Hello,
We have a 1999 E320 4matic wagon and having some problems with the cold weather here in the Northeast. Since the temp's have dropped below thirty degrees, when first starting out in drive the car will not move (engine rev's). If you wait a couple of seconds, the car jerks into gear. Once on the road, the car will not upshift until the car is driven a few miles. A couple of times I pulled over, turned the car off then restarted. Most of the time this works or sometime putting the car in manual (shift lever to the left) also works.
We had the exact same problem last winter. I changed the tranny fluid and filter this summer thinking it would help. The transmission is flawless in the warm weather. I did a search and see people changing the electrical unit (?) in the transmission above the valve body. Is there any a software or hardware upgrade for this???
Any help would be appreciated with this problem.
Steve N.

First things first, dip the transmission to see if the ATF is at the correct level. Take it for a 10 minute drive first to warm the ATF up.

Checked the level and it's right at the full mark. I know these cars had issues with the tranny and I'm just looking for the most common problem on the 722.6 before the dealer tells me it needs a new one.
Thanks,
Steve N.

Did you use MB's trans fluid or another product when it was changed last summer?

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

The first thing to do is check to see if the ATF has crept up the wiring harness and contaminated the control module. This only takes a few minutes and doesn't cost anything.

After that, it's probably a good idea to check for fault codes, and to see if the adaptation data is within specification. A repair shop equipped with SDS would be the way to go. This will save a lot of guess work.

Thanks,
I did use the MB fluid (problem started before fluid change). I did read about the fluid running up the harness and will check that today. Your right, my next step is to see if any codes are showing. I just have the obd2 diagnostic software and that is not showing any transmission codes. Next step will be a MB shop with correct software.
I'll try to keep everyone posted with the fix.
Thanks again,
Steve N.

Sorry to be so basic but did you check the gearbox oil level while hot, or cold?

I did check the oil hot and it was right at the full line for hot. I'm also going to check the temp sensor for correct resistance to see if that may be a problem. My other option is to move somewhere warmer!!

Its worth removing the panel that holds the window switches (easy job, just lifts out from near your elbow), and wiggling the cable into the gearbox ECU - contacts can get dodgy there.

Engine running too, correct?

Prob time for a check using SDS to see what going on.

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Engine runs great with no codes. I put a new airflow sensor in right after we bought the car. It's defineatly a tranny problem. If you accelerate cold the rpm's come up but the cars just sits there. Then you get a bang when it decides to shift into drive. Then it takes a few miles before it will shift out of first.
I really do need to get the car checked with the correct software.
THanks

I have the same issues as noted in the original post. My 99 E320 4 matic has 100k miles on it. I just had it at the MB Specialty shop to have the transmission serviced, oil and filters changed. Used Mobil 1 Full Synthetic.
When the weather is around freezing and the car has not run for more than 6 hours the transmission does not engage. The engine will rev and in a few seconds the transmission engages with a bang. Then it takes a couple of minutes of driving in first gear revving between 3 & 4k rpm before it will up shift.
The shop is talking about a rebuilt tranny but I have to believe that there is a simpler more financially viable option. Can anyone provide some advice for a solution.

thank
Kechika