Random Hard Downshift
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Random Hard Downshift
Very randomly, my 2007 E350 will hard downshift without warning. My guess is that it drops at least two gears. It has usually happened at 10-20 mph, but this afternoon it was at 35 mph. RPM's shoot up momentarily, then it settles in again. It has done it to me both in Comfort and in Sport mode.
I have reset the learning feature of the transmission, and I have had the fluid changed. No joy.
Taking it in for diagnosis tomorrow. Hope it left some codes.
Any ideas, or any suggestions? It is a little unnerving, not knowing when you are going to have that happen to you.
I have reset the learning feature of the transmission, and I have had the fluid changed. No joy.
Taking it in for diagnosis tomorrow. Hope it left some codes.
Any ideas, or any suggestions? It is a little unnerving, not knowing when you are going to have that happen to you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Hmmmm, depends on what you consider expensive I suppose.
Every single 7G MB I've owned has had to have the valve body replaced and the TCU software updated, for shift quality issues. The good news is, the problem is usually fixed for good.
Original trans fluid at 87K? You might get lucky if it only needs a flush and filter. Fingers crossed....
Edit...just read you had the fluid changed already. So yeah.... valve body....or the trans connector is leaking, and fluid has wicked it's way up to the TCU.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
I have already had to have the balance shaft repair. I hope it is something reasonably simple. The abruptness of the downshift and its randomness is unsettling. Certainty as to what is going to happen in driving is pretty fundamental.
I like my car. It is comfortable and frankly fun to drive. But I am not keen on its reliability. This was my first Benz.
Will let you know what the dealer has to say. Thanks for the response.
I like my car. It is comfortable and frankly fun to drive. But I am not keen on its reliability. This was my first Benz.
Will let you know what the dealer has to say. Thanks for the response.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
Dealer says it threw a code and that it needs a "conductor plate," which I understood him to say is the same as a valve body. Part is in short supply, had to be ordered, will take a week or so to get here.
I am pleased that it threw a code. Otherwise, on these random issues, how do you ever know what it is, unless you just start replacing things?
I am pleased that it threw a code. Otherwise, on these random issues, how do you ever know what it is, unless you just start replacing things?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Dealer says it threw a code and that it needs a "conductor plate," which I understood him to say is the same as a valve body. Part is in short supply, had to be ordered, will take a week or so to get here.
I am pleased that it threw a code. Otherwise, on these random issues, how do you ever know what it is, unless you just start replacing things?
I am pleased that it threw a code. Otherwise, on these random issues, how do you ever know what it is, unless you just start replacing things?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 8,137
Likes: 26
From: Maryland
Eurocharged 2004 E500, Eurocharged ECU/TCU 2005 SL600, 2010 Caddy SwaggerWagon
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 25
There was some procedure that I saw in a MB produced video where the valve body is removed, and each valve operating unit is removed and cleaned in transmission fluid. The screen on each valve is also cleaned with a heavy magnet, along with the socket that each valve fits in.
There is also a torque converter, and valve adaptation procedure that can only be activated using the Star tool. The valve adaptation is done against both temperature as well as torque. The Star tool will tell you to accelerate and hold a certain number of Newton-Meters of torque for several seconds etc. The "Time value for filling each engaging element" and "Correction of hte pressure value for applying the engaging element" are adapted in this way.
Always wondered if someone attempted to try this. I'll try to find the video on youtube.....
There is also a torque converter, and valve adaptation procedure that can only be activated using the Star tool. The valve adaptation is done against both temperature as well as torque. The Star tool will tell you to accelerate and hold a certain number of Newton-Meters of torque for several seconds etc. The "Time value for filling each engaging element" and "Correction of hte pressure value for applying the engaging element" are adapted in this way.
Always wondered if someone attempted to try this. I'll try to find the video on youtube.....
Very randomly, my 2007 E350 will hard downshift without warning. My guess is that it drops at least two gears. It has usually happened at 10-20 mph, but this afternoon it was at 35 mph. RPM's shoot up momentarily, then it settles in again. It has done it to me both in Comfort and in Sport mode.
I have reset the learning feature of the transmission, and I have had the fluid changed. No joy.
Taking it in for diagnosis tomorrow. Hope it left some codes.
