cdonner

@alsyli, I don't notice a difference in the delay between the S and E settings. The only difference is that the gears turn higher in S, but that does not make it more responsive.

Glyn M Ruck

Some bright programmer just needs to develop an EPROM flash for the TCU that switches out the learning & make S Mode constant hold revs & quicker change while W or E mode remains lazy, early upshift for fuel economy, start in second unless you go WOT when it should start in 1st as it does stock.

alsyli

Really? Hmmm.... I don't how to manually shift a car, so I can only provide (non-technical) descriptions. The delay in "E" *is* terrifying (and potentially unsafe) when I'm trying to switch lanes on the highway to pass a slowpoke (while trying to out-accelerate the maniac coming up in the other lane). There's only the briefest delay in "S," and, if the car could always respond to the throttle like that while getting the same fuel econ as it does in "E," I'd have no complaints.

Wonder why our experiences are so different. =( Do any of the other posters have a possible explanation?

Crippled

why not just get the sprint booster to get rid of all lag?

ikkyu2

My 2009 C350 Sport suffered from what you describe. It would shift into 3rd gear at 20 mph at 1200 rpm. I tried to get the adaptive logic to adapt to me to no avail. It was apparently driven by a grandma before I got it and didn't want to learn new tricks.

I took it to the dealer I bought it from and asked to have the TCU reset to factory specs. Then I went to a little-traveled straight road and drove it like I drive for the first 40-50 shifts in "C" and for the first 40-50 shifts in "S" (each mode has its own adaptive memory). Depending on pedal pressure, it's now shifting at about 2000-3000 rpm in "C" and 3000-4000 rpm in "S". If I really punch it in "S", it'll wind out to 5K+.

I am very happy with the dramatically improved performance. Combined with the Kleeman ECU tune, this car now drives like a real sports sedan. No street racer mind you, but smooth and peppy.

Others can argue the benefits of Beemer vs. Benz. I'm happy with my car.

paulo744

Before buying my car, I compared this C300 to a BMW and Infinity. The infinity G37 and the BMW 328xi were very joyful to drive. Peppy, fast steering, and not as refined as the C300.

IMHO, I went with the C300 Sport because of the lines and curves she has, and her subtle driving composure. Not too harsh of a transmission shift, smooth, elegant to drive. Plus, its my wife's daily. She doesn't care! To say that it is dangerous to drive? I doubt it. You must be a very impatient, adrenaline junkyed driver! I keep the car in "S" mode, and she holds gears longer, and doesn't shift as often.

This car drives like it should, and thus performs as it does. The BMW is more driver oriented, so perhaps those vehicles fit your needs better.

If you do perform the valve body modifications, or are able to adjust the transmission computer's shifting capabilities to more aggressive, let us know.

W203E35

I wanted to make a comment about "taking off in second gear". On my 7G when I would come to a stop I would get a jerk. Dealer tried reprogramming the TCU without success. Then they decided to change the Valve body to an updated one. It felt that the car comes to a stop on 2nd gear and take off in second gear.

I'm not a big fan of the 7G. It's tough because for 70k miles I beat the hell out of it and it's still running ok (knock on wood) BUT there is lag and takeoff sucks on the car. If not in manual mode when I floor the pedal from a dead stop I feel a downshift!! then it takes off.

I was never a fan of this transmission. It's great for comfort but not as responsive and sporty than a BMW transmission. But then again that's comparing apples and oranges.

I wish the transmissions on the Sport models were a little more sportier. But then again the car isn't a GTR

If I had an AMG I would definitely do the Weistec upgrade