I have a '99 355, 15k miles. I have noticed that the transmission makes a gentle whining noise (changing in pitch with each gearchange), more noticeable under acceleration. I actually like the noise, but don't know if it is a sign that something is amiss. I've only noticed it recently since I've been using it with the GTS roof on. Any other 355 owners noticed any transmission noise? Thanks Robert.
I was told by a technicial once that this "transaxle whine" is not uncommon on the 355, and not anything to worry about...Not sure of the veracity of said claim though....
Yes I think it is worth bearing in mind that they all make slightly different noises and those differences don't necessarily mean something is badly wrong. Get it checked out if you are worried of course.
FIRST THING FIRST -- CHECK YOUR OIL. Sorry to shout, but it really is a basic, and it's rarely done. You can diagnose a lot from the gear oil, check the smell consistency & colour. It should be clear honey colour, not too thick & not smell too pungent. I hate the smell of gear oil, but knackered gear oil has a pungent smell all of its own. If in doubt change it, the whine will probably quieten down afterwards. You need to be choosey about the oil you put in because of the LSD. You may also have a leak. For example, I found a cracked banjo union on my trans. oil cooler during my major service which has been leaking probably for years without being spotted. Pic for info.
Robert... Put the top back on and go for a drive; if you don't hear the noise anymore, then you know it was always there and you just never heard it...!
Robert, does that "whining noise" only occur at certain revs or is it present across the whole speed range? I head a whining noise at my MY 98 355 between roughly 3000 and 4000 (if I remember correctly). The dealer couldn't locate nor explain it, but as they couldn't find anything to be wrong, they said I should no longer care about it.
Thanks- I will check the gear oil. The car has recently come back from a cambelt + annual service at Maranellos, so I'd hope they'd pick up any probs. The tester did comment on the noise, but didn't say it was an issue. It happens at all rev ranges. It sounds good- like a quiet version of straight-cut racing gears!
