Is there an upgrade to the 7 spd auto software?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area, CA
2013 ML350
Is there an upgrade to the 7 spd auto software?
My wife has a 07 c230 auto with the 7spd transmission. It's a fantastic transmission and shifts very smoothly when driving normally, however on the highway, if I stomp the gas to make a pass in D, the car takes a while to pick a gear. Based on the duration of the shift(s) and tachometer, it looks as though it downshifts to gear 6, then 5, then 4 instead of jumping from D to 4 directly. (Display shows D the whole time, but I know it's downshifting based on the RPMs). This happens in either S or C mode.
Does anyone know of a fix for this, such as a software upgrade, that will improve the shifting speed? TIA.
Does anyone know of a fix for this, such as a software upgrade, that will improve the shifting speed? TIA.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I recall reading in the service DVD that their is an update to the 7 spd software as a solution to problems I do not recall.
I'm not sure if the update is done with standard DAS? Or something else.
You should still be under warranty no?
Where in bay area are you? (Just curious)
I'm not sure if the update is done with standard DAS? Or something else.
You should still be under warranty no?
Where in bay area are you? (Just curious)
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
But, there are multiple software updates for the 7G transmission. In fact, I have my car scheduled for the fluid/filter change and software update next week.
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
+1, or if you rather, just put the accelerator to the floor making sure to activate the kickdown button under the accelerator pedal.
But, there are multiple software updates for the 7G transmission. In fact, I have my car scheduled for the fluid/filter change and software update next week.
But, there are multiple software updates for the 7G transmission. In fact, I have my car scheduled for the fluid/filter change and software update next week.
Super Moderator
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 64
From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
Absolutely. If you pay attention to the behavior of the 7G and learn it traits (Some people call them quirks 
), and drive the car how the transmission wants it driven, you'll both be happier. Or, just use the shifter and make the transmission shift how you want it to shift 
Most people really complain about the 7G, but IMO it is a great transmission if you are willing to adapt your driving style to match the behavior of the transmission. It does have a bit of a learning curve. If you have never driven a "drive by wire" accelerator (this is my 1st), that really adds to the learning curve as well.
Only thing I would change about the 7G, would be to change the gear ratios slightly. 1st gear is incredibly low (4.377:1) and 2nd is a little to high. Make second gear a little lower, then change 5th to about the ratio of 4th, 4th a little lower, make 6th gear 1:1 (instead of overdrive), and make 7th the ratio of 6th.
), and drive the car how the transmission wants it driven, you'll both be happier. Or, just use the shifter and make the transmission shift how you want it to shift Most people really complain about the 7G, but IMO it is a great transmission if you are willing to adapt your driving style to match the behavior of the transmission. It does have a bit of a learning curve. If you have never driven a "drive by wire" accelerator (this is my 1st), that really adds to the learning curve as well.
Only thing I would change about the 7G, would be to change the gear ratios slightly. 1st gear is incredibly low (4.377:1) and 2nd is a little to high. Make second gear a little lower, then change 5th to about the ratio of 4th, 4th a little lower, make 6th gear 1:1 (instead of overdrive), and make 7th the ratio of 6th.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area, CA
2013 ML350
I recall reading in the service DVD that their is an update to the 7 spd software as a solution to problems I do not recall.
I'm not sure if the update is done with standard DAS? Or something else.
You should still be under warranty no?
Where in bay area are you? (Just curious)
I'm not sure if the update is done with standard DAS? Or something else.
You should still be under warranty no?
Where in bay area are you? (Just curious)
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area, CA
2013 ML350
+1, or if you rather, just put the accelerator to the floor making sure to activate the kickdown button under the accelerator pedal.
But, there are multiple software updates for the 7G transmission. In fact, I have my car scheduled for the fluid/filter change and software update next week.
But, there are multiple software updates for the 7G transmission. In fact, I have my car scheduled for the fluid/filter change and software update next week.
Absolutely. If you pay attention to the behavior of the 7G and learn it traits (Some people call them quirks ), and drive the car how the transmission wants it driven, you'll both be happier. Or, just use the shifter and make the transmission shift how you want it to shift
Most people really complain about the 7G, but IMO it is a great transmission if you are willing to adapt your driving style to match the behavior of the transmission. It does have a bit of a learning curve. ....
), and drive the car how the transmission wants it driven, you'll both be happier. Or, just use the shifter and make the transmission shift how you want it to shift Most people really complain about the 7G, but IMO it is a great transmission if you are willing to adapt your driving style to match the behavior of the transmission. It does have a bit of a learning curve. ....
Thanks for the feedback gents.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Glad you mentioned that. With modern technology and sophisticated programming, couldn't the car learn the driver's behavior (instead of the other way around) and adjust the shifting program incrementally? Until that day comes, I hope the software upgrade will make the "S" mode downshift more aggressively.
Thanks for the feedback gents.
Thanks for the feedback gents.
Super Moderator
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
One thing I want to make clear with the 7G when driven decisively in AUTO mode - If it is in 5th gear, for instance, and you need to accelerate briskly - give the throttle a good shove and it should change directly to 3rd gear - NOT go first to 4th then 3rd - this is one of the 7G pluses over older designs - If your box does not do this it has a software glitch.
Also - a big no-no with the 7G is what I call yo-yo throttle driving. People who endlessly accelerate & back off (go from positive to trailing throttle endlessly & a lot do). This confuses the 7G, you get change ups & downs - hunting and torque converter lock ups all occuring at the same time and in the worst situations you can provoke a clonk out of the diff and propshaft due to a certain amount of lash being taken up when you catch the box out. This is plainly bad driving. If you want to accelerate past the car ahead of you at three quarter throttle then hold the throttle at 3/4 until you have executed the move and then back off. Under those conditions the 7G will perform faultlessly as designed.
I find many people don't realise just how badly they manipulate the throttle - get out of the bad habit and you will have a nice smooth ride and save fuel. If one is honest about it you can even catch the 5 speed auto wanting if you accelerate hard and snap the throttle off just as the torque converter is locking up with a resultant transmission clonk.
