NHTSA Service Bulletin 11010455: 2003, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Mercedes Benz Amg C43
Official manufacturer communication context for 2003, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Mercedes Benz Amg C43, with affected products, buyer checks and links into Carchieve recall, problem and VIN research.
Reviewed June 2026 from NHTSA manufacturer communication and service bulletin records. Carchieve is independent and not affiliated with any vehicle manufacturer or government agency.
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain' (PTCU) control unit Y3/8 - Transmission control for 9-gear transmission (VGS) N3/10 - Engine electronics for combustion engine If faults are present, process them as per the guided test in Xentry If no faults are present: Check the oil level of the transmission If the oil level is correct: Unplug the connector for the transfer cases control unit Reassess the vehicle on a subsequent test drive If the complaint no longer occurs: Perform an oil change of the transfer case according to WIS specifications After please complete all transfer case Tech-in processes located under VG control unit Adaptations tab - Resetting the oil service data - Calibration of N15/7 Perform road test of vehicle to bring transmission to operating temperature ( >60C ) Operate vehicle in full circle with steering at full lock - 5x to the left - 5x to the right Reassess the vehicle following the oil change and teach in If the problem continues to occur with the plug removed or after the oil change has been carried out: Create a TIPS case with the following data Initial quick test with fault freeze frame data EEPROM data from Y3/8 Transmission control unit EEPROM data from N45 All-wheel drive Injector performance data
What this bulletin may mean before buying
Treat this as service research, not a verdict on one car. Before you buy, compare this communication with official recall campaigns, model-level owner complaint patterns, and the exact vehicle’s VIN-decoded specifications. A bulletin can help you ask a seller or dealer sharper questions about software updates, known repairs, warranty extensions and service history.
Affected products listed in this communication
Buyer checklist
- Run the 17-character VIN and confirm the year, make, model, engine and equipment match the listing.
- Check recall campaign pages for safety actions that may require dealer repair.
- Compare this bulletin with common problem pages for the same model and component area.
- Ask the seller or dealer whether the bulletin procedure, update or inspection has already been completed.
- Use the used-car buying checklist and get an independent inspection.
Frequently asked questions
What is NHTSA service bulletin 11010455?
Complaint Only vehicles with a variable transfer case are affected. Can be identified through control unit N45 or N15/7 in the quick test When accelerating with light load, vibrations or jolting sensation may come from the drivetrain Cause Modified oil quality of the transfer case over time Remedy Check initial quick test for faults in the following control units N45 - All-wheel drive (ARS) N127 - 'Drivetrain'.
Is a service bulletin the same as a recall?
No. A recall is a safety campaign with a required remedy for affected VINs. A service bulletin or manufacturer communication usually describes diagnostic, repair, software, warranty or service information.
How should a used-car buyer use this bulletin?
Use it as a research signal. Compare it with recalls, owner complaints, service records, a VIN report and an independent inspection before buying.
Check the exact VIN before you buy
Model-level pages show public safety patterns. A full VIN report helps confirm the exact vehicle, decoded specs, recall applicability and buyer checks.
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