BeanCounter

Has anyone had any experiences with the engine making a whining type noise? I am not sure where it it is coming from in the engine (i.e the alternator, air conditioner, or otherwise) but it is definitely engine related as it is louder at higher RPM's and barely noticeable on the highway when your cruising around 2000 RPM's or so. Any help would be appreciated. It might even be power steering related.

thebishman

Power steering pump would be my first choice.

Have you tried putting the vehicle on full lock and seeing if the 'whining' noise gets worse? Sometimes if the pump is defective and you do the above the whine will definitely increase in volume.

Bish

oknish

Jeff - any particular condition when you hear the noise besides the high rpm? Is the steering wheel turned all the way, like bish says? Is the air on or off?

BeanCounter

Nish--Definitely could be the air conditioner because I started noticing it about a month ago which was around the time I started using the AC full time. Regarding the power steering pump, I will try what Bish recommended. It does not seem to matter if the wheel is turned or straight. I notice the condition most when I am stopped at a light and upon acceleration is when it whines most..............

thebishman

Could be a 'simple' belt slipping from what you mention above, but definitely try the wheel fully turned left and right while stationary to see if the whine increases also.

Bish

StevethePilot

Jeff,

What's your 450's age/mileage? Just curious.

STP

oknish

Found this TSB, Jeff.

May 13, 2008 T-B-13.22/01c

Revision: Engine Cut-off Number Included
All Passenger and Light Truck Models
Equipped with Engine M272 Up to Engine Number 272xxx 30 476520
Equipped with Engine M273 Up to Engine Number 273xxx 30 085890
Noise Coming From Front of Engine

BeanCounter

STP--My GL was born in March, 2007. I have around 14,000 miles on it so far.

Nish--Thanks for the heads up on the TSB. I also noticed one on the same date that talks about the power steering pump making noise.

Since I have to get the hitch fixed anyway, I am going to have them look into this and also finally get my rear hatch closing problem fixed as well.

neodoc

Bean, if you stand outside or roll your window down when an ML or GL drives slowly by, you'll hear a whining noise coming from the engine. I had my dealer look at this noise for me when I became concerned like you that something was wrong. It turns out that if you really listen, they all whine. I think it's the 4Matic drivetrain. Having said that, if your vehicle's whine is excessively loud, it makes perfect sense for the dealer to have a look. You may also notice a hissing noise when moving at parking lot speeds and turning the steering wheel. It's a toned-down version of the hiss one hears at full lock. I had the dealer check that noise out too, and the verdict was "normal." My GL has 23,000 miles on the clock and is mostly driven by my father. Since I mostly drive the CL, whenever I get back into the GL, I hear all sorts of noises and little rattles like from the rear sunroof shade. I was once told to "just turn the radio on," but I find that impossible to do. I hope you find your answer soon.

rushesb

I've noticed the same thing on my GL450. With mine, the whinning goes away immed when I turn off the A/C. Try this out and see if you have the same result. I'm going to have my dealer take a look at this when I bring it in next.

oknish

Jeff - also found this one.

May 3, 2007 T-B-83.55/88

All Model 164 and 251, Equipped with M113, M272/273 Engine
Replacement of Refrigerant Compressor Belt Pulley Due to Noise Complaints

BeanCounter

Thanks for everyones help. I am going out of town next week but will get everything (trailer hitch, hatch, and this one) taken care of when I get back........

BeanCounter

After two days of looking at it, it turns out that my whinning is from the air conditioner compressor (which is what I told them I thought it was). However, since it is still "fully" operative MB would not give them authorization to replace it. Thanks guys........Makes me feel real good about buying a $70,000 car. At least the body shop they sent my GL to did a nice job on the trailer hitch weld recall.

On a different note, and with all due respect to C230 owners, I am real happy to have my GL back after using one of the dealership's loaner C230's. I'll leave it at that........

Stumblefoot

Sorry that they couldn't stop the whining. And, glad to hear your hitch recall went well.

Stay Cool!

oknish

That, Jeff, is standard first line of defense at the dealership these days. I would escalate and use other known defect as examples. For instance, people have complained of noise from seat. The seat was fully operative but MB did resolve the noise issue.

Stay cool, polite but firm and all the best.

BeanCounter

Thanks for the input and support guys. I let it go because I'm heading out of town soon and needed my car back not to mention the fact that I don't fit real well in a C230 nor did I like driving it. I'll probably take it back in September after I have worked up a little more bitterness from the noise. I am kind of confused as to why they wouldn't fix it since there is a TSB on this issue as well.

oknish

They're trying to "wish the problem away", Jeff, hoping that you will learn to live with it. Of course, that is just my opinion but, hey, it's free of charge