E550 hesitates to go after stopping - is this normal?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
Last edited by CEB; Nov 18, 2011 at 05:09 PM. Reason: Added link
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 640
Likes: 6
2015 GL450
Which is the same as "stepping on the gas" harder.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I still see this as a safety issue. My eyes, training, and years of driving experience tell me how much throttle to give -- and the car is somewhat randomly changing my input without my permission or knowledge. If I am pulling out into traffic while simultaneously turning, I don't want a slow sluggish response until I get to the 90% threshold and then bang! It makes no sense to me.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
2011 E550 4M, 2008 SLK350
Which is the same as "stepping on the gas" harder.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I haven't driven an SLK230 (R170), but I have an SLK350 (R171), and it has what I consider to be no noticeable lag - far different from my E550 in the condition I noted in the original post. My SLK feels as if the message to accellerate goes from my brian to the engine before my foot can react. Of course, it is a very different car from the E.
In general driving, I'm quite happy with the response of the E550. It is just that annoying and long lag after very briefly coming to a stop that bothers me.
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 104
Likes: 2
From: Florida
2019 CLS450 4 Matic 2011 E550
Which is the same as "stepping on the gas" harder.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
Flip / Flop
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
My top comment was about the delay when going from R to D, when in a tight (oh sh**) situation.
As far as throttle lag, i.e when in "D", and accelerating off of a stop, I don't feel any problems, and feel that it's by design more-so.
As far as throttle lag, i.e when in "D", and accelerating off of a stop, I don't feel any problems, and feel that it's by design more-so.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
Which is the same as "stepping on the gas" harder.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
I knew there was a white paper around here somewhere. Here it is.
Thanks for the link with the white paper!
I think this explains the delay during a 3-point turn. Because of the implementation as summarized below, the throttle sensitivity is changed during reverse, and there is a definite delay as the sensitivity goes from reverse to drive.
In electronic throttle control systems, the accelerator pedal is connected to a sensor that sends a signal to the ECU. The ECU is connected to a servomotor that operates the throttle. In most cases, the ECU operates the throttle in proportion to the input from the accelerator pedal. However, in some cases, it does not. For example, in some Mercedes vehicles, Mercedes reduces the pedal sensitivity when driving in reverse, as explained in their service manual:
“The pedal value sensor characteristic curve is changed if reverse travel is recognized by the control unit. The throttle valve opens more slowly. The entire opening angle in this case is approx. 50%.”
“The pedal value sensor characteristic curve is changed if reverse travel is recognized by the control unit. The throttle valve opens more slowly. The entire opening angle in this case is approx. 50%.”
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,133
Likes: 265
From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
I think we all know about the slow transmission but I have never experienced the "throttle response" problem mentioned here.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
clk350
brake hesitation...
Had the same stop-then-go brake hesitation with my 2007 CLK350. Most noticeable when the car is cold....took it to the dealer and the Service Assistant said it happens because the transmission goes directly to second gear when the car start (not first gear as one might expect). I have no idea what the tranny gear has to do with the brakes...anyway, the technicians kept the car for a day...
They did mitigate the problem with a "software upgrade"; here is what the technician typed on the invoice:
"Perform short test no codes found on ME or Trans check vehicle for updates found ME and Trans updates. Perform new ME control unit software programming. Control unit was completed successfully. The SCN coding sequence has been completed successfully. Also perform ETC control unit programming. Control unit programming was completed successfully. The SCN coding sequence has been completed successfully. Final short test ok no codes."
When I got the car back from the dealer, the hesitation seems to be gone, or at least I'm just not noticing it.
Hope this helps...good luck.
They did mitigate the problem with a "software upgrade"; here is what the technician typed on the invoice:
"Perform short test no codes found on ME or Trans check vehicle for updates found ME and Trans updates. Perform new ME control unit software programming. Control unit was completed successfully. The SCN coding sequence has been completed successfully. Also perform ETC control unit programming. Control unit programming was completed successfully. The SCN coding sequence has been completed successfully. Final short test ok no codes."
When I got the car back from the dealer, the hesitation seems to be gone, or at least I'm just not noticing it.
Hope this helps...good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
Not according to the white paper I read.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I have NO throttle delay whatsoever when moving off of D, just smooth takeoff. I have driven cars that literally have a seemingly 1 second jerky delay before takeoff (535i, and occasionally my old '06 E350), and it's not a pretty ride (search "BMW Throttle Tip In"). I'd suggest anyone with an E-Class who has that problem to get it checked out, because the two I've had never posed such a problem.
Now, R to D in a quick maneuver is a different story, and there's a definite delay there, not related to pedal response.
Last edited by K-A; Nov 19, 2011 at 07:40 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
These are two separate issues. Transmission VS throttle response.
I have NO throttle delay whatsoever when moving off of D, just smooth takeoff. I have driven cars that literally have a seemingly 1 second jerky delay before takeoff (535i, and occasionally my old '06 E350), and it's not a pretty ride (search "BMW Throttle Tip In"). I'd suggest anyone with an E-Class who has that problem to get it checked out, because the two I've had never posed such a problem.
Now, R to D in a quick maneuver is a different story, and there's a definite delay there, not related to pedal response.
I have NO throttle delay whatsoever when moving off of D, just smooth takeoff. I have driven cars that literally have a seemingly 1 second jerky delay before takeoff (535i, and occasionally my old '06 E350), and it's not a pretty ride (search "BMW Throttle Tip In"). I'd suggest anyone with an E-Class who has that problem to get it checked out, because the two I've had never posed such a problem.
Now, R to D in a quick maneuver is a different story, and there's a definite delay there, not related to pedal response.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Then I guess the throttle response is only prevalent when changing gears. 
I have 0 lag when normally accelerating. I don't expect a jolty and sudden takeoff, but it feels like it works by design, no lag, but it's a smoother, softer (more luxuriously oriented) takeoff.
I have 0 lag when normally accelerating. I don't expect a jolty and sudden takeoff, but it feels like it works by design, no lag, but it's a smoother, softer (more luxuriously oriented) takeoff.
