The Mercedes C-Class 3rd generation is the most recent in its C-Class series, built by German auto maker Mercedes-Benz. This series has been manufactured since 2007, expected to complete its production run in 2014. This will make way for the 4th generation Mercedes C-Class line, unveiled in February 2014.
Mercedes-Benz established this C-Class line in the mid 1990’s as a compact line of luxury cars marketed to a wide variety of needs and tastes. As an extension of this concept, Mercedes produced a wide variety of engine types from a standard four cylinder up to (most recently) the C63 AMG with its 6.2L V8 engine.
While many Mercedes C-Class owners have virtually no problems with their vehicles, there are a few Mercedes enthusiasts that unfortunately do. A frequent complaint from some Mercedes C-Class drivers concerns vehicle engine noise, specifically a high-pitched whining noise. This may be a sustained sound or it may cut in and out as the vehicles rpm's increase and decrease. Most often, the noise disappears after the engine has been running for a couple of minutes. This issue or any other unusual engine noise should be checked out by your local German auto import specialist.
A simple diagnostic check can be performed in less than a half an hour and will specify any problem codes that may be contained within your engine. Often, the whining noise many Mercedes owners speak of is caused by the air injection pump. If the car is started in the cold, this pump may emit sound until the engine becomes warm. This issue is mainly cosmetic and although annoying, is not usually a cause for major concern. Your Mercedes-Benz service mechanic can determine if this is the source of your whining noise, or if there is cause for further inspection.
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