bstuttman

I've got a 2007 CLK550 that emits a loud whining noise whenever I cold start with the A/C on. Once the engine warms up and the A/C slows up a bit the whining decreases. I've asked the dealer about it but they just shrug it off & say it's normal. It's difficult to demonstrate as whenever I'm at the dealer the engine is warmed up and doesn't exhibit the excessive noise. My previous car was a Lexus SC430 which was super quiet-you couldn't tell the engine was running. Not only that, the dealer wouldn't have the "*****" to say that a whining, noisy engine was normal. I'm bringing it in for service on Friday & would appreciate any advice as to what to have the dealer check out.
Burt Stuttmnan

lmfs

I have a 2008 550 clk and have the same problem. When I turn on the AC its almost as if a belt or something is rubbing as I can feel a slight vibration in the steering wheel. It is the same feeling you get when you crank a power steering wheel to far and you get that whine and vibration. It doesnt seem to affect performance but it is really annoying. Post what happens with the dealer.

BennyzGirl

i dont see this being an issue. I have had cold motors on several cars make squeling noises. I say its nothing to worry about.

BLKCLK550

i havea 09 clk550 and when i turn my condition on it sounds as if my car has a jet engine! but so far so good that really don't bother me, it's quite on the inside.

kiamcoj

Unfortunately, it is pretty normal. Its the same on my 03 CLK500, its loud as hell from the outside, but I don't hear it inside. It sucks, but you just learn to deal with it.

lmfs

I think you are missing the point - it is not an engine squeal that goes away after it warms up. Many cars have that issue and it can be easily fixed by adjusting a loose belt. This is a squeal and vibration when you turn on the ac. It does not sound or feel like a loose belt. This happens if the car is warm or cold and whether it has been driven 1 mile or 200 miles. It seems like it must have something to do with the operation of the ac compressor.

bstuttman

I had it in the dealer last week for an A service and when I described it he didn't know what I was talking about as car was warmed up & engine sounded fine. But when I picked it up in late afternoon, he was with me & engine was screaming. So called over tech and of course he said it was normal. I know it doesn't affect performance but it pisses me off as it shouldn't be - there's no reason that the car shouldn't be as quiet as its competition.