New ML 350 Roadnoise

[Losper]

I intend to trade my E-320 for a 2006 ML 350. On a testdrive I experience excessive roadnoise and a irritating drumming acoustical sound in the cabin.
My old E 320 had less noise? Is it true or am I dreaming? Please comment.

[wwhopper]

Sounds like you should try out another ML.

That one may have had tires that were not right, or, I once test drove an Oddessy Minivan, that they had put the roof rack rails on backwards, and it was real noisy. I stated it, and of course the salesman, said nothing was wrong, but later he did think it was noisy and when we got back a tech said the rails were backwards.

I have driven the new ML, and I do not remember any noise. Wind noise was an issue with the first generation, but the new design was suppose to get rid of that.

Try out a different model, one with different outside decor on it, and see if the noises go away on that test drive.

[Walrath]

Another thought is to be sure the rear windows are up all the way. If they are down a little they can cause a "drumming" sensation.

Jim W.

[ktook]

I have a 350 ML, and bought it new with Dunlop tires. After about 5000 miles I told the dealer that the tires where extremely noisy, so bad that the passenger could not hear me. They agreed to change the tires. I asked them to replace them with Michelin, but they did not have them or they did not want to install Michelins. So, I took what they had. These lasted about 10k miles before the same problem occurred. I do not remember the brand. The dealer would not handle this. I really did like the vehicle. So, at about 20k miles I purchased new Michelins Diamaris tires. Now with 48k miles, fantastic performance and no significant noise. Now my passenger (my wife) and I can chat without yelling. Also, I can hear sirens, etc.. Have fun..

[lkchris]

Yes, I'd avoid Dunlops on principle.

Dunlop is Goodyear's "B" brand (just as is BFGoodrich vis a vis Michelin) and Goodyears are usually noisy enough.

Had a friend with Dunlop Radial Rovers--which if you search will often be lowest price in a size category--and they weren't round.

[Conrad]

We run Michelin Cross Terrains on my wife's ML 350. Good handling and wear experience with low road noise. Through the years we have run nothing but Michelins - you get what you pay for here.