So i think it is belts for sure, and here is what i was able to do this morning before i left for my commute.

I was hearing a faint squeal that was continuous, but very quiet. this was at regular idle. I could not make it squeal just like in the video by throttling, so this is was all i could go by. I sprayed some Belt squeal stuff on the AC compressor belt and it went away instantly. My AC does not work, and i might as well just cut the belt off, until i am ready to fix my AC properly.

However, when driving to work, it started to squeal again when i am applying throttle. All the belts are of unknown age, and I think i really just need to replace all of them (except the AC belt). It could be it is another belt that is making the video squeal and the AC belt was also slightly squealing.

thanks for all your help so far.

Dan

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Grey '91 350SDL 214k Dad's car
Beige '81 240D 4 Speed 254k SOLD
Blue '82 300D 225k SOLD
White '95 E300D 46k SOLD
Blue '87 190D 2.5 Turbo 315k SOLD
Brown '80 240D 4 Speed 716k SOLD
Beige '80 300D N/A 119k SOLD
Blue '85 300D Model 186k T-Boned

I do not miss V belts all that much as they periodically require re tensioning. This is completely normal and has always been this way. They do eventually wear out of course and rot as well.

Matter of opinion and experience when to change them out. All too often a new belt will initially stretch out and need tensioned again very early.

Another practice that is good when you change a belt. Put it in a plastic bag in the trunk. Makes a spare if you ever blow a belt when away from home. There is no certainty you can locate a usable belt somewhere other wise on a moments notice.

If you do change the twin belts try to get a matched pair.