Transmission/shifting question

Jul 14, 2010 | 01:51 PM

riverace

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Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 72

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From: Cumming, GA

2006 C55 AMG

Transmission/shifting question

I've done a lot of reading on this "jerk" problem and I wanted to confirm it was in fact my issue. Mainly because from what I've read it seems to be a C32 issue.

For me in second and first gear the shifting comes in late or in other words very evident, its slow or abrupt. When down shifting from 3-2 or 2-1 it really slams into gear and is a hard shift. When cruising around a parking lot in second gear or first at times it "bucks" if I hit the gas at low speed an let off you're going to lurch forward or get "bucked".

Is this consistent in C55's with "the jerk". I just took it to the dealer and found no issues with the transmission (surprising I know). Im working with RBM North of Atlanta, they originally said it was a MAF problem and replaced the MAF, still same issue. I will admit I had green filters and because of this it was not covered under warranty as the service manager claimed the filters passed oil and helped destroy the MAF, I thought this repair would fix my issue and the service manager was pretty confident it was the issue. That's another thread...

Any advice on my issue, its pretty annoying to be quite honest.

Last edited by riverace; Jul 14, 2010 at 01:56 PM.

Jul 14, 2010 | 09:24 PM

Popo

Member

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 125

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From: Chicago

2007 GL450 2005 C55 2002 C32 sold 2001 ML320 sold

I had a similar "jerk" on my 2002 C32 (no mods whatsoever). It was noticeable but mild, and i put it down to the operation of the lockup clutch as described on some of the forums. I had tried replacing the transmission fluid (OEM stuff only) and resetting the computer which helped somewhat, but it was never completely smooth. This was supposed to be normal. Driving aggressively made the "jerks" unnoticeable...but you do feel the gear changes.

My current 2005 C55 has no such jerk in any gear and shifts more like a usual Benz.

Jul 15, 2010 | 09:59 AM

riverace

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Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: Cumming, GA

2006 C55 AMG

I guess I'm taking it back in, some days its more noticeable than others, but its enough of a big deal that I can tell its there.

Jul 15, 2010 | 10:31 AM

loudandheard

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Joined: Mar 2007

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From: Houston, TX

C32/C55 AMG

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverace

I guess I'm taking it back in, some days its more noticeable than others, but its enough of a big deal that I can tell its there.

If you're vehicle is still under warranty, then definitely go back, but if you're paying out of pocket you need to to do a bit more research.

If I remember correctly the issue is very common in the C32's, but not so much on the C55's. A lot of people point out that the TCU software needs to be upgraded and this will solve the problem, but there are various TCU's and the only ones that could be upgraded were the ones from 2004+, so you're should be able to be upgraded. I also heard that upgrading to blue top transmission things, can't remember the name right now, helps as well, but I thought the C55 may have come with them. I might be wrong on that last part.

Here are a few threads for reference:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...slip-jerk.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...bout-jerk.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...hirp-saga.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...g-strange.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...-2800-rpm.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...g-c32-amg.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...any-ideas.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...-rpm-jerk.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...d-finally.html

Jul 16, 2010 | 02:26 PM

spr

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I had this problem. I changed the fluid and filter with latest MB 7 speed with better friction modifiers same problem. They replaced my torque converter and all good. I also think it really has to do with proper ring gear adaption. I only had the problem with the car cold. it would jerk at 1500 in 1st or 2nd irrespective of M or S mode.

Jul 16, 2010 | 02:41 PM

omagicbum

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Joined: Feb 2009

Posts: 31

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From: Mountain View, CA

C55

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverace

I've done a lot of reading on this "jerk" problem and I wanted to confirm it was in fact my issue. Mainly because from what I've read it seems to be a C32 issue.

Is this consistent in C55's with "the jerk". I just took it to the dealer and found no issues with the transmission (surprising I know).

Any advice on my issue, its pretty annoying to be quite honest.

It is not a C32 only isssue, I had this on my C55. It was a TCU problem. The tcu was wicking oil and the connectors got fouled. Replaced the TCU, still had the problems and the dealer said it was low on transmission fluid. What I don't understand it was only a week later. But replaced the TCU again, refilled the fluid and now I have no problems.

Hope that helps.

Sep 25, 2010 | 11:14 AM

riverace

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From: Cumming, GA

2006 C55 AMG

I have an embarrasing update to this...

When I took my car in to get the B service, I had them take a look at the issue with the erratic shifting. The mechanic took it out for a drive and he immediately checked the transmission level. It was one quart low... It drives perfect now!

Why didnt RBM North of Atlanta find this and instead I wasted my time there...

Ill be going to "My Mercedes & Bimmer Place" in Cumming from now on, fantastic service and the mechanic Scott knows what hes talking about.