HARD downshifts into 1st gear when cruising very slowly sometimes....
09-04-2009, 05:29 PM
#26
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2004 e320
Sorry to tell everyone but IMHO, I dont think anything fixes it.
I was having the same probelm. I felt like I was getting that bump from behind or if I was rolling slow it almost felt like I was driving a stick and forgot to let go of the clutch.
About 6 months ago I was on the freeway and my tranny dropped to first gear and never came out of 1st.
The dealer replaced the Transmission, Torque Converter, Valve. Well, the replaced the whole darn thing.
Well , 5 months later guess what I ocassionally still get the same symptoms.
Thats Crazy.
I was having the same probelm. I felt like I was getting that bump from behind or if I was rolling slow it almost felt like I was driving a stick and forgot to let go of the clutch.
About 6 months ago I was on the freeway and my tranny dropped to first gear and never came out of 1st.
The dealer replaced the Transmission, Torque Converter, Valve. Well, the replaced the whole darn thing.
Well , 5 months later guess what I ocassionally still get the same symptoms.
Thats Crazy.
09-04-2009, 06:38 PM
#27
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Yup. The tranny is just a jerking mess. I don't think it'll ever change, I've even heard people say the W212 does the same. I HATE mine in Sport Mode, it feels like I can't properly drive a manual, jolting, jerky, uneven mess. Grr.
09-05-2009, 11:51 AM
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2006 e350
Great post. I just recently have had the following verbatim from the invoice:
1 220-270-13-06 valve gear
1 220-271-03-80 gasket
1 221-277-01-95 oil filter
5 001-989-68-03-10 transmission
6 004-990-35-12 screw
1 007603-012102 ring,general
10 004-990-75-12 screw w coll
Valve body faulty performed test drive to verify complaint, found that vehicle os shifting hard from 2-1 downshift performed short test, no related codes, perform control unit log, all values within spec. check for update in both trans and m.e. performed update as needed. check fluid level, level ok check for metal in fluid and in pan, none found performed test drive to adaptation to complaint gear as per edag. vehicle still shifting hard. determined that valve body if faulty, perform wsg#710249286 ok to replace valve body, adac ok r&r belly panels, r&r ext. brackets, r&r pan, replaced faulty valve body and filter. check and fill trans. performed initial start up, and updat/scn coding performed final test drive to perform adatation to trans. now ok.
The car seems jerky at various downshifts and delayed upshifts, but C mode helps it feel smoother. I may bring it back in in a few weeks or so if it is still jerky.
-Rey
1 220-270-13-06 valve gear
1 220-271-03-80 gasket
1 221-277-01-95 oil filter
5 001-989-68-03-10 transmission
6 004-990-35-12 screw
1 007603-012102 ring,general
10 004-990-75-12 screw w coll
Valve body faulty performed test drive to verify complaint, found that vehicle os shifting hard from 2-1 downshift performed short test, no related codes, perform control unit log, all values within spec. check for update in both trans and m.e. performed update as needed. check fluid level, level ok check for metal in fluid and in pan, none found performed test drive to adaptation to complaint gear as per edag. vehicle still shifting hard. determined that valve body if faulty, perform wsg#710249286 ok to replace valve body, adac ok r&r belly panels, r&r ext. brackets, r&r pan, replaced faulty valve body and filter. check and fill trans. performed initial start up, and updat/scn coding performed final test drive to perform adatation to trans. now ok.
The car seems jerky at various downshifts and delayed upshifts, but C mode helps it feel smoother. I may bring it back in in a few weeks or so if it is still jerky.
-Rey
09-05-2009, 12:03 PM
#30
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2015 ML 350
When you put the car into "C" mode you are no longer permitting the car to use 1st gear... it becomes a 6 speed, so there IS NO downshift from 2 to 1 ( or 1 to 2) anymore... it starts & ends in 2nd. Thats why it is a smoother transmission. There is no lousy 2 to 1 downshift. In my opinion, they should have backed away from using 1st altogether when the complaints started rolling in in 2004 & made it a 6 speed all the time. Our 1st gear is a very very low gear anyway only usefull for making the engine wind higher when cold & warming everything up quicker.
