Transmission lag 2011 model
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, NZ
2011 C200 CDI
Transmission lag 2011 model
Bought our first MB (C200 CDI) a few weeks ago (NZ), ride and quality is great, but both me and my misus definitely notice an "acceleration lag" from stand still. To the point you kind of feel when you pull into traffic it's like "woah hello you can go a bit more than this! the other cars are closing in!"
The perceived throttle response on our Corolla is much better(!) The transmission/throttle response is reasonable though once the MB gets going - 7G-tronics btw.
I don't feel this is turbo lag btw.. I've driven diesel vans and they pull away faster.
I will do more testing but I guess for now a few thoughts:
- do we just need to get used to putting the foot down more? (is this a MB "feature" of defaulting to comfort?)
- Has the TCU "learned" our slow daily commute?
- I will do more testing in S mode as well (manual says "vehicle pulling away in first gear", guess implies when not in "S" it's not?)
- Anyone with experience with lag in the 2011/12 facelifted model?
- Is there a way to check what version of firmware we've got / what version is latest?
- Are there differences in trannies between 2008 and 2011?
More info:
- 11th character is "A" so it's from the Sindelfingen factory in Germany.
Cheers
The perceived throttle response on our Corolla is much better(!) The transmission/throttle response is reasonable though once the MB gets going - 7G-tronics btw.
I don't feel this is turbo lag btw.. I've driven diesel vans and they pull away faster.
I will do more testing but I guess for now a few thoughts:
- do we just need to get used to putting the foot down more? (is this a MB "feature" of defaulting to comfort?)
- Has the TCU "learned" our slow daily commute?
- I will do more testing in S mode as well (manual says "vehicle pulling away in first gear", guess implies when not in "S" it's not?)
- Anyone with experience with lag in the 2011/12 facelifted model?
- Is there a way to check what version of firmware we've got / what version is latest?
- Are there differences in trannies between 2008 and 2011?
More info:
- 11th character is "A" so it's from the Sindelfingen factory in Germany.
Cheers
Last edited by nzkaveman; Dec 25, 2011 at 07:47 AM.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
This sounds normal. But to make sure your car is not defective ask the dealer to allow you to drive a demo to check if it is the same. Dealer can check software version with Star.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
My 31 year old Peugeot 504 with 3 speed Borg Warner 35 ATM is more responsive than my 2008 220CDI at the lights or roundabouts.
Its a fact of life & we just have to compensate by forward thinking or buying a manual.
Its a fact of life & we just have to compensate by forward thinking or buying a manual.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, NZ
2011 C200 CDI
thanks guys for your response - very interesting how this is expected of MBs, I guess we will adjust driving style a bit!
should try in the demo car again you're right.
should try in the demo car again you're right.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
BTW - The worse thing you can do is mash the throttle to the floor. This will increase the delay. This is more so with petrol than diesel. On a petrol you have gearbox "decision" time or latency plus the ECU fighting to get the mixture under control.
Progressive acceleration will achieve the most brisk start.
Progressive acceleration will achieve the most brisk start.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Auckland, NZ
2011 C200 CDI
Did more driving with this in mind, it does actually feel it's a more to do with turbo lag (when starting from standstill); Didn't matter much if I was in Sport or Economy mode. Hah it does make me wonder how the car would drive with turbo "switched off" 
Anyone with info on power/torque curve between NA and turbo?
Once going kick down etc does happen quickly (wasn't an issue). So overall still pretty happy.
Anyone with info on power/torque curve between NA and turbo?Once going kick down etc does happen quickly (wasn't an issue). So overall still pretty happy.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Did more driving with this in mind, it does actually feel it's a more to do with turbo lag (when starting from standstill); Didn't matter much if I was in Sport or Economy mode. Hah it does make me wonder how the car would drive with turbo "switched off" Anyone with info on power/torque curve between NA and turbo?
Once going kick down etc does happen quickly (wasn't an issue). So overall still pretty happy.
Anyone with info on power/torque curve between NA and turbo?Once going kick down etc does happen quickly (wasn't an issue). So overall still pretty happy.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 83
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From: Alaska
2012 C300 4Matic
Yep I'm a new owner of a 2012 C300 and I'm still getting used to the lag. I've had the car for about 3 weeks or so. I do not like it, but I love the car so I'm getting used to it.
It is surprising that something as intrusive as this is accepted AND that there isn't an aftermarket (or OEM) solution to counter it???
Or have I just been looking in the wrong places???
It is surprising that something as intrusive as this is accepted AND that there isn't an aftermarket (or OEM) solution to counter it???
Or have I just been looking in the wrong places???
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 6
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Mercedes W204 C220 CDI
Hello Guys!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms..
I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms.
