diagnosis, please

[LOACESQ@aol.com]

Hi List,

Any guesses what might be causing a high pitched whirring noise seeming to
emanate from beneath the shifter (i.e. when the shifter boot is lifted, the
noise is  clearer and louder, though it never gets much louder than a fuel
pump, for example.).  The car is a manual '89 200q.

The noise only started recently.  It is sometimes present when the car is
first started and is idling.  Usually, though, the noise only appears when the
car is moving over approx 30 mph.   The noise does not vary with speed or
gear.  It's pretty much the same sound whether the car is moving at 30 or 60,
in 3d gear, neutral or 5th gear, only the sound disappears when the car slows
below approx 30 mph.  

I've tried to pinpoint the location of the sound, but it's difficult since the
car needs to be moving to reproduce the sound.  Ideally, I'd like to put a
mechanic's stethescope against the tranny, but the burn marks as I'm being
dragged along beneath the car at 30 mph would be too horrible.

BTW, the tranny oil level and condition are fine.

Once again, thanks for any ideas.

Adam