This 7 Speed is not a fabulously fleshed out design in its lowest 2 gears.
This 7 Speed is not a fabulously fleshed out design in its lowest 2 gears.
09-05-2009, 02:29 PM
#32
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
fwiw, I don't experience this phenomenon. So, I think it's a software issue(?) Same 7-speed tranny but in an E63 AMG. And I don't think C63 AMG owners (same tranny) have this issue, either(?)
My tranny doesn't go to 1st unless I'm either at a dead stop or put it into 1st myself.
In sport mode it will start off in 1st but won't downshift until I've stopped. In other words, downshifts to 2nd only but then starts up in 1st. And no need to ever use 1st as compression braking, or rpm matching, it's just too much (2nd/3rd is fine.)
In comfort, it's obviously 2nd only from a dead stop. But if in comfort, and you want 1st, just tap the paddle (or the gearbox lever) and put it into 1st. Then at least you have the choice of 1st if you want it. No jerking, very smooth. So, I can start from a dead stop in 1st even in comfort (using the paddle.)
Or, use full manual. The transmission works really great that way and you have full control. Downshift and upshift in and out of 1st smoothly.
Basically my car never uses 1st unless launching from a dead stop in sport or full manual mode, or you force it to do so while in comfort.
p.s., check this thread (and read post #5): https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
and here: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...set-works.html
My tranny doesn't go to 1st unless I'm either at a dead stop or put it into 1st myself.
In sport mode it will start off in 1st but won't downshift until I've stopped. In other words, downshifts to 2nd only but then starts up in 1st. And no need to ever use 1st as compression braking, or rpm matching, it's just too much (2nd/3rd is fine.)
In comfort, it's obviously 2nd only from a dead stop. But if in comfort, and you want 1st, just tap the paddle (or the gearbox lever) and put it into 1st. Then at least you have the choice of 1st if you want it. No jerking, very smooth. So, I can start from a dead stop in 1st even in comfort (using the paddle.)
Or, use full manual. The transmission works really great that way and you have full control. Downshift and upshift in and out of 1st smoothly.
Basically my car never uses 1st unless launching from a dead stop in sport or full manual mode, or you force it to do so while in comfort.
p.s., check this thread (and read post #5): https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...t-happens.html
and here: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...set-works.html
Last edited by 220S; 09-05-2009 at 02:51 PM.
09-05-2009, 02:51 PM
#33
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06 E500 sport
06 E500.
Had the same problems a few months back. Driving up hill to a stop (light grade), but not quite stopping...the trans would violently kick down to first when I touched the gas. This was about 2 mph. If I actually "Stopped", then it would start from 1st, no problems.
Trans went out a few weeks later.
With the new trans, I've noticed the following:
1. If you stop to "zero", the trans bumps (barely felt) into first gear.
2. If you slow to less than 1mph, it stays in second until you are "precisely" stopped.
Anytime you're not stopping all the way, it stays in second. Even 1/2 mph...2nd gear start (S mode, of course)
At 1mph, you can get it to drop to 1st, but you've got to use the go pedal hard.
Seems perfect with the new trans.
Had the same problems a few months back. Driving up hill to a stop (light grade), but not quite stopping...the trans would violently kick down to first when I touched the gas. This was about 2 mph. If I actually "Stopped", then it would start from 1st, no problems.
Trans went out a few weeks later.
With the new trans, I've noticed the following:
1. If you stop to "zero", the trans bumps (barely felt) into first gear.
2. If you slow to less than 1mph, it stays in second until you are "precisely" stopped.
Anytime you're not stopping all the way, it stays in second. Even 1/2 mph...2nd gear start (S mode, of course)
At 1mph, you can get it to drop to 1st, but you've got to use the go pedal hard.
Seems perfect with the new trans.
09-06-2009, 01:32 PM
#35
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06 E500 sport
I think anyone who's experiencing strange shifting or bumping should get their trans looked at immediately or risk waiting for the flatbed on the side of the road, like me.