.I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Hello Guys!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms..
I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms.
.I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
You got that right. Sometimes things like that boggle my mind. As far as a solution to the lag, none exists that I know of. The best possible solution would be to get the ECU reprogrammed (aftermarket), but I'm not sure about that either.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Hello Guys!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms..
I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
I have the same "lag" problem, and the dealer say that the problem was the exaust filter...He say also that from 500 in 500 km, the car injects more fuel to the cylider, in order to raise the exaust temperature to 600º, to renue something in the catalisor. well my car after 20 000 km whent to the shop to fix this problem (he dosen't pass from 3000 rpm), and they say that change the catalysor filter, and also the injectors.
The truth is the car after a wile have exactly the same simtoms.
.I will take the car agian to the dealer, because it still have warranty for one more year. I forgot to tell that after this "lag" and when oyu stop the car there is an intense burn rubber smell coming from the left back wheel!
If you have any solution to this i appreciate...
Cheers from Portugal!
Interested to know the outcome.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Mercedes W204 C220 CDI
yes...that's what they told me, but the truth is, that every time that the "smell" appears the Lag also comes along!
I have a friend that works on Bosch car service, that told me it can be a way to solve this, by software, but for now and due to warranty issues, i will take it to the dealer!
Cheers!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
yes...that's what they told me, but the truth is, that every time that the "smell" appears the Lag also comes along!
I have a friend that works on Bosch car service, that told me it can be a way to solve this, by software, but for now and due to warranty issues, i will take it to the dealer!
Cheers!
I have a friend that works on Bosch car service, that told me it can be a way to solve this, by software, but for now and due to warranty issues, i will take it to the dealer!
Cheers!
The dealer's mechanics should be able to enlighten you on all this. I look forward hearing also.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Alaska
2012 C300 4Matic
I'll do a search too, but since this thread is on lag, has anyone reprogrammed their ECU?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
That would have to be done by a tuning shop. There are a few somewhat popular ones. No solid info about if they reduce lag. Usually they just advance timing inducing engine knock without higher octane fuel. A waste of time in my opinion.
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
Yep I'm a new owner of a 2012 C300 and I'm still getting used to the lag. I've had the car for about 3 weeks or so. I do not like it, but I love the car so I'm getting used to it.
It is surprising that something as intrusive as this is accepted AND that there isn't an aftermarket (or OEM) solution to counter it???
Or have I just been looking in the wrong places???
It is surprising that something as intrusive as this is accepted AND that there isn't an aftermarket (or OEM) solution to counter it???
Or have I just been looking in the wrong places???
If your turbo has "plain floating bushing" type bearings (vs ball bearings), make sure you use an approved 5W-30 oil, vs an XW-40 ... much less turbo lag. This is based on me running 5W50 vs 10W30 with sub-freezing temperatures (in my old SaabT).
-----------------------------
I had an old Saab 900 Turbo (non-diesel), with terrible lag due to a ton of retard kicking in at about 3 psi ... like throwing an anchor out. I know this is not an option now for you, but I added an MSD Boost Retard module that replaced the boat anchor oem mechanical timing system for boost correction. That with the right oil turned the 4 cyl turbo into a 3L BMW strait 6, no turbo lag.
My Saab 900T, RIP
.
Last edited by kevink2; Dec 29, 2011 at 09:59 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 83
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From: Alaska
2012 C300 4Matic
The Sprint Booster may help in this case, if possible borrow one. It opens the throttle more, for a given pedal depression. Many non-turbo people like it. I have seen no datalog that shows a delay in injector duty cycle or excees timingg retard, vs pedal depression, thus no hard evidence of "ecu lag".
.
.
I don't have anyone to borrow one from. What gets me is the people that buy them and then either sell, give or return them.
I guess it's be nice to know out of the 100s of people that have bought what percentage have been happy, indifferent, or dissatisfied. I'll search for a poll....
Member
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From: Alaska
2012 C300 4Matic
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 51
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From: Ohio
C300
With that being said, have you tried using the tiptronic or whatever it's called to downshift in such situations (pulling the shifter left)?
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 83
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From: Alaska
2012 C300 4Matic
As others like qaz have mentioned before, this may just be the built in lag Mercedes decided to do. I believe our cars are drive-by-wire and the lag is programmed into the TCU. It is just something to get used to.
With that being said, have you tried using the tiptronic or whatever it's called to downshift in such situations (pulling the shifter left)?
With that being said, have you tried using the tiptronic or whatever it's called to downshift in such situations (pulling the shifter left)?
To me the lag is a double edged sword. Like others have mentioned it does make the car very nice and smooth when taking off from a stop which I really like. But it also makes the car feel sluggish when you want to downshift and accelerate while driving.....
