My 98 E320 does not shift in cold mornings. When driving in cold weather it stay in first gear and do not shift. I do not have this issue in normal temprature.

Does any body knows if this is normal for E320 or my transmission getting ready to go down?

Thanks

 

I also have this shifting problem in my E-320 (1996), except opposite. It shifts fine in temps below 20 deg. but at warmer temps shifts only after bringing the speed up to 32 mph. Then it shifts normal the rest of the time after the first initial run up in the morning.

My older 190-E had similar issues to yours where shifting was rough when cold. I have lived with it for the past 8 years, and never had a failure, but just figured the car liked didn't like the cold any more than I did, so I would baby her for the first few miles.

Feedback on this post might help 2 of us. I just considered it a Mercedes quirk.

Aardvark

 

I have currently having the same problem..It's cold and it will not shift into 2nd gear. After about a mile it kickes into 2nd gear. It has not always done this and seems to be getting worse. Sometimes I can turn the car off and back on and it works fine...any ideas would be appreciated..

 

My 94 E320, purchased used in '98 with 80k miles has also "stuck" in first (maybe 2nd) when the engine was cold. After driving 1/2 a mile or so, it would up shift, and it would shift normally. It has always done this, hot weather or cold. When I asked my mechanic about this at the time I was told that Benz did this intentionally to reduce emissions when the engine was cold. I have no idea as to the veracity of this statement. Perhaps other more knowledgeable folks know for sure.

 

Here is what i found on another site....this may help. The wires mentioned in the post below may be getting damaged over time.....

I'd be more inclined to think it is a faulty conducter plate inside the transmission. Other common problems related to those codes are a leaking harness connector at the transmission, fluid in the transmission control module due to wicking up the harness, or a bad transmission control module. It is going to need to go to a Mercedes specialist for proper diagnosis. Costs could run anywhere from under $100.00 if it's just the harness connector to $750.00 or even over $1000.00 if it's some of the other items.

 

Folks,
It gets cold here in central VA. Single digit and teens temperatures are the norm these days. I start my 98 E320 every AM, let the rpms come down to a more sedate level after about 25 seconds, then shift into gear and go to work. The initial start and subsequent start from the stop sign down the street always have the 1st gear holding for a little while. This is perfectly normal. Once the engine warms up, the shifting pattern will go back to normal. This is nothing to be alarmed about.

What I would be alarmed about is having your 1st gear hold until past 30 MPH or for a whole mile! Yikes! You need to get that checked out. My ride will hold the rpms for a very short period of time and will usually shift at about 15-20 mph for the first few cold shifts. If what you are saying is true, I would recommend going to your independent mechanic to get it checked out. Perhaps your fluid needs attention? Good luck.

 

Skuddog,
32 mph is when it shifts. This is not a terrible inconvenience, and the rpm (even though I don't like it) is at about 2500-3000 when it shifts. It's not screaming. The shift is smooth, and your good all day, unless it cools way way down again.
It is more prevelant when it is warm out, and when it is cold (below 25 deg) it shifts normal.
I would have thought it should be the other way around as far as temps go.
I I certainly don't leave the rpm hanging. I will immediately run it up to the shift point and go on with my day.
My big concern is if it is going to let me down somewhere. The problem otherwise is something I can live with, as I did with the 190E. I've lived with that for almost 9 years.

Aardvark

 

Artie,
Thanks for the explanation. I don't know what to tell you. Please check out other threads on this forum and Benzworld.org to see if anyone else has commented. If your fluid is good and your indie mechanic has determined that nothing else is wrong.... smile and drive! These trannys are not race car transmissions but they are well built and can deliver great performance if not abused or ignored. Drive safely!

 

ur trans. fluid either old or not the right one. u have to change it for the right one. the dealer sells it about $12 (each). until ur transmission is cold ur fluid like the honey and can't go through on small holes. as soon as it is getting warm then the fluid gets lighter and can operate the valve body.