My engine just started making a ticking noise. It was followed by the sound of clanging metal. What does this mean?

Usually a ticking noise is valves. If your car has a lot of miles, you may need to have the head(s) rebuilt.

did you check all of your fluids? Who did the oil change? I am concerned with the condition of the engine, and not having proper oil in it.. If I am right, than the engine may be ruined..

this is a 2002 Mercedes? a car that young and advanced shouldnt have any engine problems yet, it could have been something like bad gasoline

If it still runs great, and now doesnt make any noise. Dont worry about it. Maybe something caught in the fan of something down the road.

I had the same noise. On mine, it was the water pump going out. It sounded like the motor was ready to bite the dust. I changed it myself. They wanted to charge me almost $700.00 at a dealership. I think it was 14 bolts, remove the belt, replaced the pump and gasket, fluid. Took me about 5 hours to do. the noise is gone now. Happy trails.

my 2015 makes a loud obnoxious knock for the first ten minutes. It can be hear inside the house of my neighbors. Mercedes indicates this is a normal condition that causes no harm. I am disgusted.