2003 E320 tranny question
 

Hey Guys! I am wondering if you could tell me the operation of the transmission found in the 03 E320 sedan. I have seen MB transmissions in the past which started out in 2nd gear for better fuel economy but if you pushed the gas pedal down far enough it would jump down into 1st for the desired acceleration. It this true for this car as well? The car is equipped with the 5 speed automatic tranny.

Andy in KY

It should be covered in the manual, but the 722.6xx five-speed is an adaptive transmission. It starts in first unless you select "W" mode, which will cause it to start in second gear and also resets the shift points.

There is a procedure to reset the transmission adaptations if it seems sluggish. But it will re-adapt to your driving patterns over time anyway.

Hope that helps.

Yes, I have been driving it in "W" mode. I will try the "S" mode and check for a difference.

Thanks, Andy

The modes might be labeled "C" & "S" for comfort & sport, but they operate as described above. Not sure exactly when MB migrated from winter/summer to comfort/sport.

I do not have any manual(s) for troubleshooting or to know intended operations of components of the car. Where is the best and most cost effective way to get these manual(s)?

You can download the owners manual here: Mercedes-Benz - Home of C, E, S, CLS, CL, SLK, SL, R, GLK, M, GL, G Class

Mercedes charges for access to the workshop manual. It is via a system known as WIS. If you are looking for general information and DIY for simple tasks, you can find it at this and other forums.

Ball joints in the front suspension are a bit of a weak point on this model. Best get that noise looked at pronto, it could be a safety issue. Not too difficult nor expensive a repair.

this car is the W211 model I presume, if it is then pop the hood and make sure the radiator does not say VALEO on it.

If it does - stop the car, get the transmission fluid checked from the dealer for antifreeze contamination and proceed accordingly.

It is a known fault in that model and can cost you heavily.

My car which is a W210 has a backward leak but Im installing a new radiator which I recieve today from the brown truck.

The shifter will have and S/W switch, for standard and wet - the wet mode makes it launch from 2nd and also has a super low reverse to aid in wet condition. The S is normal driving and is really great in the 722.6 transmission.

Yes it is a W211. I will check the radiator. I'll be putting the car in the shop tomorrow and troubleshoot the noise.