W202 autobox & dash lights

[GeneralCuster]

My C200 Elegance delays changing from 2nd - 3rd gear until 3000rpm if it's just been started, whether it's a cold or hot start. Is this a normal failsafe device to stop a cold or just started engine from labouring?

It's fine once you've driven about a mile or so, with overdrive kicking in at 30mph if you're driving gently.

Also, could any W202 C-Class owners tell me if their lightswitch & dimmer controls light up at night? Mine don't, and as no other dash have failed, I'm assuming that the light control area shouldn't light up.

Thanks!

GeneralCuster

'96 C200 Elegance
'03 Skoda Superb
'89 Range Rover Vogue V8

 

[MondeoMan]

I have a 96 C200 too (4spd auto), it too doesn't swap cogs until 3000 rpm for the first couple of mins. The light switch doesn't light up on the W202, I blame the accountants because that doesn't make any sense.

A question for you - do you have a gear indicator? Mine doesn't, it's no problem during daylight but at night I have to look closely to make sure I'm not in reverse/neutral rather than drive. Every other auto car I've tried has something.

 

[Anthony Howard]

Hi there!
I have a 98 C200 with the 5sp box which does exactly the same and has done since i bought it. After around 2 mins of driving once the engine has walmed slightly it is fine. Im presuming this is normal.

 

[GeneralCuster]

Thanks, guys... At least it seems all is operating normally! Yes, I think it's one of those cost cutting things with the light switch area... I'm used to things being a lot more "illuminated" with the Skoda Superb, where even the markings in the air-vent control wheels light up at night & also the recesses behind the door handles, so you're not fumbling around in the dark!

As for the autobox selector indicator, mine is the same, yes. No marker. I assume that with the odd-shaped shifter pattern, you get used to where drive is, etc. Even my 17 year old Rangie's selector turns red to mark the gear you're in. I think the new Mercs have it in the dash display. But £30k is a lot to spend for such small niceties!

Thanks again!

 

[jimsinessex]

The delay in changing up when cold is normal. It is to speed up the engine and cat warmup and meet the cold start emissions regs.
Incidently I believe that is why MB persisted with 3-valve technology for so long, it saves crucial seconds during the cold start part of the emissions test by warming the cat up faster as there is less heat lost through one exhaust port than two.

Jim