Just got a "new" C43 but there might be a few issues (bearings and temperature)...

[DieselHead]

Hi all,
I just flew down to Miami to pick up a 1999 C43 (with 40K miles) and while it has been great for the most part, there are two issues that I'm a little concerned about; hopefully you guys can help me out. I drove from Miami to New York and while driving at fast speeds (people down there cruise at 80 to 90 MPH), the car was great. It had great pick up, didn't make any strange noises, was absolutely rattle free and quiet, and got pretty good fuel economy (25 MPG). BUT, at slow speeds, at 25 MPH and slower, there was this really odd groaning/rumbling/low pitched whining. It changed pitch with speed (lower at 10 MPH, higher at 20 MPH) but there was no changes while turning, and it got a little more pronounced when braking. It's not a horrible, painful sound, but it's noticable and definitely doesn't sound normal.

The tires are standard size Michelin Pilot Sports while a little less than 40% of the tread left. I have read that these tires get loud when worn, could my problem be tire noise? It's a little weird that the noise is only there at slow speeds.

My other hypothesis is that it's the front bearings, although it doesn't get more pronounced while turning in one particular direction, and also, the car only has 40K miles on it and it seems like bearings should last longer than that.

What do you all think?

The other issue is that while driving, the temperature gauge is at, or just above 80 degrees, but when stop-and-go driving, or right after coming off the freeway at a stop light, the temp. gauge creeps up to 85 or so degrees. Is this normal? I would think that the temperature should stay steady no matter what the situation (within reason of course).

Thanks for the input, so far I'm pretty pleased with the purchase.

Alex