C55 engine whine
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 503
Likes: 38
From: South Africa
2004 CLK55 AMG W209
After I did a tranny service I heard it. I was like, "oh no pls tell me everything is okay." So I googled it and people here on the forum and elsewhere mention its normal. The oil pump sounds like that cause of the design. Something to do with its pumping galleys or because it has two pick ups or something. They mention its the sound of the engine's heart being the oil pump.
Off topic but anyone while at it check if their harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley runs like its vibrating or looks normal or someone can post a video of it in motion for me please? Think I need to order a tool later to remove it and see if the wood ruff key if any still looks fine and so is the key way slot on the pulley or is mine bad.
Off topic but anyone while at it check if their harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley runs like its vibrating or looks normal or someone can post a video of it in motion for me please? Think I need to order a tool later to remove it and see if the wood ruff key if any still looks fine and so is the key way slot on the pulley or is mine bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,948
Likes: 3
From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
So I figured out where my whine was coming from, it turned out to be the water pump making noise. By spinning the pulley without the belt you can hear a slight wine. Once I replaced it, the engine was much quieter.
Another place it could be coming from is air injector pump at the front of the engine.
Another place it could be coming from is air injector pump at the front of the engine.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 359
Likes: 5
From: Kansas City,MO, USA
2015 E350 4 matis, 2003- 911 porsche
Guys There seems to be a lot of thoughts here,mine was the air pump it whined like an old goat when it was cold, so go through it like an engineer!
1. Air pumps have been an issue as per M Humaid said check air pump first by removing air lines and hoses and making sure it is not that.
2. Take belt of and check tensioner and then water pump, how do they feel rough or smooth.
Hopefully that gives you some ideas
1. Air pumps have been an issue as per M Humaid said check air pump first by removing air lines and hoses and making sure it is not that.
2. Take belt of and check tensioner and then water pump, how do they feel rough or smooth.
Hopefully that gives you some ideas
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
The c55 I got has a constant whine which makes the car sound like its supercharged.
Previous owner said its the steering pump filter thats inside the fluid container.
I plan to run the engine with no belt on to rule that and the idler pulley out. Its a bit annoying to be honest and Id want it fixed.
Previous owner said its the steering pump filter thats inside the fluid container.
I plan to run the engine with no belt on to rule that and the idler pulley out. Its a bit annoying to be honest and Id want it fixed.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: new zealand
C55 AMG
ilder pulley
The c55 I got has a constant whine which makes the car sound like its supercharged.
Previous owner said its the steering pump filter thats inside the fluid container.
I plan to run the engine with no belt on to rule that and the idler pulley out. Its a bit annoying to be honest and Id want it fixed.
Previous owner said its the steering pump filter thats inside the fluid container.
I plan to run the engine with no belt on to rule that and the idler pulley out. Its a bit annoying to be honest and Id want it fixed.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: new zealand
C55 AMG
whine
cold start the air pump whines
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 869
Likes: 175
2013 c63 Magnuson SCed
Cold starts always have the air pump whining. When the pump starts going out, the whining ramps up. Was told it's for cold-start emissions, which makes sense, and it would throw a code but not affect drivability when it did finally die. Mine's been whining a bit extra for over 2 years now. Maybe a full minute instead of the usual 30 seconds or so.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,566
Likes: 421
05 c55 silver, 98 Imperial Red C43
I had a constant loud whine on my c55 from the moment i start the car until I shut it off. It was dependant on the revs too.
just checked my idler pully and it was a bit loose. Replaced the pully and the whine went away completely.
10 minute job.
just checked my idler pully and it was a bit loose. Replaced the pully and the whine went away completely.
10 minute job.
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 113
Likes: 7
2005 C55 AMG
Just got my C55, and I have the same issue. Will try this and share what happens to me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I've given up on trying to figure it out and I agree it's none of the suspects you listed. I'm leaning towards the oil pump as some have suggested.
