My 2000 C230K (16,700 miles) has the following harsh shifting issue during cold starts:

1. During the first couple of minutes after a cold start (engine off for around 5+ hours), the engine whines loudly upon acceleration and the tach goes to 2500 to 3000 between each jerky shift. After a couple of minutes, the shifting returns to smooth and normal.

2. If I start the engine, then turn off the engine and then restart the engine within the first couple of minutes, the shifting seems "more or less" fine. No engine whine.

3. On idle (in Park) during the first couple of minutes after a cold start, I can definitely hear a barely audible but nevertheless distinct mechanical whining sound accompanying the sound of the fan belt. This sound goes away abruptly after two minutes, consistently.

Does anybody have any thoughts about what may be causing this issue?

Thank You!!

 

I'm having a similar/same problem for the second time... I just reopened the thread... You might have interest:

https://mercedesforum.com/forum/mercedes-c-class-10/transmission-gas-fuel-injection-22911/

 

Thank You, SouthernGent, for the informative link to your thread. My 2000 C230K, with only 16,700 miles, obviously isn't a daily driver and has never needed anything other than Mobil One oil changes. Unfortunately the service guy where I get my oil changed told me that they don't have the proper "key" to access and check the transmission fluid, but there may be other repair shops with such ability (there are no Mercedes dealerships in my area.) I'll keep my eyes posted on our threads, with fingers crossed that we'll both have some luck with getting helpful responses. For now I'm just letting my car warm up for the full two minutes it takes to apparently resolve the "grinding/droning" shifting situation, then it's fine until the next time I start it up cold.
Again, much appreciation!!!