"The body to update the transmission software is $436"
05-16-2016, 01:50 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
"The body to update the transmission software is $436"
"The body to update the transmission software is $436"
My car is at the dealer and I was told this. I asked if my software was up to date and this was their response through e-mail. What should actually be done and in what order before updating "the body" whatever that means.
My shifting has not been to my satisfaction at lower RPMS. I performed the tranny flush on time but never asked about TCU or whatever software updates nor was I told about them.
Also my steering wheel is painfully slow to turn. The loaner I have is gliding and rotating with the tip of a finger like mine use to. Anyone?
My car is at the dealer and I was told this. I asked if my software was up to date and this was their response through e-mail. What should actually be done and in what order before updating "the body" whatever that means.
My shifting has not been to my satisfaction at lower RPMS. I performed the tranny flush on time but never asked about TCU or whatever software updates nor was I told about them.
Also my steering wheel is painfully slow to turn. The loaner I have is gliding and rotating with the tip of a finger like mine use to. Anyone?
05-16-2016, 02:14 PM
#2
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 C350 Eurocharged
These cars suck at shifting with the stock tunes. I paid $600 to have mine tuned by Eurocharged and it drives ALOT better.
Regarding your steering, how does the power steering fluid look? Is it at the right level?
Regarding your steering, how does the power steering fluid look? Is it at the right level?
05-16-2016, 02:26 PM
#3
Member
Thread Starter
Regarding the steering, the dealer stated the w205 has electric steering while the w204 has hydronic power steering" that is probably why the drastic difference exists.
I will check and see if my fluid is low, although they always say they top it off.
Will an after market tune eliminate the need for any sort of dealer transmission software upgrade? When I move to California it will be an option but it is not while I am in NY. My transmission is sucking and the car is not fun to drive anymore.
I will check and see if my fluid is low, although they always say they top it off.
Will an after market tune eliminate the need for any sort of dealer transmission software upgrade? When I move to California it will be an option but it is not while I am in NY. My transmission is sucking and the car is not fun to drive anymore.
05-16-2016, 04:14 PM
#4
MBWorld Fanatic!
I don't find the difference in steering to be too significant. They are both nimble and light feeling as far as car steering goes.
Where I do notice a difference in the w205 is in very low speed or stopped steering. The w205 will glide around with ease instead of stiffening up.
If I had to pick I like the W204 steering better as it feels less electronic. I've heard this complaint about the newer BMWs also. The W205 wheel almost reminds me of a game controller.
Where I do notice a difference in the w205 is in very low speed or stopped steering. The w205 will glide around with ease instead of stiffening up.
If I had to pick I like the W204 steering better as it feels less electronic. I've heard this complaint about the newer BMWs also. The W205 wheel almost reminds me of a game controller.
05-16-2016, 11:25 PM
#5
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hawaii
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2008 C350 Eurocharged
I've had my car for maybe three months, but after just a week of driving it I was ready to crash it into a pole. The power just seemed to be there at weird places, it downshifted weird, shifted weird, and I just didn't like it.
I heard great things about the Eurocharged tune and went with it and the car is finally a joy to drive! It isn't perfect, but it drives ALOT better than it did without the tune.
I heard great things about the Eurocharged tune and went with it and the car is finally a joy to drive! It isn't perfect, but it drives ALOT better than it did without the tune.
05-22-2016, 03:42 AM
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Anyone know if it is customary to charge a bit ovrr $100 to checl
For updated TCU software and then charge an additional $400 to apply said update?
For updated TCU software and then charge an additional $400 to apply said update?
05-22-2016, 09:52 AM
#7
Super Member
Trending Topics
05-22-2016, 10:13 PM
#8
Member
Thread Starter
That would be the case I am sure. Seems unusual/wasteful to pay-and-see if an update is available. Is there no way to find out independently?
05-27-2016, 11:14 PM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
My dealer in Mexico - Stuttgart Motors in Cuernavaca - performed the transmission TCU software update without cost with my second A service. Why would a dealer charge you for something that the factory has deemed standard and necessary?
Since the update procedure erases the useless Adaptive Learning memory, the 7G performed fabulously on the tollway for a couple of hours. Alas, after some city traffic, the transmission went mostly back to it's old lethargic ways, however downshifts on acceleration do happen more rapidly.
Since the update procedure erases the useless Adaptive Learning memory, the 7G performed fabulously on the tollway for a couple of hours. Alas, after some city traffic, the transmission went mostly back to it's old lethargic ways, however downshifts on acceleration do happen more rapidly.
