'04 E500 problems

I am bringing in my new (4/2004) E500 for my first non scheduled service. I would be grateful for any feedback on the issues at hand. Am I nitpicking?

1) I am getting some groaning noise from the steering when the engine is cold (goes away after 2-3 minutes of driving). I suspect the steering pump or gearbox. In my previous Mercedes it would take 5-years for the steering system to start making noise. Also, on occasion when warm, I notice a very slight lack of smoothness (vibration) at low speeds near center. The lack of smoothness is in the motion and is not road feedback.

2) My air suspension is quite often making muted crunching noises, is this normal?

3) The lighting in the drivers footwell went out after one month.

4) I am going to have my car inspected in reference to the Sensotronic Brake recall. I know that the recall is for sudden loss of braking but did they come out with a software update to improve pedal modulation? BTW, Who at MB signed off on a system which subjects the owner to that constant noise the master cylinder makes when boosting brake pressure?

5) On hot Southern California days, my engine fan will run at an extremely high RPM for a few minutes after starting. It is so loud that people 20 feet away might have a hard time keeping a conversation going - unless of course they are discussing the merits of not owning a Mercedes.

6) My engine at times sounds a bit like a sewing machine at low RPM's in the city - other times it sounds great. My previous 3.2 V6 always sounded good.

I would be grateful for any advise.

Thanks,

Claude

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Claude
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