My 2000 ML 430 whines loudly on acceleration, even louder when I turn and now has started leaking coolant. I have to add over an inch every day. It has also started using oil. Do I have a problem with my water pump? power steering pump? hose? belts?

Any ideas would be appreciated.

From your description, it sounds like a water pump to me.

Since your adding coolant everyday, I would suggest not driving the car. It would be a shame to lose an engine if it ends up using so much coolant that it overheats.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Read this about oil consumption - you may be a part of a class-action lawsuit:

http://www.autosafety.org/article.php?scid=103&did=971

__________________
1984 300Sd 210k

Former cars:
1984 300D 445k (!!) (Strider) Original (and not rebuilt) engine and transmission. Currently running on V80 ( 80% vegetable oil, 20% petroleum products). Actually not, taking a WVO break.
1993 300d 2.5 275k. Current 120/day commuter
1981 300SD 188k (Hans) Killed by a deer

if your water pump seizes it may sound like a loud vacuum cleaner.
on my 240sx nissan the pump seized I continued drivng like that for a few days and the attached fan and clutch blew apart denting the hood.