I recently bought my first Mercedes (a 2000 C280 Sport) and while I really love the car, I am annoyed at the lack of responsiveness in terms of acceleration. When you step on the gas, there is this "Mercedes delay" before it really kicks in and goes. As a previous BMW driver (325, 328, 540, M5), I really miss the responsiveness of BMW. BMW's go right when you punch em. Don't get me wrong - I love my Mercedes and once it kicks in, the power is... ok, but I *hate* the delay! There have even been times when I want to make a quick lane change and it almost becomes unsafe because the car takes a moment to react to what I'm trying to do.

Is there any upgrade or procedure that can be done to eliminate that approximately 1-second delay for the car responds to throttle? Do ECU upgrades help at all? Call me picky, but I want something that acts instantly when I get on the gas. I drove a bunch of C280's and they all did it, so I don't think it's a particular problem with mine. If it's "just the way Mercedes are", then I think this will be my last and I'll head back to the BMW camp... but I really do like Mercedes (other than this issue!)

Any advice is much appreciated!!!

 

The onboard ECU maybe needs a reboot.

I know it sounds silly, but i'm being serious, you will loose ESP, Traction Control, E'Brakes, and ABS for a few minutes - but just keep driving normally... And I mean - just drive it sensibly until the computer finds its feet to bring them all back online.

If like mine its an Auto then the gear shifting maybe a learning system (like mine), but again this will automatically adjust to your driving style, just like the ECU(computer) does with the engine and gas pedal response.

Now the big question!! How to!! right?? [&:]

Easy, Take off the + battery terminal and leave it for about a half hour.

Best of Luck.

2001 W203 C320 v6 - Brillaint Silver - CD - Premium MB Wheels - Black Leather - Auto Xenon HID Lights - Auto Sensing Wipers - Twin K&N Panel Filters

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I've had my '99 C280 for about a year now, and I know what you're talking about but have adjusted my driving style. If I depress the gas pedel a bit more slowly, the power seems to ramp up more quickly.
Your transmission is the 722.606 model which is a version or two past the original Continously Adaptive Transmission. The transmission is continouly responding to your driving style. The 722.606 has a few quirks and bottlom line, what you are expirenceing is normal. There may be a chip upgrade, but I don't know where it is.
BTW, even though MB claims the A/T fluid is for life most mechanics and owners switch it out ever 30-60K mi. I switched mine and the transmission is less quirky-still has a hesitation though.
Good luck

 

normal operation , because of the "drive by wire " , the actuator opens with a delay , my 98c230 does the same crap , if you dont want a delay buy a new E63 ! I bet we wish we could!

 

I hear you saying to drive it "normally" and "sensibly". If the computer is learning and reacting to my driving habits, can I affect change by perhaps driving harder than normal? Or should I just do the typical on-my-way-to-the-supermarket driving?

 

Just drive it how you drive. In theory it should then adapt to your driving style.

 

My 97 C280 sport is the same way, like it has to think about it before it wants to go. I have seen this question asked before with no good answer.

 

My 2002 C270CDI has about a 1-2 second delay too. I have had it 2 years now and like others changed my driving style and I now depress the pedal with this delay in mind.

Reading the "Learning" above I just thought I would add that I drive through country lanes day in day out.But for the last 2 years its allways been full throttle or brake.. not much in between...

What will I need to do before it realises I make good progress and looses that horrible throttle delay..?

Will disconnect the battery tomorrow and try that. Perhaps the first owner used it for Funeral Service and the computer hasent adjusted ??