Is a slight shift jerk from gears 1>2 and 2>3 common among W205s?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 208
Likes: 22
2016 C300 4MATIC
Is a slight shift jerk from gears 1>2 and 2>3 common among W205s?
Hi guys,
I recently picked up a 2016 300 that I posted pictures of here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ggestions.html
I recently noticed that the car has a little bit of a jerk when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd, and an even harsher jerk when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. It's not a huge jerk but it just doesn't feel right. After that, it's buttery smooth for all the remaining gear. Yesterday I had the car at the dealer where they checked the transmission, drove the car, and checked for any software updates. Unfortunately, they said that this wasn't an issue and is normal for the new C300s. They also said there was no update for the tranny (they did update Audio 20 so yaay).
Having driven manual before, I'm almost positive this is because the car shifts from 1st to 2nd a little bit late, and from 2nd to 3rd way too early causing that split second jerk. In fact, I noticed that under normal acceleration, the car switches from 1st to 2nd at around 6 MPH and from 2nd to 3rd at around 15 MPH only giving about a second or two between the upshifts. In fact, when I switch the car to manual mode, I can easily avoid the jerk motion by shifting a little bit later on the RPM. I have an appointment with my dealership this Monday to get it checked out, but I am wondering if you have any extra information on the issue.
I recently picked up a 2016 300 that I posted pictures of here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ggestions.html
I recently noticed that the car has a little bit of a jerk when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd, and an even harsher jerk when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. It's not a huge jerk but it just doesn't feel right. After that, it's buttery smooth for all the remaining gear. Yesterday I had the car at the dealer where they checked the transmission, drove the car, and checked for any software updates. Unfortunately, they said that this wasn't an issue and is normal for the new C300s. They also said there was no update for the tranny (they did update Audio 20 so yaay).
Having driven manual before, I'm almost positive this is because the car shifts from 1st to 2nd a little bit late, and from 2nd to 3rd way too early causing that split second jerk. In fact, I noticed that under normal acceleration, the car switches from 1st to 2nd at around 6 MPH and from 2nd to 3rd at around 15 MPH only giving about a second or two between the upshifts. In fact, when I switch the car to manual mode, I can easily avoid the jerk motion by shifting a little bit later on the RPM. I have an appointment with my dealership this Monday to get it checked out, but I am wondering if you have any extra information on the issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
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From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
Mine has done this from day one. In fact I took it back the first week as it was ridiculous. It felt like a tap on the brakes on each shift. 10K miles later it's improved but still shocking for a modern car. I've said in many posts that this single issue means I will return the car asap and go back to BMW. I've never had a car with such a **** transmission. Terrible. Best or nothing eh MB? My advice is nothing then.
Spoiled the entire ownership for me. Lost so much money on it. #MegaAnnoyed
Spoiled the entire ownership for me. Lost so much money on it. #MegaAnnoyed
Last edited by ManiacGT; Oct 19, 2016 at 02:31 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 208
Likes: 22
2016 C300 4MATIC
Mine has done this from day one. In fact I took it back the first week as it was ridiculous. It felt like a tap on the brakes on each shift. 10K miles later it's improved but still shocking for a modern car. I've said in many posts that this single issue means I will return the car asap and go back to BMW. I've never had a car with such a **** transmission. Terrible. Best or nothing eh MB? My advice is nothing then.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
I was told (and it feels like bull****) by MB it takes thousands of miles for the transmission to adapt shift points. I'd say unless it's 50% throttle or more it's bearable (not acceptable) now. More than that is like riding with a learner driver. Absolute garbage.
dealer has 'done all they can'. Can't wait to return it as soon as I'm out of -ve equity.
diesels I've driven don't have the issue, only petrols. Frustrating.
dealer has 'done all they can'. Can't wait to return it as soon as I'm out of -ve equity.
diesels I've driven don't have the issue, only petrols. Frustrating.
Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Ottawa, Canada
MY16 C300
I have an early 2016 C300. At my 1 year oil change, I asked if there was anything that could be done for the jerky transmission (2>3 and 3>4). They upgraded the software and now it's a bit better... but still not buttery smooth like the higher gears.
So, to your question; yes, it isn't as good as it could/should be... at least in my car.
So, to your question; yes, it isn't as good as it could/should be... at least in my car.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 208
Likes: 22
2016 C300 4MATIC
I have an early 2016 C300. At my 1 year oil change, I asked if there was anything that could be done for the jerky transmission (2>3 and 3>4). They upgraded the software and now it's a bit better... but still not buttery smooth like the higher gears.
