CLS63 starting in 2nd gear even in S mode
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
CLS63 AMG
My 2012 CLS AMG starts in 2nd in economy mode, but in AMG mode starts in first and goes no higher than 5th. I just had the ECU flashed by APLHA Performance. Initially thought I had spent money unwisely until I got on the accelerator at about 25 miles per hour and the back end tried to pass the front. My wife looked at me and said you need new tires. Problem is the tires are only 45 days old. Advertised at 701HP and over 800 LP FT for torque. I believe them.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 309
Likes: 6
From: Central Pennsylvania
1994 S420 RIP (2/8/13), 06 CLS55, 02 ML55, 94 TT Supra, 89 Maserati 228, 911 Porsche Carerra
It's all in the manual and it's a shame the individual at mbusa didn't read the book before making a statement that reflects his ignorance on the subject. The trans needs flashed to correct the problem but it should only start out in 2nd gear in comfort mode.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 5
CLS 63 W219
I own a cls63 and it's a 2007 and it was doing that for a while then I had a trans tune done by Weistec before I super charged it and that made it go to first every time. I've owned the car since new and never used to have that problem until about last year. I noticed I would never go into first gear on its own and the dealer told me it was normal as well and the funny part was it didnt start doing it until it had a full service with updates. I think they purposely changed it. I know for years it never did that. I had Weistec install their software on it with blip shift and problem solved. Starts in 1st every time in sport no matter what so that tells you its definetly a programimg of the trans ecu. Call Alex at Weistec and they might be able to just update your trans to normal without having to buy the trans ecu but I will add the blip shift is bad *** and does it even when your cruising like a grandpa. Always down shifts like a race car and shifts so much better through the gears when on it. It's all in the software. Good luck! Weistec is juts in Orange County so they are not far and you can swing in there anytime for free and talk to them. They know those cars 1000 times better than the 30 year old Mercedes technician that passed a test to get certified. lol! They build all their own programs for everything on those cars
Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 1
2006 CLS55 AMG
I quickly skimmed all of the posts, and didn't see any mention of the actual ECU reset process. If you have not yet tried this, I would give it a shot and see if this helps your CLS exit grandma mode!
Sneaky ECU Reset:
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.
The ECU reset procedure only erases the ADAPTIVE transmission & throttle settings. It does not erase any of the fuel/timing or other programming.
Sneaky ECU Reset:
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset.
The ECU reset procedure only erases the ADAPTIVE transmission & throttle settings. It does not erase any of the fuel/timing or other programming.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 70
Likes: 1
'07 CLS 63, '91 E34 M5 Dinan Stroker
Older post, but just for the record, I just purchased an early MY 2007 CLS63 (7/06) build with the 722.9. Mine was doing the same start off in 2nd gear in sport. I took it back to dealer and they flashed the TCU and problem solved. Following that, I did the transmission service. I can confirm that the software flash resolved this issue.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Mercedes e63
When I first bought my CLS63 it always started in 2nd when in S mode unless I put it in 1st myself. I thought this was normal but one day while the car was at the Dealer for service I told the service writer about it and he said it should start in 1st gear ALWAYS when in S mode, said they will update the software. Picked the car up and YAHOO 1st gear 
I just love that gear 
Don't let them B.S you
I just love that gear Don't let them B.S you
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Mercedes e63
Older post, but just for the record, I just purchased an early MY 2007 CLS63 (7/06) build with the 722.9. Mine was doing the same start off in 2nd gear in sport. I took it back to dealer and they flashed the TCU and problem solved. Following that, I did the transmission service. I can confirm that the software flash resolved this issue.
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 282
Likes: 26
2012 CLS 63
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Boston,Ma
2012 Mercedes cls63 2015 Gmc 1500 Denali
Do you mind me asking if you experience a bad hesitation when slowing down to 5mph or less (rolling stop) and then hit the gas again?
they got my car to finally start out in 1st gear, but it has a terrible, and dangerous hesitation where it almost feels like the car is going to stall and there is no response to throttle and suddenly it'll down shirt to first and jerk the hell out of the car.
Wondering if they finally fixed it.
they got my car to finally start out in 1st gear, but it has a terrible, and dangerous hesitation where it almost feels like the car is going to stall and there is no response to throttle and suddenly it'll down shirt to first and jerk the hell out of the car.
Wondering if they finally fixed it.
I know this is an old thread but Im having the same problem with my cls63. Did you ever figure out a fix for this ? (hesitation)
Thanks