05-27-2016, 11:40 PM
#10
Member
Thread Starter
Maybe when I move to San Diego I will drive over the border for a free update! Till now I must deal. My new plan is to get a sprint booster chip, then reset the adapative transmission.
Having the booster chip double my throttle input should get the transmission to learn a more agressive driving style with less driver input.
Having the booster chip double my throttle input should get the transmission to learn a more agressive driving style with less driver input.
05-28-2016, 12:07 AM
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
Actually I moved from Acapulco to San Diego last year, and can see Tijuana from the back window of the house. I have not tried the Mercedes dealer in TJ, but here is their website: http://www.mercedesbenztijuana.com.mx
A problem I have with my purchased-in-Mexico 2010 C300 Sport is that it was actually manufactured in Germany, whereas the W204's sold in the US were largely made in South Africa. Mercedes Benz of San Diego was unable to perform any updates or recalls on my Merc (valve chain, air bags etc) as the US Star system will not recognize my Euro-spec VIN.
I will be visiting Mercedes Benz of El Cajon with the C300 soon, as we recently leased a GLC300 from them. If I can't get the airbag problem fixed at least, I will have to go to Tijuana and see if the service is as fantastic as Stuttgart Motors in Cuernavaca, which is 2000 miles away, having driven directly from that dealer to San Diego last year, a 30 hour trip (my W204 retains its Mexican plates, and I drive with my Acapulco license).
BTW the same effect as a booster chip can be obtained by performing the throttle reset (some mistakenly call it a TCU reset) by pressing the gas pedal only half way down before switching the ignition to "Off".
A problem I have with my purchased-in-Mexico 2010 C300 Sport is that it was actually manufactured in Germany, whereas the W204's sold in the US were largely made in South Africa. Mercedes Benz of San Diego was unable to perform any updates or recalls on my Merc (valve chain, air bags etc) as the US Star system will not recognize my Euro-spec VIN.
I will be visiting Mercedes Benz of El Cajon with the C300 soon, as we recently leased a GLC300 from them. If I can't get the airbag problem fixed at least, I will have to go to Tijuana and see if the service is as fantastic as Stuttgart Motors in Cuernavaca, which is 2000 miles away, having driven directly from that dealer to San Diego last year, a 30 hour trip (my W204 retains its Mexican plates, and I drive with my Acapulco license).
BTW the same effect as a booster chip can be obtained by performing the throttle reset (some mistakenly call it a TCU reset) by pressing the gas pedal only half way down before switching the ignition to "Off".
The following users liked this post:
JohnnyC300 (05-28-2016)
05-28-2016, 12:42 AM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Also, after extensive research and discussion with MB factory technicians, there is no way, unfortunately, to "reset" or clear the information in the Adaptive Learning memory. It is only cleared with a complete rewrite of the ROM that occurs with the TCU software update. Then it fills with "Little Old Lady" parameters again and frankly, you're screwed. Why is there Adaptive Learning in the first place? Just WHY?
Weistec, as part of their transmission services, offers valve body replacement and TCU remapping, which eliminates the Adaptive Learning. Effectively the new valve bodies can lock up the torque convertor because of their higher operating pressure, which also implies less wear and few repairs on the 7G in the long run. Here is an email Weistec sent to my inquiry:
William,
I apologize for the late reply. I wanted to get a solid answer for you on this. The transmission in your C300 is a 7G, however it is torque converter based, and not MCT. We do have a valve body upgrade that is available for the AMG 7G (nearly the same transmission) and we also adjust parameters in the TCU to help with performance. I have asked our engineers, and they said this modification can be done to the C300-C350 valve body as well. The cost is the same as our AMG valve body. Please view the link below. Thank you and let me know how I can assist from here.
http://weistec.com/7229vb.html
Best Regards,
Anthony - Sales at Weistec Engineering
Weistec, as part of their transmission services, offers valve body replacement and TCU remapping, which eliminates the Adaptive Learning. Effectively the new valve bodies can lock up the torque convertor because of their higher operating pressure, which also implies less wear and few repairs on the 7G in the long run. Here is an email Weistec sent to my inquiry:
William,
I apologize for the late reply. I wanted to get a solid answer for you on this. The transmission in your C300 is a 7G, however it is torque converter based, and not MCT. We do have a valve body upgrade that is available for the AMG 7G (nearly the same transmission) and we also adjust parameters in the TCU to help with performance. I have asked our engineers, and they said this modification can be done to the C300-C350 valve body as well. The cost is the same as our AMG valve body. Please view the link below. Thank you and let me know how I can assist from here.
http://weistec.com/7229vb.html
Best Regards,
Anthony - Sales at Weistec Engineering
