efonz

...there is this whirring sound that sounds like an empty plastic water bottle pressed up against something that is rotating?
It really sounds like its coming from under the center console or shifter. Currently the car has 156k miles (2005 E500).
One thing I should mention is that I don't feel a vibration, its only noise.
I haven't figured out a pattern to it so I cant predict when the noise is heard but the following seems to be true:

Doesn't happen always so it comes and goes.
Subsides once the engine reaches normal operating temp.
Happens when the car is in motion (30-35mph)
Not present at a stop or in idle.
Happens shortly after starting the car for the first time.
Not speed dependent.

I have a guess as to what it could maybe be but would like to see what MBWorld thinks.

efonz

https://youtube.com/shorts/zooiweljlEo?feature=share

e350forme

are you talking about the washing machine sound that happens a few times?

efonz

dont know what or if your joking...check youtube link

rapidoxidation

Have you lifted the car and looked at the rotating components rotating? Maybe there's a plastic water bottle stuck in the drive shaft tunnel.

e350forme

could be flex disk too , you only have one driveshaft so that is good/easier to look