reprogrammed gearbox, solved the lag issue
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1997 E320
reprogrammed gearbox, solved the lag issue
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...
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
From: British Columbia
2011 E350 4 Matic
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 used to have that lag issue as well (drive by wire issue) until I installed that Sprintbooster that Angeloxnet mentioned which made such a difference
but i still do the ECU reset once in a while.But thanks for letting us now of this flush, I will make an appointment as well and get them to do the same
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1997 E320
to your questions guys:
1. I dont know what is the sprint booster? The lag was a real problem. It was probably a second or so before I had acceleration after depressing the throttle. It was especially pronounced when I would floor it, it felt like a moment of inactivity then the box would downshift and I would have acceleration.
2. Yes it was free. Mercedes seems to know the problem. I was told by the service adviser that there is a new version on the gearbox programming, she called it "an update" from the factory. I suspect that all the new 2009 models may have this update already, I guess getting a brand new model on its first year, its bound to have some issues and this was one of them.
3. Yes all I told them was the lag. I also told them that on occasion my gearbox responded with a hard kick when downshifting like my 140K mile E320...
4. My dealer is in Richmond and the lady service adviser is super friendly. Dont remember her name, she is East Indian, look for her.
1. I dont know what is the sprint booster? The lag was a real problem. It was probably a second or so before I had acceleration after depressing the throttle. It was especially pronounced when I would floor it, it felt like a moment of inactivity then the box would downshift and I would have acceleration.
2. Yes it was free. Mercedes seems to know the problem. I was told by the service adviser that there is a new version on the gearbox programming, she called it "an update" from the factory. I suspect that all the new 2009 models may have this update already, I guess getting a brand new model on its first year, its bound to have some issues and this was one of them.
3. Yes all I told them was the lag. I also told them that on occasion my gearbox responded with a hard kick when downshifting like my 140K mile E320...
4. My dealer is in Richmond and the lady service adviser is super friendly. Dont remember her name, she is East Indian, look for her.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
1997 E320
What I'm talking about is not a reset. I did the reset myself and it did not help. Trust me I did it right before i took the car to the track 
what this is as far as I understand a new updated gearbox software. If you just reset the parameters do not change. It just adapts to your style, but the problem remains. With the updated software the problem is solved.
what this is as far as I understand a new updated gearbox software. If you just reset the parameters do not change. It just adapts to your style, but the problem remains. With the updated software the problem is solved.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
What I'm talking about is not a reset. I did the reset myself and it did not help. Trust me I did it right before i took the car to the track
what this is as far as I understand a new updated gearbox software. If you just reset the parameters do not change. It just adapts to your style, but the problem remains. With the updated software the problem is solved.
what this is as far as I understand a new updated gearbox software. If you just reset the parameters do not change. It just adapts to your style, but the problem remains. With the updated software the problem is solved.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
Called my service adviser and asked about this. She didn't sound surprised and I made an appointment for Friday (under warranty with MB loaner). She said most times it's just the software update, but sometimes it's a small transmission leak
Better be a software issue.
Better be a software issue.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 436
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From: British Columbia
2011 E350 4 Matic
I also called and booked an appointment for tomorrow. The service advisor didnt seem surprised when I was explaining the issue, she was filling in some blanks that I left out so it seems that they are aware what the issue is.
Last edited by 2nice4me; Aug 25, 2008 at 06:14 PM.
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From: Chino Hills, CA
Mercedes C300 Sport, BMW 745Li, VW Mk6 Golf TDI
Well, after looking her over from top down, the only thing they could find was an update to the ECU software, which they did. Took her out for a test drive and lag was still there. It was free update at least, but disappointing. Oh well, my ecu tune is saturday anyways which will take care of it.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
Well, after looking her over from top down, the only thing they could find was an update to the ECU software, which they did. Took her out for a test drive and lag was still there. It was free update at least, but disappointing. Oh well, my ecu tune is saturday anyways which will take care of it.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 436
Likes: 2
From: British Columbia
2011 E350 4 Matic
Well, after looking her over from top down, the only thing they could find was an update to the ECU software, which they did. Took her out for a test drive and lag was still there. It was free update at least, but disappointing. Oh well, my ecu tune is saturday anyways which will take care of it.
