mbtech208

For lack of power under full and mid range acceleration, there's a new flash update for the engine control unit. This only applies to the following cars:

S/CL-2003 model year
C-Class-2002 and later
E-Class-2002 and 2003
CLK-2003
SL-2003 (only VIN numbers after F022312)
SLK-2002 and later (SLK320 only)

500AMG

Dave, thank you once again. Just today I had to punch the accelerator a few times and it seemed like there was no power. I thought the tranny wasn't downshifting, but I don't believe that was it.

Would you happen to have a bulletin number of some sort so that when I go to the dealer I can just give it to him? Also, is this an issue that would have to be shown to the dealer, or will they do it if I give them the bulletin number? Thanks again!

mbtech208

This is a pretty well-known bulletin, many technicians in our shop have done it already. I think if you brought it up, they'd know what to do. The bulletin number is P-B-07.00/28a

500AMG

Thanks!

New E

Hi Dave,

A while back I submitted a post regarding hesitation when trying to accelerate, and from what I gathered nothing could be done because it was tied to the adaptive transmission. I exchanged a couple of posts and several of us seemed to commiserate together, but again I thought nothing could be done. However, are you suggesting the bulletin might address (and potentially fix!!) this problem? Mine has the classic symptom of when I do stop and go driving, when I want to GO (as in flooring it in an avoidance maneuver) it chokes.

Thanks!

RJC

Dave,

Thanks again for your invaluable information, you are a wonderful resource to this forum!!!

As soon as I read this post I took my CLK 500 Jan Prod. for a full throttle test spin, this was the first time I "floored it" as I only have 1200 miles, the car took off and performed quite well and I only let the rpms go to 5k and then I backed off.

Is the power short-fall something I should be able to pick up on right away or is it like the car is only performing at 75%?

Is there a serial # or prod. cutoff for clk 500's?

Is it only for full throttle?

Many thanks and regards,

mbtech208

This may very well be the problem with your car. I'd take it in to the dealer and bring the flash update to their attention.

mbtech208

Thank you for your kind words.

The lack of power is noticeable, or else there wouldn't be a bulletin for it

There is no serial number or production date cut-off for any car but the SL. I'm assuming that because a bulletin is now out for this problem, any vehicles made after the release date of the bulletin (Feb. 18) have the updated control module version.

It is not just full-throttle, but mid range too. I should have noted that in my original post.

e500

MBTECH208,

Is it correct to assume since you didn't mention it that this applies to all engines 320, 430 & 500 in the listed models?

mbtech208

That is correct, it applies to all 112 (V6) and 113 (V8) series engines.

RJC

Thanks Dave,

Funny, I've been noticing what I thought was a lack of midrange power. How do you guys determine if a specific car needs the update when there is no cut off info for the TSB etc. and if the midrange is effected which seems like it would be much more difficult to diagnos than at full power?

Is the flash update something that is down loaded or is a new control module needed?

Regards,

mbtech208

The need for the flash update is determined by the model year of the car. Except for the 2003 SL, which is determined by VIN number. The flash update is downloaded into the car's engine control module, no replacement is necessary. The software update will not compensate for any system or mechanical malfunction, so if you notice a lack of power, it could be something that will not be cured by the update.

On a side note, I'd like to point out that if the flash update is performed on a 2003 SL500 with a VIN number of lower than F022312, the engine control unit will no longer communicate with the transmission control unit, resulting in the car not starting!

RJC

[QUOTE]Originally posted by mbtech208
[B]The need for the flash update is determined by the model year of the car. Except for the 2003 SL, which is determined by VIN number.

Okay last question from me on this. Is it safe to assume then that all 03 clk 500's will need this update?

mbtech208

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RJC
[B] I wouldn't say they all need it, only if you are experiencing a loss of power. This is not a recall, just a service bulletin. Hundreds of other bulletins are issued every year, this doesn't mean every car needs every update. It's mainly "If a customer is having this kind of problem, this is what the fix is....."
2003 CLKs are still in production, so I believe its safe to say the cars being produced now have this update.

i8hotdogs

Hello,

I was curious if anyone had this update completed and noticed a difference in power. I always did notice lack of power from the midrange to high when I accelerate hard. The only time I feel any kind of power is when I step on the gas pedal all the way down to hit the button.

I have a E500 that was produced on Ovt-Nov of 2002.


Thanks...

awiner

Dave, does this include the AMG series as well ?

gincharl

I read your reply to a post about a bulliten for the lack of power when excelerating in a new E320, you made it sound like this was a post that listed potential problems that may occur with the E320. Since I have ordered my 2003 E320 and waiting for it to come in any warnings about problems that may occur would be great. I am trading in my 2001 C320 one of the reasons was the sudden lack of exceleration never knew when this would happen, it really became dangerous as you could not judge when it would happen at times it would take off other times just about die. Thanks for your help



'03 E320 white/charcoal,E2,E5, CD changer,chrome headlight rings,chrome handle protectors,mud flaps,black pinstripes

mbtech208

Except for the SLK32 AMG, it applies to all AMG cars as well.

adi

Dave,
I have 2002 C32 AMG, which shares the same engine as SLK32, Do I need to update as well? thanx

mbtech208

The engine is the same, but I believe the engine control unit part numbers are different for the SLK and C. If you haven't had a loss of power, you don't need the update.

amgme

mbtech,

what if you're not sure if you have the problem but took it in to get updated just in case. will the update cause any problems or have any ill-effects??

tia

mbtech208

Not that I'm aware of, no.

KOMPCOUPE03

Are the C230 Kompressors included in the bulletin or is it just the 6 and 8?

Thanx

mbtech208

Only the 6 and 8

gincharl

Thanks so much for your info on lack of acceleration you are a great help for Benz owners. Do you know any thing about the sales part of Benz's business? I mean like how it works. I ordered a white E320 that I waited all month for now when I called not only did the salesman not remember me he said they have stopped roduction of the white cars and mine would not be built till end of April and I could receive it the end of May. This is a real bummer as I was so excited for it to come in last week. My husband thinks that the guy forgot to tag the car as sold and now he is just ordering a new one that will take that long. I don't know what to think but I guess we will have to wait for anew one. This time I will call the salesman every week to be sure he didn't forget us. Thanks for listening