I hear a slight knocking noise from the enginge when the motor is cold, sounds like an old fishing boat. I can also feel the knocking vibration on the steeringwheel. The knocking sound goes away when the motor gets the temperatureup. I can on the other hand get this knocking sound if I have the 1st gear in and gentely release the clutch while the handbrake is pulled.

https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Troubleshooting-car-problems-from-noises
https://gobdp.com/blog/why-is-their-noise-when-turning-my-steering-wheel/
https://axleaddict.com/auto-repair/Steering-wheel-vibration-car-shakes
https://www.nsnews.com/news/hear-a-knock-smell-burning-rubber-feel-a-shake-1.911863
https://www.simple-car-answers.com/Car-Making-Noise.html
https://github.com/jbarnesspain/sota_sentiment/blob/master/datasets/SenTube/auto/train/pos.txt

Your hearing lifter noise common in most cars in cold weather I have a 2001 sc1 same engine as yours here's how to get rid of that ticking sound go buy a quart of Lucas synthetic motor treatment change your oil and leave it 1 quart low add the Lucas synthetic oil stabilizer within 1 week you will not hear the noise agian reason your hearing the noise is there's no oil at the top of the engine on a cold start oil when cold is thicker hints why your noise in your engine what Lucas does is eliminate the dry start by the way my engine has 288,000 and does not use a drop of oil after you use this product you should use it every oil change you will see your car will thank you regards Chris

think it could be the gearbox mounting ,best advice is to ask a local mechanic and see what they say after a drive .

Hello,

Sounds like your engine mounts need to be replaced. Thats a common issue on ML's hope that helps.

check your lug nuts. also check the axle shaft joints.

Check your motor mounts for breakage, and exhaust system for loose mounts.

Not much to go with here.

Firstly, check the oil level. Does the vehicle have a history of using oil? Low (or no) oil pressure can cause the bearings to make a heavy knocking sound

Secondly, does the noise only occur only while you are in motion? If there is no noise when sitting still, idling, then probably something in the drive train, other than the engine is the culprit. Now to go further with this thought...do you feel any vibration while driving and hearing the sound? If yes, check your wheel lugs to make sure they're not loose.

I don't like being so vague, but I'm not sure what you're experiencing

Possible. It's hard to give you an accurate cause, since I'm not able
to hear the sound. Most of the time, when you hear a slight wrapping
sound, it's a rod bearing,or crank bearing. When the rod bearing goes,
you'll know it,since it will knock like an SOB.

no KNOCKING sound is normal have oil pressure checked

Jack up the front end and put stands under it and block rear wheels. Look at axle boots and see if they are cracked. Try turning wheel back and forth sharply and see if you can hear any clicking. Problem could be outer axle joints. If the boots are cracked or you hear a clicking noise you will have to replace the axle. The axle and boot come as a complete unit. Please let me know what you find out.