Does C32 have random throttle delay problems?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
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From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
Does C32 have random throttle delay problems?
One of the reasons I got rid of my Audi and was considering a Mercedes, was to get rid of the random 1-2 second throttle delay.
Several of the recent VW/Audi vehicles, with 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control have this random throttle delay. It usually occurs when merging into traffic from a stop or near stop (usually at the worst random time).
Now I am seeing rumblings that seem to indicate, the C32 suffers from this also.
I was hoping that the Mercedes did not have a similar Mickey Mouse computer delayed throttle control.
Are the CLK55 or E55 any better in this respect, than the C32?
I noticed some initial bog/delay in the CLK55 (02), I test drove, but not as bad as an Audi. The E55 (01) I drove was just slow to respond period. I did not notice this on the C32 (02) I test drove, but I do not want to buy a C32, if it is going to do this.
One of the reasons for getting a performance automatic with a fair amount of stock horspower, is the transmission controller needs to be faster, if the engine revs quickly. Putting an aftermarket blower on an automatic car with electronic controlled transmission computer often ends up with hitting the rev limiter in first, after a downshift at 20-30MPH. The 99GT mustangs suffer from this problem, since the computer is way too slow and cannot sample the engine speed often enough to control it. This is very hard to fix, if the transmission computer is too slow.
Where are the stout automatic cars with instant engine response and power?
Don
Several of the recent VW/Audi vehicles, with 'drive by wire' electronic throttle control have this random throttle delay. It usually occurs when merging into traffic from a stop or near stop (usually at the worst random time).
Now I am seeing rumblings that seem to indicate, the C32 suffers from this also.
I was hoping that the Mercedes did not have a similar Mickey Mouse computer delayed throttle control.
Are the CLK55 or E55 any better in this respect, than the C32?
I noticed some initial bog/delay in the CLK55 (02), I test drove, but not as bad as an Audi. The E55 (01) I drove was just slow to respond period. I did not notice this on the C32 (02) I test drove, but I do not want to buy a C32, if it is going to do this.
One of the reasons for getting a performance automatic with a fair amount of stock horspower, is the transmission controller needs to be faster, if the engine revs quickly. Putting an aftermarket blower on an automatic car with electronic controlled transmission computer often ends up with hitting the rev limiter in first, after a downshift at 20-30MPH. The 99GT mustangs suffer from this problem, since the computer is way too slow and cannot sample the engine speed often enough to control it. This is very hard to fix, if the transmission computer is too slow.
Where are the stout automatic cars with instant engine response and power?
Don
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Joined: Mar 2002
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I'll try to clarify
Look at the ESP thread below. Many feel the ESP system in the C32 is a little too sensitive and "helpful", when it senses any "real" lack of traction (even fairly small ones) it will cut the gas somewhat. Because the C32 has an open diff it is especially prevalent on tight left turns from a stop. A little slip would be OK, you want to get up and merge, but the gas is cut too severely for the situation. You sweat bullets as the car hesitates when you want to be moving. The best answer we have so far is to be more judicious in our throttle feathering pulling out for left turns.
This issue really has nothing to do with throttle response, it is all about slip intervention and how severely ESP reacts to relatively small slips. With 350HP the car will slips, (especially when we jump too hard on the gas from a standstill).
There is actually no "delay" in the throttle. It is not "random", it is very repeatable. When you slip, the ESP system will always try to "help", many C32 owners feel it's "help" is not all good.
This issue really has nothing to do with throttle response, it is all about slip intervention and how severely ESP reacts to relatively small slips. With 350HP the car will slips, (especially when we jump too hard on the gas from a standstill).
There is actually no "delay" in the throttle. It is not "random", it is very repeatable. When you slip, the ESP system will always try to "help", many C32 owners feel it's "help" is not all good.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 538
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From: Silicon valley
Audi C7.5 S6
Ok, thanks for the info. It is reasurring that the C32 does not suffer from the same problems as Audi. With Audi Quattro, traction is not a problem, but with the random throttle delay buit into the computer, it may as well be traction limited.
I did notice the the CLK55 traction control seemed to be more intrusive than the c32.
Evosport offers lower gear ratios for the C32, I wonder if they also offer a limited slip differential with stock gear ratios?
Don
I did notice the the CLK55 traction control seemed to be more intrusive than the c32.
Evosport offers lower gear ratios for the C32, I wonder if they also offer a limited slip differential with stock gear ratios?
Don
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: San Diego, CA
2006 Corvette Coupe
The crazy thing is AMG apparently offers a limited slip differential for the C32 (as well as many other AMG cars), but I think it needs to be installed at the AMG facility and is therefore not available in the US. Considering that MB must have considered the BMW M3 as a competitor and it comes with a LSD, its strange that we can't get a LSD, even as an factory option.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,645
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From: San Diego
2002 C32 Black/Charcoal
C32 limited slip differential
Does anyone know if it is possible to order the differential itself and have it shipped (and installed) here? I know that doing so would probably void some aspect of the warranty, but the alternative (shipping the car to Krautville) is not an option.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 371
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From: Boston/Hartford
Another interesting thing I noticed is that the C55 does not have a limited slip as well.
The statement in one of the press releases is that they chose to use the ESP programming in lieu of a mechanical differential.
I am not sure how the LSD from AMG would work? Does it require changes to the ESP programming in that case?
The statement in one of the press releases is that they chose to use the ESP programming in lieu of a mechanical differential.
I am not sure how the LSD from AMG would work? Does it require changes to the ESP programming in that case?
