C280 Adaptive Transmission
 

Anyone -

I was having a serious downshift problem in my '97 C280 - it would "clunk" from 3rd to 2nd really hard when decelerating fast. After a few visits to my indie and finally the dealership, they put a new transmission computer in. Problem solved. However, the tech at the dealership told me that MB had put out this updated computer a while back. Prior to the man. warranty expiring, "they" couldn't duplicate the problem. RIGHT. Alas, after the warranty expired all the sudden the dealership kew what the problem was. My question is this - was MB replacing the Trans computer for anyone while it was under warranty? This site has been a major education (thanks everyone), but I feel I've been had. The dealership advisor even told me that they had some serious problems with the old computer. Why hadn't this been explained before? Anyone with any advice out there? Should I call New Jersey?

Thanks

Mark E.
Ft. Lauderdale

Re: C280 Adaptive Transmission
 

Yes. Find out who the Zone Rep is, and begin asking lots of questions. And good luck, as they will stonewall you at every turn.

Yes, these transmission computers have been replaced under warranty. My mom's car had it replaced under warranty for a different problem.

My 97 C280 does the same exact thing on the 4-3 downshift, but I am willing to live with it as everything else works fine and I don't mind a harsh downshift. I would follow John's advice and get on them, how did they suddenly know about the problem when the updated computer has been around for a few years?

Thanks guys - I will begin the phone calls today. I will post what happens! Thanks.

Mark E.

Ft. Lauderdale

In my moms old 97 C280 (now gone), we had nothing but tranny problems. When approaching a stop sign, you could feel the tranny banging gears....4...3....2....1 VERY annoying. Dealership replaced the computer I think twice. No difference. This was the first year of that tranny and I personally think it has alot of glitches that cant be fixed cheaply. I liked the mechanical 4 speed one alot better.

That was part of the reason we got rid of that car. Once the warranty ran out, service bills would be outrageous. It spent most of its 3 and a half years in the shop anyways.

So to answer your question, I would say what your experiencing is normal for this tranny, unfortunetely. But I know the hassle with what your going through. Dealers are of no help, just give you lip service. Least thats what they did with us.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?threadid=27654&highlight=c230+trans

This outlines the tranny problems I had/have on my 98 C230. As a final update, MBUSA replied to my letter by stating that they stand behind their area rep and dealer, and won't interfere if those 2 entities think there is no problem, and MB has a goodwill policy, etc. The trans still occasionally slips on upshifts between 1 and 2, or 2 and 3. Also, it sometimes takes its own sweet time (engine revving away merrily) downshifting while trying to pass! The dealer and factory rep told me to keep a log of when/where/how/date on these issues, and that if it ever fails "in a reasonable time after end of warranty" then they will "consider appropriate goodwill action" :rolleyes: (Translation: Go away, you're a problem!)

The dealership then kept delaying a refund of the Heritage warranty - for 3 months! Then I had the nice young lady from my teachers Credit Union credit card complaints/fraud department give them a call. Don't know what she said to them, but 20 minutes after I talked to her the dealer phoned me and very stiffly informed me a certified check would be sent FedEx to my residence that afternoon. I put the refund into a Trans Failure account, and plan on being a vocal and highly visible PITA to the dealer and anyone who will listen if that trans goes out before 100k miles.

Good luck with yours, but don't expect much from MBU$A.

Thanks everyone... This is my 2nd C280. I love everything about the car, but I'm more than suprised to hear and personally experience how the dealerships deal with this issue. It's obviously not great PR on the dealerships part - I was told by a MB fanatic/friend of mine that once you've purchased your 1st MB you'll be sold for life. But this has been a matter of cost control on the part of MB it seems. What shame. I still love many things about the car though - it just doesn't drive like I thought a MB should, or did when I first got it. My other one drives great. I'll certainly keep everyone posted.

Thanks!

Mark E.

Ft. Lauderdale