Droc10

So my wife and I picked up a brand new ML 350 about 10 days ago, and we've been noticing that the transmission doesn't shift very smooth, particularly in lower gears. Going from first to second to third, the car stutters between gears (almost shakes a little bit). In higher gears the shifting is smooth and seamless, but we can't figure out why it feels like it is shifting "hard" in lower gears. For example, sometimes when the car is in first gear getting ready to go to second gear, it will pause for a second and then slam me into second gear. And then going from second to third gear, the car feels like it hesitates and/or shakes between gears. Once we get over third gear, no problems. Any ideas what could be causing the shifting problems in low gears?

manjurino1

I had the same issue on mine. Picked it up in April. I have roughly 900 miles on the clock, and its significantly better now. I think it may just be the transmission being new and going thru the break in period.

Droc10

Thanks for the reply. I am hopeful that the issue will correct itself as the adaptive transmission starts to get used to the way I drive it. I am going to take it in to the dealer to have them check the computer to make sure the timing isn't off. I also have been reading about a 1,000 mile break in period. Is there any truth to that?

manjurino1

This is my 6th Mercedes. (All leased) one thing I have realized with all 6 cars cars, they always have some weird driving issues or rattles. As the car gets driven more, it's seems that everything goes away. That's why I would think the break in period is valid. As mentioned, I had very harsh shifting when I first started driving it, and it has all been sorted out thru driving the car.. They may flash the software, but not sure how much that would help..

Droc10

Thanks for your input...much appreciated!

Has anyone else on the forum experienced any issues similar to those I listed in my original post? If so, did your issues resolve after the break in period similar to other gentleman who replied to this post? Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

GregGebhardt

The only issue I had with my 2015 350BT was the tranny like slipping when cold in the lower gears. Turns out it was normal and goes away after a mile or so. Shifting after that we smooth and predictable.

Breitling65

My 4 weeks old tranny on 2015 ML350 is a bit jerky too on downshifting at low speed. But I believe it is software controled and addaptive to the particular driving style of the driver, you could ask dealer to reset it to the factory and see if any difference. I am sure it will be different for couple days and will comeback to jerks after. Sometimes dealer might have software upgrades to improve tranny, not sure if something is available.

bluesIIVV

Our 5000 mile 2015 ML350 just had a transmission installed (new or rebuilt the service adviser couldn't tell me - which is kind of funny). The symptom was someone kicking you in the pants on light acceleration in first gear.

We traded an E-class due to driveline issues and it seems we're headed in the same direction with the new ML.

We did get it back from the dealer with baked on bird poop on the hood - so there is that!

Hoplatani

Taie ut to the MB dealer, the y havé to fix it thru star C4 with a program calée Vidiamo. The fix it by computer, did it a couple of weeks ago

bluesIIVV

They should have used a computer to design the slush box! Unacceptable engineering IMO. Theses symptoms plagued GM vehicles in the 1980s and they sorted it out (eventually).

docjennings

Traded in smooth shifting 2014 glk diesel for 2015 ml diesel. Beautiful diamond white with tobacco leather, couldn't be happier until I drove it home. Hardly made it turning left at an intersection, jerky shifts and the kick in the pants 1st gear syndrome. Called dealer, give it a day which I did. Next day with my wife and 3 young grandchildren aboard almost involved in serious accident because of lack of response going left at stop light. Check engine light came on, then the vehicle became almost 'possessed' jerking and almost undriveable. Red triangle appeared on dash. Remember this suv is only a couple of days old! Dropped off the passengers at the Golden Arches and limped home, called the dealer and told them to pick it up (I wasn't driving it another block) and return it when perfect. We shall see. The other horror stories I've read are all true in their descriptions of what happens. Having owned and driven over 40 vehicles in my life with every transmission and number of gears possible this is the absolute worst. Please tell me it will be perfect soon as the rest of the car is fine.

gkgeiger

I must be lucky, my '15 ML 250 is perfect.

Breitling65

Please update after dealer see your car.

DUTCH

I had it big time in a 2014 ML350BTC. It was completely resolved when I traded it in on a 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI. The Q7's tranny is smooth as silk.

This shifting problem in the 7G-Tronic has been happening since the 2007 ML320CDI I had. One would think that MB could have fixed this in 7 years of service.

Breitling65

Yeee, but Audi is known for other issues, like engine takes oil for example ...

DUTCH

Really? I had a 2010 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI for four years and 76,000 miles. At the most it would use 1/2 qt of oil between 5,000 mile oil changes. I guess that meant "the engine takes oil" in your words; but come to think of it all combustion engines take oil. Some use more that others, but not my Audis.

Breitling65

Anyone care about your particular Audi on MB forum? I know someone who is driving relatively nee A5 with engine oil needs to be added every 2-3 weeks and Auidi dealer!!!! told him it is Ok, normal for Audi. So?

DUTCH

Your false generalized accusation needed a response. My original response in this thread was in response to a request earlier in the thread. Your accusation to that message had nothing to do with the thread either.

Breitling65

Ok all around posting False and only you are telling us True stories with Audi examples? Why would i care about Audi first place? Go on your VW forum and post there, they are happy owners of Audi.

docjennings

After dealer installed a new camshaft sensor the car drives perfectly. Fingers crossed it will stay that way. Everything else is perfect.

shawx

I too have had issues with a brand new ML350 2015 Bluetec we purchased in March this year. Intermittently, on light acceleration from stop lights it seems like it would downshift for a split second then back up, with a violent clunk and jerk throwing us forward in our seats. Almost like the engine cut out for a split second. We took it to our dealer in Victoria, who checked it out, found nothing wrong, reset the learning on the transmission, and handed it back to us. We are now on an extended camping trip across Canada trip towing a small (1350 KG travel trailer) and the problem has worsened so that at least once a day, even when on cruise control on level ground at between 90 and 110 km per hour), it will do the violent clunk and jerk up to 5 times in quick succession. Made it to Ottawa where again the dealer has checked it out, found nothing and given it back to us. My concern is our trip takes us eventually to Labrador and if it completely fails, it is a long way to the nearest dealer. My 2008 Toyota Sienna gave me no issues for the 7 years I had it. Ironically I traded it in for the Mercedes to get a more reliable vehicle!

HAILERS2

I've a 2014 ML350 BLUETEC with 71K on it and have not had the shifter type problems described here. Luck of the draw???

The Audi Q7 is sort of relevant here on this forum, since Mercedes won't be making the GLE with the 3 liter engine. I'm not up to buying one(GLE with 3.0) from Canada and bringing it down here. I guess I could buy a GL with the 3.0. A bit too big for me though.

Had a GLE350 gas version as a loaner for a couple of days and no shifter problems noted.