Phil, Take a really good look at the front springs. The front springs seem to be a Mercedes issue on their vehicles and the Crossfire. My right front spring was broken about an inch or two from the bottom of the spring where it attaches to the lower A arm. The car rode fine with the broken spring. Remember, when it gets cold metal shrinks so you may be hearing the two spring pieces hitting each other. Just a guess but worth checking out. Hope this info helps.