Has anyone else noticed that the '03 CLS 6sp valve train noise is a bit loader and/or noticeable than the CLS auto? The reason I ask is I had an '01 CLS that didn't seem quite as loud.

When I'm next to a curb or wall on the driver's side, I can hear the valves and/or valve train in a way that seems excessively load, kind of a ticking/tapping noise. I also can hear the same noise when rolling to a stop, although not quite as pronounced. Do you think this is normal?

 

i hear this as well.....and yea a bit more pronounced on the MT than the AT.

 

I noticed it before, but after doing a few low to high rev runs where I hit the rev limiter several times, it seemed to become a little loader. But I think it may have just been the fact that I was feeling a little concern and/or paranoid about hitting the rev limiter. Kinda like the F1 drivers who start imagining engine noises that are there the closer the get to the finish of a race.

I'm due to bring the car in for maintenance, so I'll register this issue to make sure.

 

Honda's are notorious for this... although its more pronounced before the engine is at normal operating temp. However... it shouldn't be too loud.

I tightened my valve-lash a bit... less noisy but increased wear on the camshaft - might give 1-2hp too.

 

I've noticed this for a long time. It does it mostly when re-starting. Hot or cold makes no difference. It sounds typical of solid lifters with a lot of play in the valve train. It's likely deliberate to allow for heat expansion but it still does it hot.

BTW, I hardly ever take it to the rev limiter.