98 e320 Transmission question?

[kwhite130]

Is it common for the ‘98’ e320 to downshift hard when slowing down or braking, I've notice my car seems to jerk when I’m slowing down or braking. I had Mercedes check the motor mounts and I was told that they were fine. I’ve also notice that when creeping at slow speed, if I come off the gas, the car doesn't glide but the speed drastically drops. I have a starmark warranty until 2/03 and if this isn’t common for the ‘98’ e320 I will have the dealer check the tranny out. If I take the car in and if they don’t find a problem will I be charged for diagnostic or will the starmark warranty cover the visit? If anyone can help answer my question I would be most thankful.

[blackmercedes]

It's normal to feel the 722.6 tranny downshifting, but not abruptly. Search JCE's posts, as he has a 1998 C230 with all sorts of tranny woes, including the problem you mentioned.

A friend of mine with a 98 C280 had such violent downshifts that it nearly locked up the rear wheels! The dealer simply installed a new transmission, and the problem was solved.

With your car under warranty, there should be NO charge for diagnostic time if the problem is with a warranty component.

I wonder is the torque converter lock-up is malfunctioning? Anyone got any ideas of why this would happen?

[blackmercedes]

I remember Kevin said his C280 did it lots worse when the tranny temp would be hot, like during hot weather, stop and go driving etc. Is this the same for you?

[kwhite130]

Thanks for the information 'blackmercedes' I'll look through the post that Kevin put up. In my case unlike Kevin's c280 this happens all the time, I could just start up or I could be in stop and go traffic or on a extended trip and it still happens.

[blackmercedes]

Ooops!

You won't find Kevin's posts here, as he's not a member, but a "real world" friend of mine.

JCE is John (another one) with a 1998 C230. Search his posts...

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

I have the same thing on the 4-3 downshift. It seems when braking that the downshift sometimes occurs a little late and then it bangs hard. It has been doing this for a while, with no warranty on the car now. It functions perfectly fine otherwise, so I not worried on my car. But your car has a warranty. The downshift will be noticeable, but if it is really hard, then I might want to see what the dealer says.

[kwhite130]

Thanks for the comments. I made an appointment with the dealer and I hope they find the problem and fix it this time.

My 95 E320 did the same thing, harsh to obnoxious 4-3 downshift. It did it when I was slowing down to make a turn, say around 25mph, depress the throttle and bang, into 3rd we go. I was able to soften it up a lot by shortening the bowden cable more than spec.

Dale

[joe p]

.6 d-shift complaints.


freewheel units are "missing" the load then grabbing.


If you get someone who knows these units, the freewheels are a simple install, otherwise the unit will most likely be replaced. There a several valve body and .6 control unit updates as well.


Joe