So, to your question; yes, it isn't as good as it could/should be... at least in my car.
So, to your question; yes, it isn't as good as it could/should be... at least in my car.
Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 9
From: South Dakota
2015 C300 Sport 4Matic, 2014 C300 Sport 4Matic
I feel the jerkiness more in eco and comfort setting but sport and sport + no issue. It's like the transmission is trying so hard to be smooth it is jerky
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Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 130
Likes: 2
From: Ottawa, Canada
MY16 C300
Cool. Thanks for the information. Do you know the build date on your car? Mine was built around 11/2015 and sold in 01/2016. They were not able to find any update for the transmission or ECU. If yours was built or sold before that, maybe that's why they were able to update it?
Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 124
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Mercedes benz c300 2015
Has anybody else Experienced this?
Only in sport + I experience a small jerk from 2 to 3 and a larger jerk from 3 to 4, feels like someone released the clutch too quickly. All Other driving modes shift normal to my opinion.
2015 early build c300
Only in sport + I experience a small jerk from 2 to 3 and a larger jerk from 3 to 4, feels like someone released the clutch too quickly. All Other driving modes shift normal to my opinion.
2015 early build c300
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
I'd expect sharp shifts in sport plus.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Antrim, Northern Ireland
C300 diesel hybrid
There is a separate thread somewhere on the jerky transmission. it is not unique to petrol engine variants. I had the same problem, particularly second gear on a C300h diesel hybrid - it didn't matter if the engine was running or if only in electric mode; severe cluck into second gear either up or down. Took it to the local dealer and the mastertech did a readaption. I really don't know what a readaption is but the problem has gone.
Yes the shifting in sports + mode is quite abrupt but I noticed exactly the same on a new Porsche 911 and BMW 4 series. I never use sports+ anyway, it defeats the purpose of the hybrid as the engine is always running.
Yes the shifting in sports + mode is quite abrupt but I noticed exactly the same on a new Porsche 911 and BMW 4 series. I never use sports+ anyway, it defeats the purpose of the hybrid as the engine is always running.
Last edited by Steve9; Oct 22, 2016 at 01:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
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From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
Beyond sick of the snatching head jerking shifts in mine. Told it's normal. Never heard such crap.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 253
Likes: 47
From: So-Cal
2023 EQS 450+ 2022 Kia Carnival
Mine is not just a sensation of loading sort of a feel... it was more like if someone hit my car.. sort of that shock you know? my passengers were like wtf? someone hit us but it was a empty street.... My previous Mercedes (my dad's ML 550 and E-Class never had that kind of an issue)
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: California
w212 E350 Bluetec & Mk7 GTI Sport
It isnt a w205, its the software of the 7g tronic torque converter transmissions. The wet clutch and the dct transmissions dont. I know german software on windows is always 10x more complicated and confusing than any other nations programs.
7g tronic is their in house built transmission. the dcts are outsources, and i think amg does the wet clutch so mercedes themselves have been making transmissions for 60 years but the only one they make right now is thr 7g/9g tronics.
I got used to my w204 and all the other w211s i drove and the w212 i have. So when i got a 2015 c300 w205 it was very similar. Transmissoin still does the jerk but it feels looser and like the drivetrain losses were reduced greatly. Its the same exact final drive axle/gear ratios etc. Just new fluid and some tweaks.
The 204 you could leave the gear limiter at 5, and it would never shift up above that, but would always shift you down and back up to 5 automatically. The new ones when shifting manually in any mode, but individual with manual selected, will very quickly revert to drive, and the manual mode never shifts you back up from 1. So you lose being able to put the w204 in S and 4, and just go. I miss alot of the 204 but they both jerk.
My personal results of 10 years driving these cars, is never let anyone drive yours and it begins to understand you better.
7g tronic is their in house built transmission. the dcts are outsources, and i think amg does the wet clutch so mercedes themselves have been making transmissions for 60 years but the only one they make right now is thr 7g/9g tronics.
I got used to my w204 and all the other w211s i drove and the w212 i have. So when i got a 2015 c300 w205 it was very similar. Transmissoin still does the jerk but it feels looser and like the drivetrain losses were reduced greatly. Its the same exact final drive axle/gear ratios etc. Just new fluid and some tweaks.
The 204 you could leave the gear limiter at 5, and it would never shift up above that, but would always shift you down and back up to 5 automatically. The new ones when shifting manually in any mode, but individual with manual selected, will very quickly revert to drive, and the manual mode never shifts you back up from 1. So you lose being able to put the w204 in S and 4, and just go. I miss alot of the 204 but they both jerk.
