'03 C320 auto trans. behavior ?
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 337
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From: Dallas, TX
2017 AMG C63S Coupe
'03 C320 auto trans. behavior ?
When I first drove my new C320, I noticed the transmission shifts quite differently from most automatics I've driven. I assume this is to make the shifts from 1-2, 2-3, 3-4, etc. more smooth, but it almost seems to go into a state of neutral for a brief moment in between gears. This delay is so long that it sounds like someone's shifting a manual tranny (but very smoothly).
This is all fine and good, but when my car shifts from 3rd to 4th under moderate-to-heavy acceleration, the transmission sortof of "kicks-in" abruptly upon engaging the 4th gear. I hear the upper RPM range of 3rd, then the pause (state of neutral as described above), then it seems to stutter when hitting 4th. This stuttering sounds like engaging fourth, then backing off very briefly, thenly re-engaging. Almost as if I killed the throttle right when hitting fourth, then reapplied.
Does this make any sense? Has anyone experienced this kind of behavior? I'm trying to determine if this is normal or if I need to take it in for service. Note it does not do this with touch-shift, only the automatic "D" program in "S" mode.
This is all fine and good, but when my car shifts from 3rd to 4th under moderate-to-heavy acceleration, the transmission sortof of "kicks-in" abruptly upon engaging the 4th gear. I hear the upper RPM range of 3rd, then the pause (state of neutral as described above), then it seems to stutter when hitting 4th. This stuttering sounds like engaging fourth, then backing off very briefly, thenly re-engaging. Almost as if I killed the throttle right when hitting fourth, then reapplied.
Does this make any sense? Has anyone experienced this kind of behavior? I'm trying to determine if this is normal or if I need to take it in for service. Note it does not do this with touch-shift, only the automatic "D" program in "S" mode.
Last edited by jhillman; Jan 23, 2003 at 03:28 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I can't explain the "stutter", but the smooth "manual" engagement is because the computer backs off the throttle slightly, then shifts, just like you would in a manual.
On harder throtlle it shifts quicker because it figures that's what you want.
On harder throtlle it shifts quicker because it figures that's what you want.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Are you noticing this behavior only when the car is cold? I think it uses a different shift pattern to help warm up quicker. I have a 6-spd, so I may be all wrong :o. It doesn't sound like a normal situation if it happens all the time though. My suggestion is always to go back to the dealer and drive another car for comparison...
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From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
It will shift harder when it is cold, but you would notice this in all the gears. It doesn't sound horrible, but it does sound like you have some kind of a problem. I would take it to the dealer to get checked out.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Dallas, TX
2017 AMG C63S Coupe
Definitely have noticed harder shifting when cold, but the issue I described happens when the engine is hot. I have driven a loaner C320 (2003) and did not notice this condition.
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2010 C300 4matic
Originally posted by jhillman
Definitely have noticed harder shifting when cold, but the issue I described happens when the engine is hot. I have driven a loaner C320 (2003) and did not notice this condition.
Definitely have noticed harder shifting when cold, but the issue I described happens when the engine is hot. I have driven a loaner C320 (2003) and did not notice this condition.
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MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
I have noticed similar behavior on mine when it is cold and the fluid is sluggish. The first couple of shifts seem to come earlier. Then the 3rd shift seems what I would call double clutching if I had a manual which I don't. After it warms up everything seems fine.