Any ideas, or any suggestions? It is a little unnerving, not knowing when you are going to have that happen to you.
I have reset the learning feature of the transmission, and I have had the fluid changed. No joy.
Taking it in for diagnosis tomorrow. Hope it left some codes.
Any ideas, or any suggestions? It is a little unnerving, not knowing when you are going to have that happen to you.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 E550 Sports
I have the same issues, before my warranty was up, the stealer told me MB doesn't want to replace the valve body unless it's a must, so they reprogrammed my transmission instead and that never fixed problem. Now I am out of the warranty and with 76k miles how much is the valve body? I heard it was around $2000? anyone knows exactly how much it's going to cost to get it replaced? btw, I have not flushed my tranny fluids yet. maybe I should just replace the valve body instead? I heard the tech told me when they replace valve body they also flush the tranny fluid.
maybe I should just replace the valve body instead? I heard the tech told me when they replace valve body they also flush the tranny fluid.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
I have the same issues, before my warranty was up, the stealer told me MB doesn't want to replace the valve body unless it's a must, so they reprogrammed my transmission instead and that never fixed problem. Now I am out of the warranty and with 76k miles how much is the valve body? I heard it was around $2000? anyone knows exactly how much it's going to cost to get it replaced? btw, I have not flushed my tranny fluids yet. maybe I should just replace the valve body instead? I heard the tech told me when they replace valve body they also flush the tranny fluid.
maybe I should just replace the valve body instead? I heard the tech told me when they replace valve body they also flush the tranny fluid.Since you raised the issue while the car was under warranty, suggest you ask MB to make a goodwill contribution toward repair cost. You may be surprised. I was at 87K miles. They did the reprogramming on mine as well while under warranty-no joy, as the issues continued.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 25
Link to video:
http://youtu.be/v3Ohs9qb4pc
http://youtu.be/v3Ohs9qb4pc
There was some procedure that I saw in a MB produced video where the valve body is removed, and each valve operating unit is removed and cleaned in transmission fluid. The screen on each valve is also cleaned with a heavy magnet, along with the socket that each valve fits in.
There is also a torque converter, and valve adaptation procedure that can only be activated using the Star tool. The valve adaptation is done against both temperature as well as torque. The Star tool will tell you to accelerate and hold a certain number of Newton-Meters of torque for several seconds etc. The "Time value for filling each engaging element" and "Correction of hte pressure value for applying the engaging element" are adapted in this way.
Always wondered if someone attempted to try this. I'll try to find the video on youtube.....
There is also a torque converter, and valve adaptation procedure that can only be activated using the Star tool. The valve adaptation is done against both temperature as well as torque. The Star tool will tell you to accelerate and hold a certain number of Newton-Meters of torque for several seconds etc. The "Time value for filling each engaging element" and "Correction of hte pressure value for applying the engaging element" are adapted in this way.
Always wondered if someone attempted to try this. I'll try to find the video on youtube.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
my uncle had to change the valve body on his 2007 S550 when it was under 20K miles. they all need it (sounds like faulty design if you ask me *cough* *cough* lawsuit *cough* *cough*
no wonder the 2010+ cars come with the cars preprogrammed to C mode and when you turn the car off it defaults to C
no wonder the 2010+ cars come with the cars preprogrammed to C mode and when you turn the car off it defaults to C
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 E550 Sports
It does result in at least a partial fluid change.
Since you raised the issue while the car was under warranty, suggest you ask MB to make a goodwill contribution toward repair cost. You may be surprised. I was at 87K miles. They did the reprogramming on mine as well while under warranty-no joy, as the issues continued.
Since you raised the issue while the car was under warranty, suggest you ask MB to make a goodwill contribution toward repair cost. You may be surprised. I was at 87K miles. They did the reprogramming on mine as well while under warranty-no joy, as the issues continued.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 314
Likes: 29
From: Coastal Georgia, USA
2007 E350 Sedan
The dealer quoted me $1100. I asked for MB to consider a good will contribution, and it did so for a few hundred of that. Your experience may be different, of course. I have always gone to the dealer for service (as did the prior original owner), raised the issue during warranty, went through the other interim fixes, had them change the fluid at my asking, etc.-stayed pretty proactive about it.
