drnino

I tried to find some info about this on the board before I asked, but couldn't find anything.

Here's the issue I'm noticing. I have a 1999 E430. When I drive my car in the morning, after letting it idle for about 30 seconds or so, it doesn't shift gears as smooth as when it's warmed up. I know that probably sounds obvious, that it would shift much smoother after being warmed up. But the way it shifts the first few times in the morning seems odd.

I push the pedal down and can hear the engine revving higher and finally the next gear kicks in with a slight jerk. Then after a couple of more gear changes, it starts shifting very smooth.

Why this initial break in? Is that normal?

Nino

OldNate

Yes, that is normal. I usually start my car, run back inside and finish getting ready, then I go back to the garage and it's all warmed up ready to go. If I were to let it warm up for only 30 seconds or so, the first couple shifts would be rougher until it reaches 60ish degrees celcius.

marc lenssen

Hello Both,

Cold or warm, the tranny should shift smoothly. Maybe it is an idea to get some fresh tranny fluid and filter.

Another try is to see if there is a difference whether the first few shifts are done with the ac running or off. If you don't like the harsch shifts you may try to run the tranny in the W position untill she warms up.

But the tranny should shift smooth at all times.

marc

Musikmann

First of all, your car is designed to "linger" in the lower gears to warm up the catalytic converters as an anti-pollution measure. I had a transmission service (only a partial drain and 4 fresh quarts of ATF plus a new filter) that improved this somewhat.

I thought I was getting a complete fluid change but there was a mis-undertanding. I agree with Marc that you should have the ATF and the filter replaced. If you are lucky, you have a drain plug on your torque converter and all of the fluid can be replaced easily, as in a complete gravity drain. If you do not, a complete service requires a flush and those can get pretty expensive.

loubapache

I wonder if MB changed this for later models.

My 1997 E320 has this delayed shift and the engine warms up fast.

My 2003 shifts silk smooth even on the dirst start of a sub-zero day. It warms up much slower but the shifting is always smooth.

Musikmann

I don't know but I'm pretty sure both your cars have the 722.6x transmission. There are umpteen versions of this, and I don't understand the differences. But, it stands to reason that there were a few improvements made between 1997 and 2003

loubapache

Yes, both are 722.6x but different versions. My 2003 is the last W210 so it should have the same transmission as 2002.

BenzboyW210

Same here, with my 1998 E430, when the car is cold in the morning. Asked my tech about it, he replied it was normal for this car, and is done on purpose by the electronic controls. My car has 134,000 Kms on it and the transmission was serviced at 100,000 - full fluid and filter flush (Mercedes' sealed for life statement notwithstanding).

However, let me define 'cold'. I'm talking about when it is at least -15C or so outside. When it is above 0C, the transmission shifts perfectly from the start.

01BlackE320

My Transmission revs the engine a bit for the first few shifts. I always assumed it was designed to do that to warm up the converters. I have 85k miles and am debating a fluid change. Will probably wait until 100k

ohlord

wait you are past due already.
diy on benzworld.org w210 section or mercedesshop.com
get er done

mb spec fluid autohausaz.com dip sticks I have
ohlord

fdte320

I have a 2000 E320 with 88k miles on it. These forums are really a big help for DIYselfers. I have changed the oil, brake pads, light in the dashboard and in the climate control panel all with the help of guys like you. My next task is the tranny fluid, shocks & axle fluid. Did I read it right, OhLord that you have a tranny dipstick for sale? How much?

Thanks for all the help.

ohlord

delivered lower 48
mb spec fluid www.autohausaz.com or fastlane
2000 so you have no drain on the converter.If you can get use of a lift makes the job much easier.In the diy section on benzworld.org w210 diy,I think i did a write up on how to change out the torque fluid if you want to get it all out on the models with no plug in the tc.
ohlord