GohKevin]

Yah... thats what I did. 

 

Dealer even said that he'd serviced it before handing the car to me.

 

It certainly was kopi black.

[Mercwanabe]

Hi kevin, can advise how much you paid for your B170 and wat to look out for when buying from pre own shop? Am also thinking getting a pre 170 or 200T.

[GohKevin]

Still a newbie, considering that there are much more seniors here who'll give better advice. 

 

From the usual process flow of looking at engine, brakes, test drive and the cosmetics of the car, I've found little nuances like...

 

- Foldable mirrors: stock mirrors do not fold and can pose a nuisance when in tight spaces and motorcycle safety

- Rear cam with Comand unit: Good value if these are installed. i.e. chances are it includes GPS

 

These are just some of the things that produce better value.... however, they are few and far between.

 

From others I talked to, the Bclass is quite a stable workhorse. Although, they do need a little warming up after startup to drive smooth.

 

You'll notice that immediately when you test drive. Try with the air conditioner on cold start. 

[Mercwanabe]

Tks Kevin,

 

I test drove B200T but not B170 yet.

 

Hows the power of your ride? ANy issue fetcing 5 passengers? im drving civic with 140 Bhp, not sure abt B170, 119 Bhp.

[GohKevin]

Overall feeling is that it's underpowered for a full load.

I usually drive with one passenger and feels all right.

[GohKevin]

 With the help of the good people at Chip Soon... finally replaced the source of the irritating sound from down below....

 

The tensioner...

[Desloh73]

 With the help of the good people at Chip Soon... finally replaced the source of the irritating sound from down below....

 

The tensioner...

How much does it cost?

[Desloh73]

I drive a B200, with full load the power still there, but it a family car, so don't drive it with a sport car mentality. 

[GohKevin]

$360

[Merster]

Hi. Are you able to share what's the purpose of a belt tensioner?

[LoneLyBy2]

I drive a B200, with full load the power still there, but it a family car, so don't drive it with a sport car mentality. 

 

I also drive the new model B200 you can treat him like cruise car or you treat him like a sport car when you switch to sport mode, but I can tell you not safe due to suspension too soft.. I flat out until 5000 rpm, the feel like you are flying like that.. Brake wise I do a hard brake still work quite well, the brake apply more front then back.. B class car is not bad.. is like mini mpv.