SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                   _________________________________________

                                   FORM 8-K
                                CURRENT REPORT


                    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
                        Securities Exchange Act of 1934


         Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) May 10, 1999


                             WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
          -----------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


          Delaware                        1-3932                  38-1490038
- ----------------------------         ----------------         ------------------
(State or other jurisdiction         (Commission File         (I.R.S. Employer
   of incorporation)                     Number)             Identification No.)


     2000 M63 North,  Benton Harbor, Michigan                    49022-2692
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     (Address of principal executive officers)                   (Zip Code)

                                (616)-923-5000
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              Registrant's telephone number, including area code

 
Item 5. Other Events
        ------------

        The registrant issued a press release May 10, 1999, stating that its
former subsidiary, Whirlpool Financial National Bank, now known as Transamerica
Bank, N.A., plans to challenge two verdicts totaling approximately $581 million
rendered last Friday, May 7, 1999 in a state court in Alabama. The consolidated
trial involved claims relating to the financing of approximately $2,000 in
connection with the purchase of home satellite dishes by the plaintiffs.

     The registrant believes, based on discussions with legal counsel, that it
will ultimately prevail in its challenge of the verdicts and that there will be
no material impact on operating results or the financial position of the
registrant as a result of this litigation.

Item 7. Financial Statements and Exhibits
        ---------------------------------

        Copy of press release dated May 10, 1999 regarding the registrant's
intention to challenge the $581 million Alabama verdict against Whirlpool
Financial National Bank.

 
                                   SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



                                 WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
                                 Registrant



Date: May 11, 1999            By:  /s/  Robert T. Kenagy
                                 ----------------------------------------
                                 Name:  Robert T. Kenagy
                                 Title: Associate General Counsel and Secretary