ESP flickers, rattle at drivethrough

[NCC1701]

Have had my smart for less than two days. I noticed today, while crossing some rough railroad crossing the ESP warning lamp flickered a couple of times. Normal?
Also, going through a drivethrough window at a fast food joint, I heard an odd rattle sound coming from the rear of the car. Earlier I had opened the engine compartment cover. Maybe I didn't get it back on right?

[RVGRINGO]

When ours was new, the ESP often did that on speed bumps and other rough spots. Since then, it seems to have learned to accept them; or maybe we are driving more conservatively. You may have answered your own question on the rattle while idling at the drive through. Those hatch clips can be difficult to engage firmly. Otherwise, you may have to inspect (keep your hands in your pockets) visually and by ear with the hatch out and see if you can find something loose; or a bit of road trash stuck somewhere.

[Kermit]

It's normal. I had the same thing on my washboard dirt road. Read the owners manual and it'll mention the light comes on when not all the tires have the same grip. NO WORRIES! Your car is OK.

You may be right about the engine cover.

[Smartfor2guy]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Have had my smart for less than two days. I noticed today, while crossing some rough railroad crossing the ESP warning lamp flickered a couple of times. Normal?
Also, going through a drivethrough window at a fast food joint, I heard an odd rattle sound coming from the rear of the car. Earlier I had opened the engine compartment cover. Maybe I didn't get it back on right?

The rattle may be the fuel purge valve at idle, be sure and check the engine cover anyway. But this is a possibility, if so its normal

[theguywiththelongestname]

Originally Posted by NCC1701

Also, going through a drivethrough window at a fast food joint, I heard an odd rattle sound coming from the rear of the car. Earlier I had opened the engine compartment cover. Maybe I didn't get it back on right?

or...maybe the storage hatch cover in the tailgate?

[maxtraxduffy]

Put Polk 651 Speaker In Your Car And All The Rattles Will Be Gone!!!!

[Flashman]

The rear rattle could be the storage compartment in the rear hatch door. I've noticed that if you are not careful, at least on mine, sometimes when you slam the hatch door closed that will cause the storage area to unlatch. Then it will rattle. Happened 2-3 times to me. Now I have the hang of it, and doesn't happen any more.

The Mercedes ABS/Skid-Control computer is very sensitive. It flashes on all MB cars when you go over railroad tracks, try braking on gravel/sand/snow, etc. Just a reminder it's there and working.

[bull8042]

Originally Posted by maxtraxduffy

Put Polk 651 Speaker In Your Car And All The Rattles Will Be Gone!!!!

Those along with an amp and sub totally eliminated the road noise, stray rattles, the sound of my DTH exhaust, and even the wife's nagging.
Disclaimer: Careful using the sound system to eliminate the nagging noises. You are well within arm's reach at all times regardless of where you are inside the vehicle!