I have a '99 e430, I think it was manufactured in late '98. The car generally drives smoothly but if I try to accelerate quickly first thing in the morning then the engine runs to around 3,000 rpm and then it feels as though I loose power. If I back off the gas it'll switch up a gear and there's plenty of torque. I haven't tried to hold it in a gear but it feels transmission related, i.e. like it is trying to shift but not making it. It has been cooler here (Houston - I'd guess low 50's) the last few days and that may be a factor.

Any suggestions, I've read that the transmission can be a problem on these - I'd like to diagnose it before it might do any damage. It has had the oil changed at around 65k miles (now has almost 80k miles), the transmission doesn't seem to slip. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance,

Peter

It sounds like you are describing the shift delay which is normal when the engine is cold. I should go away after engine begins to warm.
Dan

__________________
2012 E350 Bluetech

Its normal for the car to hold a gear longer when the vehicle is still cold, in order to warm up the cats. Our '99 E430 does the exact same thing in cooler weather. Try not to go about 3-3.5K RPM until the engine is warmed up and you'll be fine. If your car is actually losing power though (as opposed to simply not upshifting), then it could be another problem entirely. Any more info?

When first started from cold, the upshifts are delayed for about the first 3 minutes of the drive to reduce cold start emmissions.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Thank you to all who replied putting my mind at ease. When it's warm it shifts fine and in Houston it's rarely cold. My commute changed hence the need to cross a busy road when the engine is cold - previously I didn't need to give it much gas early at the start of the drive.

Great forum.

Peter