09-08-2009, 09:25 PM
#36
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2006 C350 having the same jerking. Same scenario all they did was flash the tranny software but it didn't do anything.
This is what one member here said. Hopefully you guys can get the jerking resolved.
This is what one member here said. Hopefully you guys can get the jerking resolved.
An 06 ML came with a 14 06 valve body which allows the 2-1 downshift before the vehicle reaches a standstill. This down shift is very un comfortable in traffic. When the dealer checks for newer software the computer states there is no newer software available. The solution is to replace the valve body with a 13 06 or a 21 06 which accepts the new software and takes care of the shift quality. The dealer has to submit the part numbers and software levels to MB to recieve authorization to replace the valve body under warranty. Please be patient and ask for a shop foreman to be involved as many techs are not aware of these details. Hope this helps.
10-01-2009, 07:30 PM
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Just to update. The Dealer FINALLY found something wrong during their test drive and have changed the Valve! I'm so f'ing happy! Hopefully this finally cures the POS jerky mess of a tranny that it was before.
10-01-2009, 09:17 PM
#39
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It'll be perfect. I also had the problem and first they said nothing wrong. Then they said it's how you drive (adaptations) then I took it in and they changed the valve body. Now the car shifts to 1st a little late. At 5 MPH it's still in 2nd gear. Before it was already on 1st.
But if you start driving like a maniac then you will feel the shifts. That's what happened to me and I eased off and now it's as smooth as butter.
Valve Body is what causes this.
But if you start driving like a maniac then you will feel the shifts. That's what happened to me and I eased off and now it's as smooth as butter.
Valve Body is what causes this.
10-01-2009, 11:05 PM
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
It'll be perfect. I also had the problem and first they said nothing wrong. Then they said it's how you drive (adaptations) then I took it in and they changed the valve body. Now the car shifts to 1st a little late. At 5 MPH it's still in 2nd gear. Before it was already on 1st.
But if you start driving like a maniac then you will feel the shifts. That's what happened to me and I eased off and now it's as smooth as butter.
Valve Body is what causes this.
But if you start driving like a maniac then you will feel the shifts. That's what happened to me and I eased off and now it's as smooth as butter.
Valve Body is what causes this.
Yeah, so far on my drive home it felt great, totally hiccup free and refined I'm hoping it stays like that!
I gotta say, the C is a fun little car to throw around, but MAN, getting back into my E after driving it, I felt like I was getting into a Rolls Royce, so refined and luxurious.
10-02-2009, 10:08 PM
#41
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Here is what they did on mine and this is to help other members who have this issue (harsh downshift)
The car does shift more smoothly now and the main thing I noticed is it downshifts to 1st > 5mph (feels like 2mph).
Just mention the Vlave Body and you might have better luck. Usually they just brush it off but when you start talking a little technical that all changes.
Customer states feels rough idle when at a stop (I did not say this lool)
Replaced transmission mount
------------------------------------------------
Customer states transmission has a delay shift at higher RPM speeds. Feels like hanging in up gears. Hard up down shifts.
Replaced Valve body and performed adaptation:
Valve Gear 220 270 18 06
Oil Filter 221 277 01 95
Gasket 220 271 03 80
Screw W Coll 004 990 75 12
Screw 004 990 35 12
Ring, General 007603 012102
Transmission 001 989 68 03 10
------------------------------------------
Customer states when putting into drive feels clunk from under vehicle
Replaced both front sway bar links
---------------------------------------------------
Replaced transmission mount
------------------------------------------------
Customer states transmission has a delay shift at higher RPM speeds. Feels like hanging in up gears. Hard up down shifts.
Replaced Valve body and performed adaptation:
Valve Gear 220 270 18 06
Oil Filter 221 277 01 95
Gasket 220 271 03 80
Screw W Coll 004 990 75 12
Screw 004 990 35 12
Ring, General 007603 012102
Transmission 001 989 68 03 10
------------------------------------------
Customer states when putting into drive feels clunk from under vehicle
Replaced both front sway bar links
---------------------------------------------------
Just mention the Vlave Body and you might have better luck. Usually they just brush it off but when you start talking a little technical that all changes.
