Obi3ice

Hello all. Please I have a 2008 C300 4matic sport. I would like to know if there is any transmission software update for it? There is a lag when there is a shift from P to D. The car drives smoothly and changes gear smoothly. Just the little lag when put from P to D. Any one experienced such?
Also It happens when it is put to R, there is this 1 second lag before it moves. I saw through a glass reflection of the side that when I put on R, the 1 second lag happens and then it is when the reverse light comes on that it engages.
Are these normal?

W204Motorsports

Just call your local dealer and give them your VIN, They will tell you if it received the latest software.

xsever

You could also benefit from a transmission control unit adaptations reset.

Obi3ice

Here in my country, they don't believe anything like that exists.

Obi3ice

How is that done please?

Obi3ice

Found out how it is done. Thanks. I would try it.

dboyrusky

Dealerships in USA refuse to update anything software wise which is just them covering their behind in case they mess up.

W204Motorsports

That's very strange. When i got my 2008 and went to get recalls done, they told me there was a TCU update available and the transmission definitely felt a little smoother after that. That was a long time ago but I don't see why they would refuse. I tell anyone that gets a used car to call their dealership and see if there's any recalls or software updates available for their car and 9/10 there's always something.

dboyrusky

Yea at least in WA state its like that, you call to ask for update and they say they don't do that. Kind of pisses me off honestly.

Obi3ice

Ok. Did the transmission reset and wow the gear shifts smoothly like new. But still has that 1 sec lag when put from P to D or R. I think that’s how it was designed for.
But the reset made my driving feel like as if it’s a new car I am driving. Thanks for this.
Heard it’s good to do a transmission reset every month.

xsever

Glad to hear it. I wouldn't say every month, but at least when you start feeling that the shifts are not as smooth anymore.

Obi3ice

Ok. Thanks.

But what of the lag issue? Is it normal?

xsever

No it's not normal, but to diagnose this, you're going to need the Mercedes Benz diagnostic tool to see if there are any transmission control unit fault codes and if not, to read actual values related to the operation of the transmission to try and diagnose what is happening.

First of all, how many km/miles on the car and when was the last time the transmission fluid and filter were changed? The change interval for this car is every 40k miles/60k km or 5 years; whichever comes first.

LILBENZ230

You definitely need to find out when the last service was if you don't know and if the transmission is low on fluid.

Obi3ice

the car has 141,000 miles on it. I don’t no if the transmission fluid/ filter were changed. The last time it was diagnosed for transmission errors there were none.

Obi3ice

the car has 141,000 miles on it. I don’t know if the transmission fluid/ filter were changed. The last time it was diagnosed for transmission errors there were none.

Obi3ice

I seems not to know when the last transmission service was. If the transmission is low on fluid, shouldn’t the engine light pop up?

Obi3ice

Finally found the service history. The transmission was serviced in 2018 by Mercedes Benz of Wilmington.

xsever

What was the mileage then?

Obi3ice

it was 137,000 miles then.
It has 141,000 miles at the moment.

xsever

In this case, you'd have to take the car to an independent shop that has the MB diagnostic tool. He will then connect it to the car and read live values as you shift. He should be able to see what is causing the delay. It could be that the solenoids in the conductor plate need to be replaced or a sensor or some other part delaying the shift.