Bumping Sound from Under Driver Feet?

2014 MERCEDES BENZ S550
78,880 MILES • V8 • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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CHARLESTUCK
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There is a pair of soft bumping sounds coming from under the driver foot area. The soft noises come in pairs, evenly spaced, on level highway, at various speeds. It is not constant and I don't feel it through the steering wheel. It doesn't happen constantly.
Mar 12, 2026 at 10:02 PM
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STRAILER
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Does the noise happen more as you accelerate? I have seen the engine mounts go out in these cars and allow the exhaust to contact the underside of the car to make a bumping noise that is rhythmic. It could be a loose underbody panel or splash shield so I would look under the car to see if anything is hanging down. There is a center support of the driveshaft that can go out and cause this kind of noise it would be at the transmission tunnel. All of these inspection will require the car to be on a lift. Once lest thing is the muffler system hangers might be broken allowing the exhaust system to move around excessively. Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can see what's going on. Ken
Mar 13, 2026 at 10:31 AM
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CHARLESTUCK
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This has happened while traveling on the interstate at 65-70 mph. The car has been checked out by Henrick's Mercedes Benz of Durham, NC and two of the best private Mercedes Benz service centers in the area. The car was placed on lifts and test driven. The front wheels were removed by one of the private shops. This does not happen on acceleration. This is not a very loud sound, rather is low. There is nothing hanging out of the ordinary.

Thank you.
May 4, 2026 at 12:44 PM
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STRAILER
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I'm have seen the struts cause this noise and it is not obvious by visual inspection. Here is a guide that may help as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise/

Please upload a short video in your response of the problem, so I can hear what's going on if you can.
May 4, 2026 at 2:45 PM