advice
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 16
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2005 C230K
advice
I am looking into replacing my 2005 C230K with a 2006 C55 AMG, but I am nervous about another automatic. My C230 shifts realllly slow, especially with the autostick (or whatever it's called) and I want something snappy and exciting. I'm planning to put a Kleeman Kompressor on it right away and have the ECU remapped, but I want to make sure the trans is crisp first. So my question is, is the shifting snappy, like a 1-2 gear tire chirper?
Thanks
Thanks
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 248
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From: Vancouver, BC
'03 C32
An actual test drive would probably answer your question better but AMG is definitely the way to go!!!!!
I dont own a C55 but IMO from a C32 perspective it could definitely have smoother/quicker shifts.
I dont own a C55 but IMO from a C32 perspective it could definitely have smoother/quicker shifts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,510
Likes: 2
From: bay area, california
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
I am looking into replacing my 2005 C230K with a 2006 C55 AMG, but I am nervous about another automatic. My C230 shifts realllly slow, especially with the autostick (or whatever it's called) and I want something snappy and exciting. I'm planning to put a Kleeman Kompressor on it right away and have the ECU remapped, but I want to make sure the trans is crisp first. So my question is, is the shifting snappy, like a 1-2 gear tire chirper?
Thanks
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 154
Likes: 11
From: Phx, AZ
N/A
It's the same transmission in the sense of the casing, mounts and some other small items, but after that there are differences in internals, gearing, valve solenoids, has a M-mode and TCU tune is different than the C230. It's faster shifting than a C230, but still has a slight delay, I used to own a C230 prior to the C55.
You can do some small mods to the transmission to give it faster and harder shifting, you can update to the blue top valve solenoids (stock are brown top), they cost about $150+- each, they provide more fluid flow and pressure.
Some members have done it on here and say the transmission shifts much better and faster, and gets better if you apply a custom TCU tune. But the draw back is for a daily driver it shifts hard unless you're in comfort mode. Kinda like an old school shift kit.
Read up on this article and the link in the first post to learn more about it: Must Have Transmission Mod Cheap
You can do some small mods to the transmission to give it faster and harder shifting, you can update to the blue top valve solenoids (stock are brown top), they cost about $150+- each, they provide more fluid flow and pressure.
Some members have done it on here and say the transmission shifts much better and faster, and gets better if you apply a custom TCU tune. But the draw back is for a daily driver it shifts hard unless you're in comfort mode. Kinda like an old school shift kit.
Read up on this article and the link in the first post to learn more about it: Must Have Transmission Mod Cheap
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 27
2021 Yukon XL Denali, 2017 GLS450 4MATIC, 1993 Chevy Corvette
I am looking into replacing my 2005 C230K with a 2006 C55 AMG, but I am nervous about another automatic. My C230 shifts realllly slow, especially with the autostick (or whatever it's called) and I want something snappy and exciting. I'm planning to put a Kleeman Kompressor on it right away and have the ECU remapped, but I want to make sure the trans is crisp first. So my question is, is the shifting snappy, like a 1-2 gear tire chirper?
Thanks
Thanks
. Still love the car (unfortunately?) so I can't complain!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 769
Likes: 4
From: Orlando FL
CLK55 AMG
I have the c32 and it shift decently quick. Im have the eurocharged tune though. My mom had a c230 and that thing shifted slower than anything. Amg's shift nice, but no chirp. Unless you down shift and hit the gas 
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 846
Likes: 45
From: ATL
2017 GLS 550
Be prepared for a significant increase in the amount you spend on gas per month should you make the leap from the 230 to the 55. $60 on my most recent fill-up in Northern VA with fill-ups every 1 week to 1.5 weeks. Ouch . Still love the car (unfortunately?) so I can't complain!
. Still love the car (unfortunately?) so I can't complain!
Trans tuning between AMG and normal tuned MB's are night and day. Also just because your trans has the +/- it doesn't mean it is auto stick, it is not tuned to function as one at all, at least I know my wife's former non AMG SLK didn't.
Last edited by thtguy; Apr 13, 2011 at 10:46 AM.
