C180 transmission limp mode

[Graeme Bowden]

:-( I own a 2000 C180 (Made in South africa) I have owned MB cars for 30 years and this is my worst car. I bought it from a MB dealer when it was 14 months old. For the last 3 years it has had the same fault that it goes into limp mode intermittently on 1 in 50 times. It is worse in Summer. It has been in for repair numerous times but the MB service agent cannot fix it and denies there is a problem. Has anyone else had a similar problem and how was it fixed. Thanks

 

[Frustrated]

Limp mode??

If you mean 'limp home' mode - goes into third and stays there - mine has just been in the garage for three months trying to fix the same problem. Having done all sorts of things beforehand, they stripped the gearbox down twice, they finally decided to replace it although they and I kept saying there was nothing wrong with it. Got a new one shipped from Germany, fitted it, problem still there. Put the old one back and the problem has finally gone away. No idea what it was, but replacing the gearbox then putting the old one back in did the trick.

FULL MARKS to MB of Truro for staying with it. FULL MARKS to Leon, their MB mechanic/technician of 19 years standing, for his determination. FULL MARKS to them for NOT charging me for any of the work other than the original (unsuccesful) attempt to fix it (new electric plate). FULL MARKS for also giving the car an MOT (expired while in the garage) and NOT charging me for that either. The excellent service given - Smart Roadster as a loan car for the duration was SO much fun) - has increased my faith in the MB infrastructure in the UK.

Not much of a suggestion for a solution, but you are not alone. Hope this helps.