My personal results of 10 years driving these cars, is never let anyone drive yours and it begins to understand you better.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
It isnt a w205, its the software of the 7g tronic torque converter transmissions. The wet clutch and the dct transmissions dont. I know german software on windows is always 10x more complicated and confusing than any other nations programs.
7g tronic is their in house built transmission. the dcts are outsources, and i think amg does the wet clutch so mercedes themselves have been making transmissions for 60 years but the only one they make right now is thr 7g/9g tronics.
I got used to my w204 and all the other w211s i drove and the w212 i have. So when i got a 2015 c300 w205 it was very similar. Transmissoin still does the jerk but it feels looser and like the drivetrain losses were reduced greatly. Its the same exact final drive axle/gear ratios etc. Just new fluid and some tweaks.
The 204 you could leave the gear limiter at 5, and it would never shift up above that, but would always shift you down and back up to 5 automatically. The new ones when shifting manually in any mode, but individual with manual selected, will very quickly revert to drive, and the manual mode never shifts you back up from 1. So you lose being able to put the w204 in S and 4, and just go. I miss alot of the 204 but they both jerk.
My personal results of 10 years driving these cars, is never let anyone drive yours and it begins to understand you better.
7g tronic is their in house built transmission. the dcts are outsources, and i think amg does the wet clutch so mercedes themselves have been making transmissions for 60 years but the only one they make right now is thr 7g/9g tronics.
I got used to my w204 and all the other w211s i drove and the w212 i have. So when i got a 2015 c300 w205 it was very similar. Transmissoin still does the jerk but it feels looser and like the drivetrain losses were reduced greatly. Its the same exact final drive axle/gear ratios etc. Just new fluid and some tweaks.
The 204 you could leave the gear limiter at 5, and it would never shift up above that, but would always shift you down and back up to 5 automatically. The new ones when shifting manually in any mode, but individual with manual selected, will very quickly revert to drive, and the manual mode never shifts you back up from 1. So you lose being able to put the w204 in S and 4, and just go. I miss alot of the 204 but they both jerk.
My personal results of 10 years driving these cars, is never let anyone drive yours and it begins to understand you better.
that said, I find jerky gear changes unacceptable in 2016. There is absolutely no excuse. Especially on an expensive premium car.
cars half the price get the basics right.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 268
Likes: 8
From: California
w212 E350 Bluetec & Mk7 GTI Sport
Ever since i started taking backroads home and the long way to work, and im not in gas-brake-gas-brake scenarios, mine never does it to me anymore. w212, w204. havent had the 205 long enough to break it of my dads psycho driving habits....
its the software of the transmission.Ive noticed it happens mostly when switching between braking and accelerating in traffic, or if you slow down when someone cuts you off and speed off around them, the software thinks youre trying to slow down, and gear hunting confuses the software with your inputs. Shifting manually I dont feel it either.
Not excusing the behavior AT all... just saying ive grown to adapt and learn it over the years, and its helped.... and not letting people drive it really helps.
its the software of the transmission.Ive noticed it happens mostly when switching between braking and accelerating in traffic, or if you slow down when someone cuts you off and speed off around them, the software thinks youre trying to slow down, and gear hunting confuses the software with your inputs. Shifting manually I dont feel it either.
Not excusing the behavior AT all... just saying ive grown to adapt and learn it over the years, and its helped.... and not letting people drive it really helps.
Last edited by Trancebolt; Oct 22, 2016 at 02:20 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 59
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
What I don't understand is how MB could release
such a jerky auto box with a straight face. I mean it's really really bad in comparison to ALL the competition.
such a jerky auto box with a straight face. I mean it's really really bad in comparison to ALL the competition.
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
From: Western Australia
W205 C250 Bluetec AMG Line
I was told (and it feels like bull****) by MB it takes thousands of miles for the transmission to adapt shift points. I'd say unless it's 50% throttle or more it's bearable (not acceptable) now. More than that is like riding with a learner driver. Absolute garbage.
dealer has 'done all they can'. Can't wait to return it as soon as I'm out of -ve equity.
diesels I've driven don't have the issue, only petrols. Frustrating.
dealer has 'done all they can'. Can't wait to return it as soon as I'm out of -ve equity.
diesels I've driven don't have the issue, only petrols. Frustrating.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
C 300 W205 ( 2016 )
Hi guys,
I recently picked up a 2016 300 that I posted pictures of here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ggestions.html
I recently noticed that the car has a little bit of a jerk when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd, and an even harsher jerk when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. It's not a huge jerk but it just doesn't feel right. After that, it's buttery smooth for all the remaining gear. Yesterday I had the car at the dealer where they checked the transmission, drove the car, and checked for any software updates. Unfortunately, they said that this wasn't an issue and is normal for the new C300s. They also said there was no update for the tranny (they did update Audio 20 so yaay).
