E350 Uncomfortable Downshift
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,635
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
E350 Uncomfortable Downshift
211.056/256 (350 & 350 wagon) as of VIN A874921 to A918949
Mention DTB P-B-27.60/69a JUL08 Noticeable jolt during 3 to 2 gear shift while coasting. May be caused by the engine control module increasing the engine idle speed, which in turn modifies the adaptive behavior of the shift - dealer will reprogram the ECM.
Mention DTB P-B-27.60/69a JUL08 Noticeable jolt during 3 to 2 gear shift while coasting. May be caused by the engine control module increasing the engine idle speed, which in turn modifies the adaptive behavior of the shift - dealer will reprogram the ECM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
2007 E350, 1998 S320, 1998 S70, 1964 Cadillac CDV
I encountered the same "jerking" problem when going up or down slope and ramps. Some how the shifting seems unsmooth and hesistates to shift gears. I took my car to the "stealership" to fix the same problem four times but on the fifth trip out, I told my service writer that this constitutes the car as a "lemon" since they were unable to fix the same problem for four times. I was immediately escorted to the service manager and was told they he will get in touch with Mercedes and request for a brand new transmission. To make the long story short, I got the new transmission but the problem still persists...in comparison, its much better than before in terms of occurrence but I still worry about the problem reoccuring everytime I drive up a slope and ramp.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
I think this is normal as it's due to the tranny shifting into neutral or something like that to save gas. Can anyone else confirm?
Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 101
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From: LA
N/A
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 10,557
Likes: 24
From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I CAN'T stand how erratic the tranny and response on the Drive By Wire thing is, sometimes it's nice and smooth, then others the car feels all jerky and delayed when slowing/accelerating it feels like there's a horrible stick shift driver behind the wheel.
I've taken the Car to the Dealer twice for the DTB recalls and they keep saying it's "normal", I'm about to really get on them about it.
This *should not* be normal correct?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 419
Likes: 16
From: NY
2014 E550; 2003 E500
As far as coming to almost stop and then hitting the accelerator to speed up; therefore a hard downshifting, that is normal. I think this is because of the wide 5speed gears I have. For this to occur less frequently, gently -real gently- apply the gas after a split second wait. Driving patiently makes this almost never occur.
