7G-Tronic trans "Whine"?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 50
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From: Somewhere deep in Florida
2003 E500, 52k miles
7G-Tronic trans "Whine"?
My 2003 E500 has 59k, one owner, serviced regularly and in like-new condition. Specifically, and especially in first gear, I hear a constant "whine" that sounds similar to low power steering fluid (in a 1989 Camaro 
but it's not. It's not affected by turning the steering wheel. It raises and lowers according tp speed. Not really bad but I park in a parking garage everyday where every sound bounces off the walls Change fluid first; then prolly discover tired bearings on alternator, lol.
but it's not. It's not affected by turning the steering wheel. It raises and lowers according tp speed. Not really bad but I park in a parking garage everyday where every sound bounces off the walls Change fluid first; then prolly discover tired bearings on alternator, lol.
Last edited by Bounder; Feb 21, 2022 at 10:09 AM. Reason: word choice
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
w211 e350 e 250
the gear is going
that whine u hear
check the fluid level. if even slightly less the gear plates will produce this whining sound. when checking the fluid check for metal shavings in filter... if they r there your gear is on its way out. if not please change both fluid and gear oil filter. they could be at the end of their life and as a result not enough viscosity at high heat levles to keep the gear plates properly lubed hence the whine. also ask them tu check the circuit plate . measure the voltage on solenoids...is there a jerk while shifting
check the fluid level. if even slightly less the gear plates will produce this whining sound. when checking the fluid check for metal shavings in filter... if they r there your gear is on its way out. if not please change both fluid and gear oil filter. they could be at the end of their life and as a result not enough viscosity at high heat levles to keep the gear plates properly lubed hence the whine. also ask them tu check the circuit plate . measure the voltage on solenoids...is there a jerk while shifting
Member
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 192
Likes: 50
E350 4matic Wagon
Have you changed the idler pulleys?
My 2003 E500 has 59k, one owner, serviced regularly and in pristine condition. Specifically, and especially in first gear, I hear a constant "whine" that sounds similar to low power steering fluid (in a 1989 Camaro but it's not. It's not affected by turning the steering wheel. It raises and lowers according to speed of car.
I suspect it's the natural whine of the 7G-Tronic transmission...it's just the song that a German 7-speed automatic transmission sings? So far I've replaced both front air-struts and compressor; also done B Service and all 4 brake rotors/pads. If there was a problem, I would think the garage where I have work done would have noticed? Maybe I'm just overly sensitive - but the sound is definitely there - not choppy, very smooth whine that fluctuates according to speed. Thoughts?
but it's not. It's not affected by turning the steering wheel. It raises and lowers according to speed of car.I suspect it's the natural whine of the 7G-Tronic transmission...it's just the song that a German 7-speed automatic transmission sings? So far I've replaced both front air-struts and compressor; also done B Service and all 4 brake rotors/pads. If there was a problem, I would think the garage where I have work done would have noticed? Maybe I'm just overly sensitive - but the sound is definitely there - not choppy, very smooth whine that fluctuates according to speed. Thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,542
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1983 Nissan Shltbox
As others have mentioned, check fluid level first. Then get one of these and start poking around
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63691.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/mechan...ope-63691.html