Last edited by W203E35; 10-02-2009 at 10:12 PM.
10-03-2009, 06:08 PM
#42
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2006 e350
Just to add..... I had a harsh upshift from 1st to 2nd after the valve body replacement. I had the head tech ride with me to demonstrate problem. Sure enough a few days later they decided to replace entire transmission.
K-A funny you should mention the loaner C class they gave you. I noticed the same thing! At first I thought it was fun, but I just can't wait until I get back into my E. The C is starting to feel cheap and unrefined to me (relative to E).
-Rey
K-A funny you should mention the loaner C class they gave you. I noticed the same thing! At first I thought it was fun, but I just can't wait until I get back into my E. The C is starting to feel cheap and unrefined to me (relative to E).
-Rey
10-03-2009, 06:26 PM
#43
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2004 e320
anyone know what this is going to cost me to do because im out of warranty? Cuz my 2004 w211 is doing the exact same thing. just trying to get ready before I go to bend over and take it from the stealership. 
10-03-2009, 09:24 PM
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Just to add..... I had a harsh upshift from 1st to 2nd after the valve body replacement. I had the head tech ride with me to demonstrate problem. Sure enough a few days later they decided to replace entire transmission.
K-A funny you should mention the loaner C class they gave you. I noticed the same thing! At first I thought it was fun, but I just can't wait until I get back into my E. The C is starting to feel cheap and unrefined to me (relative to E).
-Rey
K-A funny you should mention the loaner C class they gave you. I noticed the same thing! At first I thought it was fun, but I just can't wait until I get back into my E. The C is starting to feel cheap and unrefined to me (relative to E).
-Rey
Totally agreed about the C. So unrefined. Yeah, it is fun to throw around town and a cool little car, but totally cheap and lacking luxury inside, really surprising to me. However makes getting back into the E extra nice!!
10-03-2009, 09:45 PM
#45
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It's funny how I have missed this thread and I went to dealer directly with similar issue, however not as bad as what you guys have described. My car from time to time during acceleration from stop will give me a jerking like hard shift that make me feel like the tranny is about to fail. Also from time to time during high speed acceleration and let go of the gas, the tranny would jerk also.. I don't believe I experienced this when the car was newer only more recently, and from what the dealer told me they couldn't duplicate the issue currently. Is my issue the same as what you guys have described as the valve issue?
10-03-2009, 09:48 PM
#46
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06 E500.
Had the same problems a few months back. Driving up hill to a stop (light grade), but not quite stopping...the trans would violently kick down to first when I touched the gas. This was about 2 mph. If I actually "Stopped", then it would start from 1st, no problems.
Trans went out a few weeks later.
With the new trans, I've noticed the following:
1. If you stop to "zero", the trans bumps (barely felt) into first gear.
2. If you slow to less than 1mph, it stays in second until you are "precisely" stopped.
Anytime you're not stopping all the way, it stays in second. Even 1/2 mph...2nd gear start (S mode, of course)
At 1mph, you can get it to drop to 1st, but you've got to use the go pedal hard.
Seems perfect with the new trans.
Had the same problems a few months back. Driving up hill to a stop (light grade), but not quite stopping...the trans would violently kick down to first when I touched the gas. This was about 2 mph. If I actually "Stopped", then it would start from 1st, no problems.
Trans went out a few weeks later.
With the new trans, I've noticed the following:
1. If you stop to "zero", the trans bumps (barely felt) into first gear.
2. If you slow to less than 1mph, it stays in second until you are "precisely" stopped.
Anytime you're not stopping all the way, it stays in second. Even 1/2 mph...2nd gear start (S mode, of course)
At 1mph, you can get it to drop to 1st, but you've got to use the go pedal hard.
Seems perfect with the new trans.
10-03-2009, 09:56 PM
#47
MBWorld Fanatic!
Have you ever had a transmission flush with filter change?
Have you ever driven in Comfort mode to see if you get these hard shifts?
Have you ever done a Sneaky ECU reset to see if shifting has changed?