I was getting my hopes up already. Anyway i will let you guys know what they say at the Vancouver location (That is where I bought mine) I will do a ECU reset and see what happensdjf1: Did they write anything in your maintenance log or workorder that can help clarify what they did?
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From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
took my car to the dealer today. They said there is no ECU update for my car, at least nothing regarding the transmission, gearbox, or anything engine related....
can you tell us what program update they did to your car? is there an program update code?
can you tell us what program update they did to your car? is there an program update code?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
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From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 4Matic
That's what I'm worried they will say to me if I try to bring mine in.
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From: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
C180K 2011 COMAND, AMG, Dynamic Xenon, Business Pack, H&K Audio and +
Someone else mentioned it before that he got the MB service to update the software of the tranny. The problem was there were some jerks/shocks at low RPM while the gear is being changed.
To test it, in C mode accelerate max without letting the gear to change and then let the accelerator go, At low RPM there should be a jerk when the tranny changes the gear.
or accelerate fully and then hit breaks ( not so fast , not so slow ) and you should observe a jerk/shock when RPM reaches around 1500 or 2000.
Please confirm if you have this problem. I sometimes get a little jerk/shock while the gear changes at low RPM. Normmaly happens if I accelerate and then let the accelerator go. other then that it butter smooth shifts and i dont feel a thing.
And how do you comfirm the TCU has been reset properly.
10) Steps to Reset the TCU. Resetting the TCU will reset transmission to factory shift points and the car will 'relearn' your driving style.
(1.) Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position. ( start is engine running ? )
(2.) Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds. ( Push it to the point where you hear a click ? )
(3.) Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
(4.) Wait at least two minutes for TCU to reset.
Now how do you know its done?
To test it, in C mode accelerate max without letting the gear to change and then let the accelerator go, At low RPM there should be a jerk when the tranny changes the gear.
or accelerate fully and then hit breaks ( not so fast , not so slow ) and you should observe a jerk/shock when RPM reaches around 1500 or 2000.
Please confirm if you have this problem. I sometimes get a little jerk/shock while the gear changes at low RPM. Normmaly happens if I accelerate and then let the accelerator go. other then that it butter smooth shifts and i dont feel a thing.
And how do you comfirm the TCU has been reset properly.
10) Steps to Reset the TCU. Resetting the TCU will reset transmission to factory shift points and the car will 'relearn' your driving style.
(1.) Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position. ( start is engine running ? )
(2.) Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds. ( Push it to the point where you hear a click ? )
(3.) Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
(4.) Wait at least two minutes for TCU to reset.
Now how do you know its done?
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Fresno, Central California
Merc C300 sport, arctic white, P1, MM/Navi, iPod kit, 20% Tint, C63 Grill, X-Pipe, HID DDM Kit
And how do you comfirm the TCU has been reset properly.
10) Steps to Reset the TCU. Resetting the TCU will reset transmission to factory shift points and the car will 'relearn' your driving style.
(1.) Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position. ( start is engine running ? )
(2.) Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds. ( Push it to the point where you hear a click ? )
(3.) Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
(4.) Wait at least two minutes for TCU to reset.
Now how do you know its done?
i heard your only suppose to reset the TCU only after each A or B service??? is that true?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 88
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From: Vancouver, BC
1997 E320
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,052
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver, BC
2008 Mercedes C300 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.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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LOADED 08' C350 & 14' GLK-350 Diamond White (P1, MM, AMG Pkg, Ln Trkng, Htd Sts, Keylss Go)
I hate my stupid lag...
I thought mercedes did this intentionally for some reason though in order to have a smoother ride???
Is it really a defect??
regardless i definitely want the update, i hate the annoying lag and expect more from decently expensive car...
pretty dissapointing Mercedes your stock perfromance has such a defective lag...
sad thing is that many people will never even know there is a way to fix this
