Thought I had this fixed (twice). When I bought the car from the PO, it had some low RPM squalling that would build until the revs got up, and then it would disappear. My indy replaced all the belts and the crank pulley. We were good to go for about a week, and then it started up again.

My driveway test revealed that I had to put a load on the electrical system to get it to squeal. Headlights and heater fan added at idle, step on the accelerator, and here’s the squall/squeal. My indy, being the guy that he is, decided to give it a new belt and alternator and an alt. bracket he said he had “out in the yard.” $175 for the alt. (Bosch) $12 for the belt (Conti), plus tax, brought it up to $200. He charged me NO LABOR! Said he should have caught it on the first go round.

One week later the squall/squeal is back. Noticed it driving home from work last night. I have to turn on at least the lights to get it to yell. Light and heater fan will get it going in the driveway. It gets louder/faster as I accelerate away from a stop, then cuts off once the RPM’s get high enough. It will follow all the way up through the gears and may keep going while cruising, but it’s hard to hear for this old guy in this old car. What’s up with that? I checked the belt, and if anything I think it is loose.

Please tell me it’s not the water pump. Operating temp. is normal, at about 85 to 90 C. 20 miles work to home, 50/50 hwy/city. Car is running great otherwise. 25 MPG mixed, good shifting, and powerful 240D acceleration No issue in the daytime, unless I turn on the lights.

I searched and learned some, but I wanted to ask the question specifically. Thanks in advance for your comments and ideas.

Clay

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2002 E320 Sedan 93K Designo Mocha Black Metallic!
1995 E320 Wagon 205K Black Wagon
1982 240D 183K SloPoke

I believe each of these cars are the final production year for that model.