reprogrammed gearbox, solved the lag issue
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 2
From: Toronto
2008 C300 Sport 4matic
I got my car back from a Service A and the dealership installed the new transmission software (used on 2009 models) to solve the lag/hesitation issue for free.
There is a good improvement in acceleration. No noticable lag, and smoother and faster feeling accerlation. I am very happy that the new software has been installed and feel that all 2008 W204 with ATs should have this update done.
There is a good improvement in acceleration. No noticable lag, and smoother and faster feeling accerlation. I am very happy that the new software has been installed and feel that all 2008 W204 with ATs should have this update done.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
I got my car back from a Service A and the dealership installed the new transmission software (used on 2009 models) to solve the lag/hesitation issue for free.
There is a good improvement in acceleration. No noticable lag, and smoother and faster feeling accerlation. I am very happy that the new software has been installed and feel that all 2008 W204 with ATs should have this update done.
There is a good improvement in acceleration. No noticable lag, and smoother and faster feeling accerlation. I am very happy that the new software has been installed and feel that all 2008 W204 with ATs should have this update done.
(Or anyone else who has done this update, "djf1" can you please scan yours?)
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 224
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1999 210 4matic / 2011 W204 C300 sport
So I drop off the car to the dealer for its first service. I note that the box sometimes shifts rough and to check it out. They gave me a B class loaner to drive, so I drive to work, that little thing seems to have a much faster throttle response than my C. Since I bought the car it had this annoying lag, almost like a turbo lag especially during kick down. I have read on the board that other had noticed it and started using the gearbox in manual mode which made things better. At any rate I call the service adviser and I tell her about the comparison and the lag issue. She said they will check it.
I come by to pick up my car at the end of the day and she tells me that they flushed the gearbox and reprogrammed it with a newer version from Mercedes. Driving the car home, was like driving a new car! The lag is GONE and it responds so much better! Could not be happier! So, if you guys experience the same issue, ask your dealer to reprogram your gearbox with the new version...
I come by to pick up my car at the end of the day and she tells me that they flushed the gearbox and reprogrammed it with a newer version from Mercedes. Driving the car home, was like driving a new car! The lag is GONE and it responds so much better! Could not be happier! So, if you guys experience the same issue, ask your dealer to reprogram your gearbox with the new version...
i do want to see the work order receipt for proof.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
from the orginal post , i this the guy had it done in richmond retail . i had called them and the service advisor said she dont recall anything like that .and there is no transmission control unit update from MB as of today,
i do want to see the work order receipt for proof.
i do want to see the work order receipt for proof.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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2008 C300 Sport P1/AMG
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Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 402
Likes: 3
From: Jet City, USA
'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
Went to my dealer yesterday and told them about the update for the gearbox and they were scratching there heads in confusion. They took it back and looked at it and i guess there is an update but not for the tranny. Theres an update for the engine. They updated it and its all good now.. So just take it in and tell them there's an update for the engine and to hook it up to the das and update it..
This is exactly what I asked the dealer to do on my recent Service A. After hooking up the car to the DAS, they confirmed that there is an engine software update but not a transmission software update for my '08. They were kind enough to flash the update as well as re-flash the tranny software to see if the lag would go away. To my amazement, I think it worked! Although there still is a noticeable lag (~0.5sec) on kickdown, it's a lot better than before (~1 to 1.5 sec). I'll see in the coming weeks if this holds up.
For all those wondering, I tested out the lag before and after update with the default throttle control values (i.e I did a throttle control reset). And for those still pining for a scanned work order, you don't need one to bring in as proof. If your dealer won't hook up the car to the DAS, then they lose your business.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 85
From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
you know, i have a 2009 and while im not getting a hesitation from kickdown (i havent floored it yet, waiting past 1000 miles), there is noticable hesitation in the transmission.
its very reluctant to shift up after i release the gas pedal. i mean its basically holding the gear and doing engine braking. this is really noticeable because i the mph really drop more quickly then they should.
any ideas? im driving in comfort mode.
its very reluctant to shift up after i release the gas pedal. i mean its basically holding the gear and doing engine braking. this is really noticeable because i the mph really drop more quickly then they should.
any ideas? im driving in comfort mode.
Last edited by joshg1001; Oct 30, 2008 at 06:31 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Trans
you know, i have a 2009 and while im not getting a hesitation from kickdown (i havent floored it yet, waiting past 1000 miles), there is noticable hesitation in the transmission.
its very reluctant to shift down after i release the gas pedal. i mean its basically holding the gear and doing engine braking. this is really noticeable because i the mph really drop more quickly then they should.
any ideas? im driving in comfort mode.
its very reluctant to shift down after i release the gas pedal. i mean its basically holding the gear and doing engine braking. this is really noticeable because i the mph really drop more quickly then they should.
any ideas? im driving in comfort mode.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 3
From: Orange County, Ca
C350
Yes, i feel a lag while i am already in motion. for example while cruising at 45 mph, if i want to overtake another car, it takes a long time for my car to downshift & pressing on the gas, does not really make the car pick up much speed.... 
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 572
Likes: 3
From: Canada
2015 C63S E1 (sold 2012 C63 AMG Sedan (Premium & APX)) & 09 C300 Sport 4Matic
Push down more, people are afraid to use the gas pedal, the car needs to know you are serious about requesting more power, push it, that's what its for. You'll get a positive response if you ask for it 
Same thing happens with braking. You learn on the track, if you want to stop now you have to be serious with the brakes and stay on them.
