SLK/R172: Whistling Sound From The Roof at Higher Speeds
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: In Europe
W212 W221 and R172
Whistling Sound From The Roof at Higher Speeds
Hello,I have a 2011 Mercedes SLK200 (R172) with 140k km on the clock. The car runs perfectly and performs as it should. I occasionally take it on the Autobahn, and it’s great at high speeds. However, once I go over 120 km/h, I start hearing a whistling noise coming from the roof area.I usually do my own repairs, but I’m wondering how I can eliminate this whistling sound when cruising at high speeds. Is this a common issue with hardtop convertibles? Do I need to replace the entire rubber lining on the roof gaps, or is there a better fix?
Any advice or experience with this problem would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Any advice or experience with this problem would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
SLC 43 AMG
The whistling may be speed related. It could also be leaking air at all speeds without the whistle. At higher speeds there is a pressure difference between inside and outside air and this pressure difference may be causing the whistle. With someone sitting inside I would soak it with a garden hose and watch for water leaks. Focus on the seams, proceed slowly. Also lubricate all rubber seals, they may be dry. I would do it in that order, water first, find the leak, then focus on cleaning and lubricating the leaking area. As a final step lubricate all seals.
You may want to take it to a Mercedes Dealer and get "a quote". Once you understand what they would do you may be able to do it yourself. Keep in mind that replacing all of the seals by someone that is not very familiar with the process may make the leak(s) much worst.
I have zero experience with this, it is just what I would do. Good luck and let us know what you find. I have a 2017 AMG SLC 43 with 48 k km that I plan on keeping for awhile.
You may want to take it to a Mercedes Dealer and get "a quote". Once you understand what they would do you may be able to do it yourself. Keep in mind that replacing all of the seals by someone that is not very familiar with the process may make the leak(s) much worst.
I have zero experience with this, it is just what I would do. Good luck and let us know what you find. I have a 2017 AMG SLC 43 with 48 k km that I plan on keeping for awhile.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2025
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: In Europe
W212 W221 and R172
The whistling may be speed related. It could also be leaking air at all speeds without the whistle. At higher speeds there is a pressure difference between inside and outside air and this pressure difference may be causing the whistle. With someone sitting inside I would soak it with a garden hose and watch for water leaks. Focus on the seams, proceed slowly. Also lubricate all rubber seals, they may be dry. I would do it in that order, water first, find the leak, then focus on cleaning and lubricating the leaking area. As a final step lubricate all seals.
You may want to take it to a Mercedes Dealer and get "a quote". Once you understand what they would do you may be able to do it yourself. Keep in mind that replacing all of the seals by someone that is not very familiar with the process may make the leak(s) much worst.
I have zero experience with this, it is just what I would do. Good luck and let us know what you find. I have a 2017 AMG SLC 43 with 48 k km that I plan on keeping for awhile.
You may want to take it to a Mercedes Dealer and get "a quote". Once you understand what they would do you may be able to do it yourself. Keep in mind that replacing all of the seals by someone that is not very familiar with the process may make the leak(s) much worst.
I have zero experience with this, it is just what I would do. Good luck and let us know what you find. I have a 2017 AMG SLC 43 with 48 k km that I plan on keeping for awhile.
Since the seals are still original, I’ll just have my qualified mechanic replace the whole set. It seems like the most straightforward solution rather than chasing small adjustments. Hopefully, that will eliminate the whistling noise entirely.
Appreciate for the help