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 188
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2007 E550 Sports
The dealer quoted me $1100. I asked for MB to consider a good will contribution, and it did so for a few hundred of that. Your experience may be different, of course. I have always gone to the dealer for service (as did the prior original owner), raised the issue during warranty, went through the other interim fixes, had them change the fluid at my asking, etc.-stayed pretty proactive about it.
Let me go talk to my service adviser and see if he can help me out and give me a break.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
2008 E320 Bluetec
Darn it. My 2008 E320 Bluetec has been doing the hard 2 --> 1 downshift since the beginning. I cannot dulicate it on command, and the dealer never found a code associated with this problem. They could not duplicate in either. It is very intermittent. It is just plain inexcusable to have such an issue on a $60K car. They checked the pressures for all the gears and were within spec. The dealer also flushed my transmission fluid and changed the transmission filter at 40K miles. Now I an out of warranty and have 78K mikes. I should have insisted before 50K to do something to the car. I'll be due for another transmission flush at 80K.
Argh, I hate lying dealers, and faulty designers. They should just recall all these 7 speed transmissions.
-Mike-
Argh, I hate lying dealers, and faulty designers. They should just recall all these 7 speed transmissions.
-Mike-
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,632
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
If they have not already done so reference S-B-27.00/107a - applicable to 211.022 (e320 Bluetec), 164.122/822 and 251.122) the engine control & transmission control modules “may” need flashing inclusive of SCN coding. Check PM.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 872
Likes: 0
2009 W211 E350 AMG Sport PKG
Darn it. My 2008 E320 Bluetec has been doing the hard 2 --> 1 downshift since the beginning. I cannot dulicate it on command, and the dealer never found a code associated with this problem. They could not duplicate in either. It is very intermittent. It is just plain inexcusable to have such an issue on a $60K car. They checked the pressures for all the gears and were within spec. The dealer also flushed my transmission fluid and changed the transmission filter at 40K miles. Now I an out of warranty and have 78K mikes. I should have insisted before 50K to do something to the car. I'll be due for another transmission flush at 80K.
Argh, I hate lying dealers, and faulty designers. They should just recall all these 7 speed transmissions.
-Mike-
Argh, I hate lying dealers, and faulty designers. They should just recall all these 7 speed transmissions.
-Mike-
Can anyone point me in the right direction please?
Thanks,
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 356
Likes: 19
From: RI
2017 S550 4matic
The 7 speed at low speeds is shall I say...imperfect. It feels like its constantly trying to find the right gear instead of staying put. My e500 4m has the 5spd, and occasionally I'll get that hard 2-1 shift, but then damn near every Benz ive ever driven (4,5,7,8 sod autos) has done it. My car also tends to hang in gear for longer than I'd expect, but again every Benz I've driven does that too.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350
RANDOM HARD DOWNSHIFT E350
hi - i have a 2014 E350 that does the same thing - randomly downshifts to MANUAL 1 causing the RPMs to roar.
Dealership keeps telling me they can't find a code.
I keep bringing it back.
They just said they found a faulty steering column module and replaced it.
I know NOTHING about cars - could a new steering column module possibly fix this problem? From what I see in the chain here you all are saying the VALVE BODY needs replacement.
Thanks for any comments!
Dealership keeps telling me they can't find a code.
I keep bringing it back.
They just said they found a faulty steering column module and replaced it.
I know NOTHING about cars - could a new steering column module possibly fix this problem? From what I see in the chain here you all are saying the VALVE BODY needs replacement.
Thanks for any comments!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: NZ
E 500 W212
I had a go and shifting better now after service and new o-rings.
I took a video in case that helps anyone.
Much appreciate your help tackling this.
youtube video code Ek1-RsraDbI
<!--{C}%3C!%2D%2Dtd%20%7Bborder%3A%201px%20solid%20%23 cccccc%3B%7Dbr%20%7Bmso-data-placement%3Asame-cell%3B%7D%2D%2D%3E--><!--{C}%3C!%2D%2Dtd%20%7Bborder%3A%201px%20solid%20%23 cccccc%3B%7Dbr%20%7Bmso-data-placement%3Asame-cell%3B%7D%2D%2D%3E-->
I took a video in case that helps anyone.
Much appreciate your help tackling this.
youtube video code Ek1-RsraDbI
Last edited by tommokw; Apr 26, 2025 at 07:56 AM.
