Correct, jfoj. You have to pull the fuse, the amp is always on...at least if you have a CCC unit. I pulled the fuse to the amp and the noise is still there, I even covered the speakers with towels to double check, but thanks for the suggestion. I haven't pulled the belt off yet and ran it, I will try that this weekend. The whine is more noticeable toward the middle rear of the engine making more pronounced in the cabin area but you cant really hear it if you open the hood. I may have to do the long screwdriver test. One more thing to maybe offer some clues: When I first start the car I don't hear any whine then about 10 seconds later the whine starts. I want to think vacuum related but there E70 has very few vacuum areas that can go wrong besides the CCV, which I replaced both about 1000 miles ago. P.S. The alternator tensioner makes no sounds either. Since I will be taking the belt off anyways (3rd time down there) I will be replacing it with a new one, just to see what happens.

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2003 X5 4.4 (sold)
1980 320I (sold)
1996 Z3