phackett

Does anyone have any experience of a slight engine bay squeal when pulling away and / or accelerating somewhat hard between gears. I have been told that it might be the supercharger clutch and this was a rare but known problem on the 03's.

Murtaza

Mine chirps on redline shifts, jerks a bit to. I like the jerk so I'm not sure I want to complain about it.

It can be fixed by the updated 07 clutch packs for the SC.

bob44

I have an 08 SL55 with just 3200 miles and recently I too hear a chirping noise at cold start-up. It goes away after 5-10 minutes of driving. I thought it was one of the belts and gave them all a spray of WD-40, but that did nothing to stop the problem. Could this be the same thing (s/c clutch)? Mine does go away when the engine is "warmed up", and I can hear the sound when accelerating normally, presumably without engaging the s/c. There is no sound at idle. Any ideas?

phackett

Thanks for the advice. Any idea how much the 07 SC clutch pack costs?

phackett

My first thought was that the detail shop had sprayed silicon over everything - including the belts, and that as a consequence, they were slipping. I am doubting this after a 1200 mile road trip from FL to OH and its still doing it. I'm leaning more towards the sc clutch explanation - especially as a MB tech told me that this was seen on some of the early models.

BUTCH A

Hey Bob44,

Your '08 SL55 should not be chirping during acceleration! That was a known issue on '03-'06 models caused by a slipping supercharger clutch. The chirp they are discussing occurs only during acceleration around 2000 rpm when the S/C engages, doesn't matter if engine is cold or hot!

A new S/C clutch pack design for '07-'08 cured that problem! My previous '05 had that annoying chirp every time the S/C engaged but now that I have an '07, no chirp!

Your engine's chirping problem is most definitely due to a loose belt which is evident by consistent chirping when idling after engine start but goes away when the engine warms up.

Do not spray WD-40 on your engine belts! That was a wrong move since it will cause your belt to slip and may even deteriorate the rubber via chemical attack! Friction between the belt and pulleys allow efficient transfer of rotation from the crankshaft pulley to the S/C! WD-40 creates a slippery surface that reduces friction.

Google or consult you MB service advisor about how to get that stuff off and get your belt tightened!

G_KATS

ive heard this sound b4 but it never botherd me ..... if it were doing it all the time .... ide then get it fixed. for now , its just a cool bird . sometimes it chirps nice

damian155

i have that chirp in my 03 , i hear it on take off when the gears switch. Never inquired to see the repair cost. Might move up a few years rather than put more cash in an 03.

sound 8

I have the same problem with my 55 on 02 plate.
I was told by the main dealer that they all do this to a greater or lesser
degree. They said it was supercharger belt slip, I get mine mainly pulling away.
They said there was no cure, but would not let me down.

Murtaza

I have heard it's pricey, around 2 grand.

sound 8

Hey Murtaza , what did you polish your car with, it looks great!!

Murtaza

Just how the photo came out, my car needs a detail badly