Turbo Whine/Whistle

[stoneym]

I have just replaced my 1999 E240 with a 2003 E320cdi Estate 50,000 miles - the car has a loud engine whine that is really loud when the engine is cold and then usually (but not always) eases right off as it warms up.

Could this be dreaded turbo failure?

Forgive me if this has been covered but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[cookci]

when was the oil last changed?


Turbo failure sounds a bit more like a dentist drill imo

 

[BlackC55]

Are you sure it is the engine?

 

[stoneym]

when was the oil last changed?

Major service, which I assume involves oil change, at MB main dealer prior to me buying the car 4 weeks ago

 

[stoneym]

Are you sure it is the engine?

Starts at 1300 revs and is really quite loud until the car warms up - sounds a bit like a siren as you go through the gears - I spent all last week looking over my shoulder !

 

[tuikku]

.
Maybe air leaks ?
Check air hoses and cooler.
Sometimes it is very difficult to find the hole.
Oil-lawn around the fault, may help founding.
If air leaks, don’t accelerate hard, turbo lives difficult times now.

 

[panason1c]

Is the whine only present when the car is moving?....it could be coming from the transmission, a partially blocked tranny oil filter can cause a loud whine due to the tranny pump being starved of oil.

 

[stoneym]

.
Oil-lawn around the fault, may help founding.

Oil-lawn ??
Sorry what is this?

 

[tuikku]

Oil-lawn ??
Sorry what is this?

Maybe veil is better word.
I am not sure.
Thin sheet.
Sprayed oil.

There is oil going in air hoses all the time.
Turbo sucks it from breather valve.

 

[Bazzle]

He means if air pipe leaking you also get a noise. It can be seen sometimes by a "color" of oil there.

Bazzle

 

[tuikku]

.
Thanks

 

[stoneym]

Took it to my local dealer who has diagnosed turbo bearing failure so it needs a new turbo !! - only had it 3 weeks and I'm really gutted.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

You might want to consider having your existing unit reconditioned, or maybe exchange for a reconditioned unit. A new turbo (fitted) will be pricey from the main dealer.