Vibration Through Automatic Shifter
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
2013 C250 Sport
Vibration Through Automatic Shifter
Hello All,
I own a 2013 C-250 with approximately 28,000 miles, and was wondering if anyone else can verify my below concern.
When I drive my vehicle on the highway, specifically when it’s in the overdrive gear, I can feel vibration through the automatic shifter. It isn’t a violent vibration, nor does it emit any sounds. It’s a very light vibrating sensation that I can feel as I rest my hands on the shifter.
The issue is I do not feel this same sensation when in any other gear. In fact, if I manually shift the vehicle from its overdrive gear to 6th gear while on the highway, the vibration is immediately gone.
I was hoping some fellow w204 owners, especially those with a c250, could test to see if there automatic shifter exhibits the same behavior when in the overdrive gear.
Thank you in advance!
I own a 2013 C-250 with approximately 28,000 miles, and was wondering if anyone else can verify my below concern.
When I drive my vehicle on the highway, specifically when it’s in the overdrive gear, I can feel vibration through the automatic shifter. It isn’t a violent vibration, nor does it emit any sounds. It’s a very light vibrating sensation that I can feel as I rest my hands on the shifter.
The issue is I do not feel this same sensation when in any other gear. In fact, if I manually shift the vehicle from its overdrive gear to 6th gear while on the highway, the vibration is immediately gone.
I was hoping some fellow w204 owners, especially those with a c250, could test to see if there automatic shifter exhibits the same behavior when in the overdrive gear.
Thank you in advance!
Last edited by BenzingCorners; May 21, 2014 at 04:19 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
Yep, mine's always had a bit of a vibration. I come from driving manuals, so I don't think much of it.
How many RPM are you turning when this is happening? Mine seems to happen at lower highway speeds (lower RPM).
It's a relatively tiny 4 cylinder with a lot of torque that's geared to turn low RPM when cruising - it's probably a bit of resonance coming through the mechanical connection that handles the PRND portion of the shifter.
How many RPM are you turning when this is happening? Mine seems to happen at lower highway speeds (lower RPM).
It's a relatively tiny 4 cylinder with a lot of torque that's geared to turn low RPM when cruising - it's probably a bit of resonance coming through the mechanical connection that handles the PRND portion of the shifter.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 11
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From: Bay Area, CA
2013 C250 Sport
Thank you, MDMercedesGuy.
I appreciate your explanation for this occurrence.
In regards to your question about RPM's, I turn around 2,000 while cruising on the highway in the overdrive gear.
I tend not to feel it at higher RPM's, as you stated, but I think that may be due to driving in Sport mode. I've noticed the car is very quick to downshift to 6th when I accelerate on the highway in Sport mode, thus causing the engine to turn faster. It will often stay in that gear for sometime after as well.
This is the first car I bought for myself (parents gave me a truck for my first vehicle, which I drove for 12 years). As such, I'm very particular about any little nuances I notice. Therefore, I plan to bring it to my dealer's attention on my next service visit, despite it possibly being normal for this engine.
I appreciate your explanation for this occurrence.
In regards to your question about RPM's, I turn around 2,000 while cruising on the highway in the overdrive gear.
I tend not to feel it at higher RPM's, as you stated, but I think that may be due to driving in Sport mode. I've noticed the car is very quick to downshift to 6th when I accelerate on the highway in Sport mode, thus causing the engine to turn faster. It will often stay in that gear for sometime after as well.
This is the first car I bought for myself (parents gave me a truck for my first vehicle, which I drove for 12 years). As such, I'm very particular about any little nuances I notice. Therefore, I plan to bring it to my dealer's attention on my next service visit, despite it possibly being normal for this engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 90
From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I tend to use E unless I am feeling frisky or people are being stupid, so I probably feel it more than you. It's not unusual for me to be puttering around at 1,500 - 1,800 RPM around town. This vibration is one of the few rough edges of an otherwise very tractable powerplant IMO.
I'll be curious to hear what your dealer has to say.
I'll be curious to hear what your dealer has to say.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 36
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2009 C300 4Matic
In the W204 Your shifter is not mechanically connected to the transmission in any way. It simply has a 5V feed that determine the position you choose by a set resistance, passes that return voltage onto the TCM (transmission control module) which then actuates solenoids in the transmission.
The vibration you likely feeling is likely from the engines harmonics, been it a 4 cyl they tend to run "rougher" and create less of a smooth ride in comparision to a V6, V6 etc.. During cruising will create the most noticeable vibration
It could also be...
- Tire balance issue which may only arises at certain RPM's
- Driveshaft imbalance which again may only arise at certain RPM but is usually quite harsh
- Motor & Transmission mounts (usually more promenent at idle while in gear)
- Drive axle (usually more prominent during acceleration, not while cruising)
BenzingCorners: Regarding sport mode, that is normal operation. The TCM changes shift points, ups transmission line pressure = harder shift engagement, and holds specific gears longer to keep the vehicle within the proper power band.
The vibration you likely feeling is likely from the engines harmonics, been it a 4 cyl they tend to run "rougher" and create less of a smooth ride in comparision to a V6, V6 etc.. During cruising will create the most noticeable vibration
It could also be...
- Tire balance issue which may only arises at certain RPM's
- Driveshaft imbalance which again may only arise at certain RPM but is usually quite harsh
- Motor & Transmission mounts (usually more promenent at idle while in gear)
- Drive axle (usually more prominent during acceleration, not while cruising)
BenzingCorners: Regarding sport mode, that is normal operation. The TCM changes shift points, ups transmission line pressure = harder shift engagement, and holds specific gears longer to keep the vehicle within the proper power band.
Last edited by Mr.Mango; Jun 2, 2014 at 10:16 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 90
From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 36
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2009 C300 4Matic
Your TCM sends a voltage signal to your shifter assembly, depending on the position you choose the resistance is different.. based on return voltage signal to the TCM it determines which gear you want and engages the correct solenoids in the valve body.. transfering hydralic pressure to the correct places.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Bay Area, CA
2013 C250 Sport
Update: I took the vehicle in for the service "A" today and informed my service adviser of the vibration. They took it on a road test and verified the slight vibration when in overdrive gear.
They claim it is normal for this engine, given its size and RPM at which it operates while in the overdrive gear. There is no fix for the vibration.
I guess this is the one quirk I'll have to deal with, as the rest of the car is a pleasure to drive. The vibration took me awhile to even notice, so I'm not going to fret over it.
Thank you both for the information!
They claim it is normal for this engine, given its size and RPM at which it operates while in the overdrive gear. There is no fix for the vibration.
I guess this is the one quirk I'll have to deal with, as the rest of the car is a pleasure to drive. The vibration took me awhile to even notice, so I'm not going to fret over it.
Thank you both for the information!
