R129 SL500 Strange noise under acceleration

[edgersoldchap]

I have an R129 SL500 1996 model with 80,000 miles on the clock. When I start off from cold and get to around 2000 rpm I am hearing a strange turbine-like low pitched whistling noise which appears to be coming from the driver's side of the engine compartment. If I ease off it stops or if I accelerate harder, I appear to push through it and it goes away. Is it from a belt drive, an air intake, transmission whine - anyone got any ideas? It seems to happen more when the engine/transmission is cold

 

[Stratman]

Does it do it in neutral?

 

[edgersoldchap]

No, everything's normal in neutral even if I rev it up to 4000 rpm. Got a thought, Stratman?

 

[redbaron]

Take it up to Ian @ TMS Kirkham - he will sort it .

 

[Stratman]

Not really, but knowing that it doesn't do it in neutral may provide useful to someone who has.

 

[edgersoldchap]

Take it up to Ian @ TMS Kirkham - he will sort it .

Thanks, Paul. It's not causing me too much of a problem as I only use the car at weekends. Kirkham's a bit far for me as I'm in south Cheshire - I have my own local indi so when I get chance I'll call in. Don't have much time right now so I just wondered if anyone else had experienced the problem.

When I find out, I'll post the answer.

 

[BTB 500]

My car (only on 52k miles now) has always had that very faint whistle from the engine compartment when driving off with a cold engine. It's main dealer serviced and MOT'd every year and has never been commented on ... so doesn't bother me!