E350 whining at low revs
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
E350 whining at low revs
Is it normal that the new 3.5 makes a whining sound at very low revs? Even when I'm driving at city speeds and the engine it turning about 1400 rpms I hear this. I find myself using touch shift to shift to an even higher gear when cruising so the revs will go down and the noise will stop. Anyone else notice this?
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
I occassionally hear a very faint whining when I first start it up at low revs but it is not consistent, severe nor has it impacted my performance so I never even had it looked at. If you do have it addressed, let me know what they do!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
we've had an '06 C230 loaner that made this sound too, I'm thinking it's normal,I just notice every little thing that sounds odd. I was just curious to see if anyone else noticed this. Our E350 is a 9/05 build so if it were something that all of the new V6's did that wasnt normal MB would have fixed it from the factory by now. When did E350 production begin, Jan/Feb of '05?
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 253
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From: DC Metro
W210 E55, W211 E3504M, E90 325i
Old thread resurrection...
My 07 E350 4M Sport is exhibiting this low rev (rpm dependent) whining. Sounds like a supercharger whine. The whining started about 2-3 weeks ago and its quite audible from the outside as well especially in a parking garage structure. To be honest, it makes the car sound a little unrefined/crude.
I don't think its A/C related, I rev'd with the A/C off and the whine is still there. Its definitely not speed related (ruling out diffs, brakes, tires etc).
I'm scheduling to bring the car in but any insights would be nice to note prior to my dealership visit.
Also, I've been noticing some sort of creaking sound (5 second duration) during startup (especially cold start-up) originating roughly from center console (right around the in-dash cd-changer vicinity). The creaking is there even when the COMAND is off. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
My 07 E350 4M Sport is exhibiting this low rev (rpm dependent) whining. Sounds like a supercharger whine. The whining started about 2-3 weeks ago and its quite audible from the outside as well especially in a parking garage structure. To be honest, it makes the car sound a little unrefined/crude.
I don't think its A/C related, I rev'd with the A/C off and the whine is still there. Its definitely not speed related (ruling out diffs, brakes, tires etc).
I'm scheduling to bring the car in but any insights would be nice to note prior to my dealership visit.
Also, I've been noticing some sort of creaking sound (5 second duration) during startup (especially cold start-up) originating roughly from center console (right around the in-dash cd-changer vicinity). The creaking is there even when the COMAND is off. Any ideas?
Thanks in advance.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
RPM dependent grinding, howling, whining or high pitch whistle noise have dealer check VMI to see if VIN is included in Service Campaign 2008070002 , V-belt upper guide pulley optimized for noise reduction is available. If not included, mention DTB S-B-13.22/01e to replace pulley.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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2005 E500
I have a 2005 E500, and it makes a definite whine sound at idle and above. I suspected the upper idler pulley bearing, because it was really sloppy. I replaced the idler, and that was not it. I just flushed the power steering fluid, and the fluid level in the reservoir is OK.
That leaves the air conditioning compressor. Mercedes issued a technical bulletin about the bearing on the compressor pulley causing a whining noise. That is the next item I will inspect, but the removal of this pulley is a double edged sword. The pulley alone costs $500.00, and a rebuilt compressor is about the same price. I have a machinist friend that will replace the bearing in the pulley if I am successful in removing it.
Here is the double edged sword part. If the pulley and shaft are rust seized, then the threaded end of the compressor main shaft will twist off.
That leaves the air conditioning compressor. Mercedes issued a technical bulletin about the bearing on the compressor pulley causing a whining noise. That is the next item I will inspect, but the removal of this pulley is a double edged sword. The pulley alone costs $500.00, and a rebuilt compressor is about the same price. I have a machinist friend that will replace the bearing in the pulley if I am successful in removing it.
Here is the double edged sword part. If the pulley and shaft are rust seized, then the threaded end of the compressor main shaft will twist off.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 253
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From: DC Metro
W210 E55, W211 E3504M, E90 325i
RPM dependent grinding, howling, whining or high pitch whistle noise have dealer check VMI to see if VIN is included in Service Campaign 2008070002 , V-belt upper guide pulley optimized for noise reduction is available. If not included, mention DTB S-B-13.22/01e to replace pulley.
Thank you!
I was kinda suspecting that (or the power steering pump).
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
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2005 E500
I hope that the upper V-belt guide pulley is the source of your whine, but it did not help mine one bit. That particular pulley is a very simple & cheap DIY if your vehicle is out of warranty.
KL2DC, let us know what repairs are made by your dealer.
KL2DC, let us know what repairs are made by your dealer.
Last edited by m4coyote; Sep 15, 2009 at 05:14 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 600
Likes: 2
From: Northern California
09' E350 AMG Sport, 09' C300, 03' Honda S2K
I believed this is normal. My C does it also when it is from a stop. For the most part, any chain driven engine make a faint whine noise and our engines are chain driven and not belt.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 50
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From: Jupiter, FL
2009 CLK550 Convertible, 2015 Infinite Q70
did KL2DC ever figure out what this was?
My E350 makes this noise too! I have it in the shop now getting a new transmission at 45,000 miles! I am highly disappointed with these cars these days. I was hoping it was the trans, but now, I am wondering if there is yet another problem. Got to find a new brand. they just don't build them the way the used to.
My E350 makes this noise too! I have it in the shop now getting a new transmission at 45,000 miles! I am highly disappointed with these cars these days. I was hoping it was the trans, but now, I am wondering if there is yet another problem. Got to find a new brand. they just don't build them the way the used to.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
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'03 E500 W211
I too had a low rpm sound 03' E500 80k miles. Took it to two shops. An Indy and dealer.
Indy wanted $1,200+ for A/C compressor (incl., clutch). Dealer said they could do just A/C clutch for $480. Indy refused to do just clutch (didn't want a come back situation).
Opted for dealer. out the door service ticker was $560
Indy wanted $1,200+ for A/C compressor (incl., clutch). Dealer said they could do just A/C clutch for $480. Indy refused to do just clutch (didn't want a come back situation).
Opted for dealer. out the door service ticker was $560
