VANNER

I was fortunate enough to purchase a 2001 CLK 430 Coupe with just under 30k miles from my wife's cousin. Been stored every winter and with a new set of tire the car looks showroom new. My only problem has been shifting when cold (not air temp but cold transmission). It feels like the torque converter is locked up. Taking your foot off the gas for the first few miles results in the car slowing like you dropped anchor. I have cleaned the throttle body and slightly adjusted the throttle cable (took up a small amount of slack) with no change in driveability. Gas mileage on long drives is good in the 24-25 mpg range. Any thoughts on the issue would be appreciated.
Thanks

A1EK

I think you may find this is normal mate.
How are the gear changes when the engine is at operating temp? do they change normally once warm.

Mercedes auto typically 'hold' the gear changes when cold to raise the revs in order to get the the cats warmed as quickly as possible. My C Class, E Class and CLK have all done this, If like me you have tiptronic I like to change up the gears when cold to keep the revs lower just for comfort mainly.

etownbala

I would try changing the transmission fluid out. If the car has been sitting awhile it may be original and old. Doesn't hurt to do...it may improving cold weather shifting and is a normal maintenance item every 30,000 miles or so anyhow.

KRis

burgca

I would agree with changing the fluid first, I don't experience any issues with the cold transmission as you describe. Typical is the car will hold the lower gear as described, but getting off the gas shouldn't feel like an anchor has dropped.