Having driven manual before, I'm almost positive this is because the car shifts from 1st to 2nd a little bit late, and from 2nd to 3rd way too early causing that split second jerk. In fact, I noticed that under normal acceleration, the car switches from 1st to 2nd at around 6 MPH and from 2nd to 3rd at around 15 MPH only giving about a second or two between the upshifts. In fact, when I switch the car to manual mode, I can easily avoid the jerk motion by shifting a little bit later on the RPM. I have an appointment with my dealership this Monday to get it checked out, but I am wondering if you have any extra information on the issue.
I recently picked up a 2016 300 that I posted pictures of here: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ggestions.html
I recently noticed that the car has a little bit of a jerk when shifting from 1st gear to 2nd, and an even harsher jerk when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. It's not a huge jerk but it just doesn't feel right. After that, it's buttery smooth for all the remaining gear. Yesterday I had the car at the dealer where they checked the transmission, drove the car, and checked for any software updates. Unfortunately, they said that this wasn't an issue and is normal for the new C300s. They also said there was no update for the tranny (they did update Audio 20 so yaay).
Having driven manual before, I'm almost positive this is because the car shifts from 1st to 2nd a little bit late, and from 2nd to 3rd way too early causing that split second jerk. In fact, I noticed that under normal acceleration, the car switches from 1st to 2nd at around 6 MPH and from 2nd to 3rd at around 15 MPH only giving about a second or two between the upshifts. In fact, when I switch the car to manual mode, I can easily avoid the jerk motion by shifting a little bit later on the RPM. I have an appointment with my dealership this Monday to get it checked out, but I am wondering if you have any extra information on the issue.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Antrim, Northern Ireland
C300 diesel hybrid
Exactly the same problem I have in my car. C 300 2016. The 100% the same as you describing. The only thing is that, this problem started once I made polishing my front brake disks and I accelarated from service, suddenly I had a terrible jerk and sound in transmission in 2 gear, the check engine turned on about 2 seconds and gone. After this this problem exists. When it shifts from 2 gear to 3 it has a jerk. also sometimes it shifts from 2 to 3 directly in one second. it is like 2 gear works in error mode. I diagnosed my transmission in MB service. no any issues they found. Please tell me how did you solve this problem???
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 67
Likes: 4
From: Mesa, AZ
2012 C250 1.8L T Blue Efficiency
Just bought a 2012 C250 (W204) with 70k miles. Had the transmission valve body replaced by Mercedes and getting the final DTC resolved at a MB specialist on Tuesday (P0172, cylinder bank 1 too rich).
Anyway, just came here to say that mine is also having the same exact issue. Slight jerking from 1gear > 2gear, and less so but also 2gear > 3gear. I was considering that it had something to do with the engine running too lean, but now I am confident that it's just the software like you all are saying.
If the jerky 1>2, 2>3 gear shifting goes away once I get the P0172 dealt with, I will let you all know.
Anyway, just came here to say that mine is also having the same exact issue. Slight jerking from 1gear > 2gear, and less so but also 2gear > 3gear. I was considering that it had something to do with the engine running too lean, but now I am confident that it's just the software like you all are saying.
If the jerky 1>2, 2>3 gear shifting goes away once I get the P0172 dealt with, I will let you all know.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 497
From: Earth
2015 C300 4Matic Sport
Mine has done this from day one. In fact I took it back the first week as it was ridiculous. It felt like a tap on the brakes on each shift. 10K miles later it's improved but still shocking for a modern car. I've said in many posts that this single issue means I will return the car asap and go back to BMW. I've never had a car with such a **** transmission. Terrible. Best or nothing eh MB? My advice is nothing then.
Spoiled the entire ownership for me. Lost so much money on it. #MegaAnnoyed
Spoiled the entire ownership for me. Lost so much money on it. #MegaAnnoyed
Once the engine warms up, the shifts get smoother again. Why is it harder in winter? Not sure.
I've explained this to my service guy a million times, but they always come back with "tech could not reproduce".
My last hope is a complete transmission flush.