On the throttle it's the same, you have to get on it if you want the car to respond, just pressing down a little doesn't signal your intentions to the car's programming, press hard, don't be afraid, it's also fun.
Same thing happens with braking. You learn on the track, if you want to stop now you have to be serious with the brakes and stay on them.
On the throttle it's the same, you have to get on it if you want the car to respond, just pressing down a little doesn't signal your intentions to the car's programming, press hard, don't be afraid, it's also fun.
Last edited by Pit-Pony; Nov 11, 2008 at 04:55 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 636
Likes: 3
From: Orange County, Ca
C350
Push down more, people are afraid to use the gas pedal, the car needs to know you are serious about requesting more power, push it, that's what its for. You'll get a positive response if you ask for it
Same thing happens with braking. You learn on the track, if you want to stop now you have to be serious with the brakes and stay on them.
On the throttle it's the same, you have to get on it if you want the car to respond, just pressing down a little doesn't signal your intentions to the car's programming, press hard, don't be afraid, it's also fun.
Same thing happens with braking. You learn on the track, if you want to stop now you have to be serious with the brakes and stay on them.
On the throttle it's the same, you have to get on it if you want the car to respond, just pressing down a little doesn't signal your intentions to the car's programming, press hard, don't be afraid, it's also fun.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 648
Likes: 1
From: Seattle
C-300, XC70, Wrangler
Oh, and that guy behind might just be in an oversize pickup with 4x4 and set up 8 inches too high, or more!
I would postulate it's because our cars look small to other folk, and small cars are slow, right? They're not looking at the MB star, they're not thinking that we have a powerful engine or not, they're seeing a small car in their way, and they're bound and determined to get around.
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 572
Likes: 3
From: Canada
2015 C63S E1 (sold 2012 C63 AMG Sedan (Premium & APX)) & 09 C300 Sport 4Matic
If you want instant power just push and hold the gearshoft knob to the left and the transmission will place you into the optimum power gear for the current speed. The accelerator will now be very responsive. What's the problem?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Funny thing is, tap up hard on the cruise stalk and it will accelerate you must faster than the pedal. haha.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: vaughan
C250 4matic
Lots of questions....
To recap, my main issue was the lag. This is fixed. my dealer is Mercedes of Richmond in BC Canada. The fix was a freebie. It should be a freebie anyway if you are under warranty. There is a pronounced difference and while the car did not gain a miraculous amount of power, there is no lag. You press the gas pedal and you have immediate reaction just as you should. Before I would be stopped on an intersection and double think of crossing it. It was wait for it, wait for it, go. Now its just go.
So while I dont claim to be an expert of the fix, I'm just communicating what I was told. I was told that there is a software update from Mercedes and that was related to my issue. I also had very few times, this jerk and kick from the gearbox. I have that on my 140K E320 but the box is obviously old. So the dealer on their own accord, flushed the tranny and did the software update.
I'm not surprised that some dealers may be ignorant or pretend to be. I would ask for a test drive on an 09 model to see the difference if they claim otherwise. Again, maybe I'm lucky, but my car is the proof that the lag issue is a software issue, which makes a lot of sense if you think about it.
To recap, my main issue was the lag. This is fixed. my dealer is Mercedes of Richmond in BC Canada. The fix was a freebie. It should be a freebie anyway if you are under warranty. There is a pronounced difference and while the car did not gain a miraculous amount of power, there is no lag. You press the gas pedal and you have immediate reaction just as you should. Before I would be stopped on an intersection and double think of crossing it. It was wait for it, wait for it, go. Now its just go.
So while I dont claim to be an expert of the fix, I'm just communicating what I was told. I was told that there is a software update from Mercedes and that was related to my issue. I also had very few times, this jerk and kick from the gearbox. I have that on my 140K E320 but the box is obviously old. So the dealer on their own accord, flushed the tranny and did the software update.
I'm not surprised that some dealers may be ignorant or pretend to be. I would ask for a test drive on an 09 model to see the difference if they claim otherwise. Again, maybe I'm lucky, but my car is the proof that the lag issue is a software issue, which makes a lot of sense if you think about it.
Hi djf1, can you scan and post the WO so I can show the dealer what to do to solve my lag and jerk on my gear box as well. Thanks!
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts, USA
2011 C300 4MATIC SPORT
Is there a software update for the 2011 c300 models? Mine seems to have this lag which is super annoying. I'll try a reset and see if it fixes it but I'd like to know if there is an update for my year w204 before I bring it into the dealer...
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: California
w212 E350 Bluetec & Mk7 GTI Sport
Every car gets reprogrammed by the driver; So each person here could be babying it and feathering the gas in low rpms in C and then trying to floor it. This will make your car overall factor in that type of driving for you and cause overall oddities.
Just like gas mileage. Starting from 0mpg averaged, your gas mileage is terrible. 17 or so. After driving 500 miles, youll see it at 22. If your flooring it most of the time though it might be 19.
SO average together all your featherings of the gas pedal, bouncing back and forth from gas to break (mb brakes auto put more pressure depending on how quickly you removed your foot from the gas pedal) etc etc and your going to get mixed performance results.
I believe this is prevalent especially when switching to/using the tiptronic, but also just in general driving.
One person here said it best: press your pedal where you want it and leave it. Dont think you can baby it in and get good mileage, smoothe acceleration and super fast performance. USually the latter is all you get upon pressing the pedal where its SUPPOSED To be to not "lag"
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 2
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2008 c300
software update
