1997 C230

My C230 has suddenly developed transmission "issues":

Specifically > it does not want to shift into top gear.... shifts ok in the lower gears [sort-of... there is some slippage] ..

High frequency noise cooresponding to speed...> coming from transmission area

Ideas?? thoughts??

Hey sorry to hear that. After 120,000 trouble free miles (and one fluid change), I had the same symptoms (but without the noise) with our 1997 C230. Our independent mechanic that we use for normal things tested electronically (and, I think, just as important, visually and smell wise) and ended up installing a new valve body (and one other minor thing I can't remember) and all was well. The work included new fluid and filter. My understanding with the 722.6 is that it's fairly simple to figure out what's wrong and, while not inexpensive, fix it. Hope things work out for you.

__________________
Michael

1988 300 SL (5 Speed)
1994 E320 Wagon
1997 C230

The early 722.6 transmission valve bodies and TCM has undergone several design changes to address shifting problems. Have your dealer run a repair search of you car to check for any updates than haven’t been done. Have the car scan for any fault codes and read the fill time adaptation for the clutches, as this will tell if the clutches are worn.