Have you ever had a software update?
Usually with hard downshifts most likely it's the Valve body (might be other but most likely) and with hard upshifts it's usually a software issue.
Just so you get a clue on what the Valve Body is take a look here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Svl0fDl1qI
Also they are not only going to change the Valve Body they will update the software and might add extra stuff. Add labor and you get the picture.
Post some more details on what your problem is (in detail- upshift/downshift, miles and if you already had a flush) that way we can help you out more.
10-04-2009, 01:29 AM
#48
MBWorld Fanatic!
It's funny how I have missed this thread and I went to dealer directly with similar issue, however not as bad as what you guys have described. My car from time to time during acceleration from stop will give me a jerking like hard shift that make me feel like the tranny is about to fail. Also from time to time during high speed acceleration and let go of the gas, the tranny would jerk also.. I don't believe I experienced this when the car was newer only more recently, and from what the dealer told me they couldn't duplicate the issue currently. Is my issue the same as what you guys have described as the valve issue?
turn key to 1st click (not second click and not start engine)
hold throttle all the way down (click down the button)
Hold it down for 5 seconds
With your foot on the throttle turn the key to off position but dont take out key
wait 1 sec and now take foot off throttle
wait at least 2 minutes
This resets adaptations and throttle response. Now drive slow and calm and transmission will shift slow and calm. Drive aggressive and fast and transmission will shift aggressively and faster.
If you still get the problem then try comfort mode if problem is not there then you have a problem, if you still get problem keep taking it and make them log it in. You still have a long way to go till warranty ends but when warranty ends and you do end up having a transmission issue they will fix it for free because it was on record that you took it in those many times.
Good Luck
Last edited by W203E35; 10-04-2009 at 01:32 AM.
10-05-2009, 12:07 PM
#49
Member
It's probably adaptations. Your tranny adapts to your driving style. If you take it to the dealer ask them if they will reset adaptations..it should be free if not then you can do a sneaky ecu reset.
turn key to 1st click (not second click and not start engine)
hold throttle all the way down (click down the button)
Hold it down for 5 seconds
With your foot on the throttle turn the key to off position but dont take out key
wait 1 sec and now take foot off throttle
wait at least 2 minutes
This resets adaptations and throttle response. Now drive slow and calm and transmission will shift slow and calm. Drive aggressive and fast and transmission will shift aggressively and faster.
If you still get the problem then try comfort mode if problem is not there then you have a problem, if you still get problem keep taking it and make them log it in. You still have a long way to go till warranty ends but when warranty ends and you do end up having a transmission issue they will fix it for free because it was on record that you took it in those many times.
Good Luck
turn key to 1st click (not second click and not start engine)
hold throttle all the way down (click down the button)
Hold it down for 5 seconds
With your foot on the throttle turn the key to off position but dont take out key
wait 1 sec and now take foot off throttle
wait at least 2 minutes
This resets adaptations and throttle response. Now drive slow and calm and transmission will shift slow and calm. Drive aggressive and fast and transmission will shift aggressively and faster.
If you still get the problem then try comfort mode if problem is not there then you have a problem, if you still get problem keep taking it and make them log it in. You still have a long way to go till warranty ends but when warranty ends and you do end up having a transmission issue they will fix it for free because it was on record that you took it in those many times.
Good Luck
Thanks for the suggestion, I will try the sneaky ecu reset before, because I was feeling the sluggishness for the tranny when I want to hard accelerate and it takes 1 to 2 second before the tranny kicks in into a lower gear. I will probably reset my ecu again and see if that helps, but I don't believe I experience that problem with I am in the C mode. Do you think that I might have a problem with my tranny? normally I would think if you are having problem with the S mode instead of the C it usually is caused by the software programming? but after reading the thread it's more obvious it's valve body issue..
10-05-2009, 12:18 PM
#50
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...I don't believe I experience that problem with I am in the C mode. Do you think that I might have a problem with my tranny? normally I would think if you are having problem with the S mode instead of the C it usually is caused by the software programming? but after reading the thread it's more obvious it's valve body issue..
