Listen to this noise. C43 and other W202's - what exactly is that whirring?
 

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the board here and really like the depth of discussion I see.

I am a proud new owner of a '99 C43. This car and another W202 we owned (a '96 C280 Sport) have both had a whirring noise coming from the engine after startup. The noise would increase in frequency with engine revs, but I cannot detect it during driving.

In fact, every W202 I've driven (multiple C43's, C36's, C280's, etc.) have this noise.

What is it?

Thanks!

John

This is common...It is the cold oil rushing through the oil pump. I have read about it in the MB bulletins, but they say it is normal. The noise goes away when warm.

Thanks Benzmac. Here is a WAV file with the sound:

Whirring noise on C43 engine starting

You'll notice that it's much louder at the beginning than at the end (30 seconds later).

Belts? It sounds too mechanical to be oil.

Thanks!

sounds like the sound I hear from a hydraulic pump on farm equipment - could be the oil under pressure