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I previously owned a C400 and now have a 2017 C43.
1.) When the car is cold, trans temps <100, down shifts into first are VERY aggressive. Is this normal? One car warms up things get much smoother.
2.) When in S+ and manual mode, in first gear the car seems to go into some sort of limp mode before hitting redline. Car will aggressively slow down, get itself sorted and then be normal in every other gear. Anyone else experience this?
Car is under warranty so I can def have these things investigated but wondering if others have same experience.
I’m sure others will give u better explanation
but this car can be very jerky.
I feel first gear can be difficult to deal with in s+, especially if ur not just wot and keep going.
you’ll hear people call it “crabbing”
there’s quite a few threads on here.
I don’t drive mine hard till it’s warmed up.
My experience with every MBZ we've owned (since 1982) has been that the trans can be a little rough until things warm up. Personally, I use the AMG screen and pay attention to the temps and drive easily until the blue is gone (i.e., things are warmed up ... otherwise, you blue it?). #;-)
BTW, personally, I think our 2017 C43 Sedan is the best daily driver we've ever owned.
Re #2, 1st gear is very short, so the shift window is small, read through this linked thread for various thoughts on 1st gear as well as other behavior's caused by the short gearing and ECU logic - It's a good read for anyone new to a C43: https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...g-instead.html
I previously owned a C400 and now have a 2017 C43.
1.) When the car is cold, trans temps <100, down shifts into first are VERY aggressive. Is this normal? One car warms up things get much smoother.
2.) When in S+ and manual mode, in first gear the car seems to go into some sort of limp mode before hitting redline. Car will aggressively slow down, get itself sorted and then be normal in every other gear. Anyone else experience this?
Car is under warranty so I can def have these things investigated but wondering if others have same experience.
Thoughts?
As someone else mentioned go to the Amg on centerscreen which will show oil and transmission temps. Generally dont abuse your tranny while temp numbers are indicated in blue. When the temps are indicated in white you good. If in sports+ she will be generally be rough on the final shift to first gear. Although the downshift severity can be controlled with brake pressure. The more pressure on the brake pedal the rougher the shift to 1rst I find. Try letting it coast to a stop using the tranny only then get aggressive on tbe brakes between downshifts and you should feel a difference
First gear in our cars is very short. The cut out before redline in manual is probably cause you have traction control on and its kicking in to save the spin and or late shifting. I like to watch the turbo guage while on the Amg screen to time my shifts. The higher the turbo guage indicater the louder and and more vicious the crack is on the upshift.
Everything you are describing is absolutely normal. The C43 is a quirky car and takes a bit of time and practice to hone in.
Btw...leaving traction control on all the time will grind through brakes faster. Cruise control will munch a set of pads quick.
99% of the time, I leave the car in 2nd when starting from a stop. Comfort mode does this by default afaik if you aren't in manual mode. You can hold the upshift paddle as you come to a stop to prevent the shift to 1st.
Thank you all for the replies and for not turning this into to “drivers an idiot” thread. Info is very helpful and will adjust tendencies while trans temps are blue and will play with traction settings, etc to get the most out of it. Also as requested pics coming. Cars dirty as winter hits here in the NE. Also I should mention that the issues mentioned above aside, first impressions of this car are A+
Photos are terrible and car was washed but still dirty. It was freezing and windy so I was moving quickly haha but here are some photos. Better late than never I guess
I just switch my C300 with C43. yes when transmission is cold it is little bit rough. Not just mercedes all of my car I am trying to drive slowly and shifting usually around 2500 rpm or 3000 until it get little warm. if Is your car over 60k miles, I just recommend you the check your transmission oil.
Good question. Usually it's a little window that shows the fluid level which is such a pain and I don't particularly feel like getting under the car right now plus my jack stands are occupied but I'll look into that.
Heres what is always said.
the stealership needs to show that the mod caused the issue they’re denying the warranty work
depends on ur relationship with them
but I would take be off
01-28-2023, 10:10 PM
