I just purchased my 2009 MCS with 41k on it from carmax about a week ago. I'm not sure if I was just blind to it before, or if it's new bUT I've been noticing an odd whirring, almost electrical sound coming from the car at idle and during acceleration. It's an odd noise that is a bit hard to describe but it seems to stop when the clutch is depressed ever so slightly, not enough to engage it but just enough to start feeling tension from the pedal. I'm not sure if this noise is normal and I'm just over thinking things though it doesn't sound particularly bad. I'm just curious.

 

Sounds like the beginning of a failing clutch throwout bearing.

 

Normally the release bearing starts to make noise when you step on the clutch but it's quiet or at least relatively quiet when the pedal is released. On the other hand, when the clutch is released in any gear or even in neutral, it engages the input shaft on the transmission so if you had a bad bearing in there you would hear it every time the clutch is released but the noise would go away if the clutch is pressed while the car is parked.

I don't know if that helps you at all but think about it and try engaging and disengaging the clutch while in neutral and listen to the change in sound.

 

Need a bit more information, but is it getting colder where you are? Clutches tend to make more noise when they're cold and normally will quiet down when warm (after driving).

How do the tires look?
Can you recreate the noise with the car stationary?
Does the clutch seem to hold power or does it slip at peak torque?

 

To answer some of your questions, I'm in Southern California so yes it has been getting colder in the mornings and nights but during the days it's been pretty much the same as usual. As for the tires, they look relatively new with little ware. As for the car being stationary, it is a bit more faint but yes it does do it at a stop in neutral. As for slipping, not that I can notice. Mechanically the car is operating fine.

 

If it is just a slight noise at the moment I wouldn't get too worried, if it becomes worse or the clutch starts to engage/disengage funny then I would highly recommend finding a qualified shop to take a look at it.

FWIW we charge about $2600 out the door for a clutch installed in your car, the dealer is going to be about double that, I would highly recommend finding a Euro specialist at that point.

 

You just bought a used "sporty" car with a clutch. It's probably shot. I bought my 09 with just 23K on the clock and the clutch was worn down to the rivets. Unfortunately, the flywheel was toast, too (cracks).

As others have said, finding a good indy is paramount.