JERKING!!!!! very annoying.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 462
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From: CT and FL
SL500 E320 ML350
I noticed this in my '03 E500 and what was explained (by my service mgr.) was that on start up the E Class will remain in 1st geat for longer duration to allow transmision to get up to temp before resuming normal shift pattern. Seems to explain why mine did this on start up and down my driveway. Once under way - it's fine. I've not experienced any of the turning problems or warm temp "jerking" in this post. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,281
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From: Longmont, CO
04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
My vehicle is always smooth. When cold, the rpm will rev a bit higher, but all you have to do to have it up shift is push the stick to the right and it will still up shift even if it is in D.
I would not put up with this kind of behavior from the car. If my car did that I would take it right back and tell them to fix it! This is a refined piece of machinery. If it were a Ford Focus or Chevy Cavalier, I would imagine that accepting performance problems comes with the territory of buying the bottom model.
If it bothers you, GET IT FIXED, it is not supposed to be like that.
Steve Aguirre
I would not put up with this kind of behavior from the car. If my car did that I would take it right back and tell them to fix it! This is a refined piece of machinery. If it were a Ford Focus or Chevy Cavalier, I would imagine that accepting performance problems comes with the territory of buying the bottom model.
If it bothers you, GET IT FIXED, it is not supposed to be like that.
Steve Aguirre
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 575
Likes: 1
From: Ramsey, NJ
2007 M5, 2004 X3 3.0i
Originally Posted by benzboy
I noticed this in my '03 E500 and what was explained (by my service mgr.) was that on start up the E Class will remain in 1st geat for longer duration to allow transmision to get up to temp before resuming normal shift pattern. Seems to explain why mine did this on start up and down my driveway. Once under way - it's fine. I've not experienced any of the turning problems or warm temp "jerking" in this post.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Miami, FL
2002 S430
I know exactly what you are talking about but I never knew what it could be or if it could even get fixed. The car seems to jerk like a manual car that is in the wrong gear or something. It always happens at low speeds. I guess next time I see the dealer I will discuss this problem with sevice advisor. It will be hard to replicate for him though conidering it happends once in a while.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
Any new news on this?
Every now and again, mine jerks right after a cold start up in the morning when I am standing still waitinfg for my front gate to open. I haven't driven but 20 feet. When I drive a few hundred yards and stop at the next light, it is gone, I had it before and it went away after I switched from ARCo to Chevron gas, but now it has returned at least once. Can anyone provide a solution?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 471
Likes: 1
Jerking on '03 E500 when engine is cold
Hello guys!
Any remedies for this problem. Mine did this a few times about a year ago and stopped when I switched to Chevron gas from ARCO. However, it returned recently. It does it when I have just cold started the car in the morning, backed out of the garage and am waiting for the gate to open, so I haven't driven 20 feet. The automatic is in the S position. After i drive and stop at the next traffic light, it is gone- apart from that i have have not noticed any abnormalities with the transmission, except for an occasional harsh downshift in a traffic jam when you have been crawling and want to accelerate again. Can anyone offer any advice/solution?
Any remedies for this problem. Mine did this a few times about a year ago and stopped when I switched to Chevron gas from ARCO. However, it returned recently. It does it when I have just cold started the car in the morning, backed out of the garage and am waiting for the gate to open, so I haven't driven 20 feet. The automatic is in the S position. After i drive and stop at the next traffic light, it is gone- apart from that i have have not noticed any abnormalities with the transmission, except for an occasional harsh downshift in a traffic jam when you have been crawling and want to accelerate again. Can anyone offer any advice/solution?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Georgia, USA
Honda Accord
Originally Posted by drboxster
I just had the transmission control module replaced and upated software flash. Jerking is gone. Now if they could only get my phone to work. Do not feel bad my dealer tell me I am the only one with such problems. We know better. Good Luck
I have been busy with stuff that bothered me more. Radio head unit of HK stereo replaced twice (in my case the audio gateway was ok although I still get occasional static/popping even with the most recent software, but the stereo has blessedly not been locking up on me recently), water pump and power steering pump replaced because of slow leaks, AC compressor replaced after AC wouldn't turn on, AC compressor failed because of leak, Tele-Aid control module replaced, alignment with two corrective bolts installed ($270 not covered by warranty). My car doesn't have a phone or Command/NAV so I don't have to deal with those issues.
William
2003 E 320 47k miles
Last edited by X72; Jan 7, 2005 at 10:03 AM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 8
From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
Frank
I think MB developed a new ETU to solve that problem. they will either reprogram it or replace it. At least that's what I heard from Bevely Hill MB. I haven't done it yet, since I have no time and I have my ECU chipped. ask your dealer. if they never heard of that. ask them to call BHMB
I think MB developed a new ETU to solve that problem. they will either reprogram it or replace it. At least that's what I heard from Bevely Hill MB. I haven't done it yet, since I have no time and I have my ECU chipped. ask your dealer. if they never heard of that. ask them to call BHMB
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area, CA
11 W212 E350 Sport, sold 06 W211 E350
Originally Posted by yxc145
The Jerking continues..... whenever I slow down to about 5 mph in a sitting traffic. And I don't want to risk the chance of the dealer messing w/ the ECU, flashing the program that I installed in it. They did that one time. They didn't flashing out the software, but they change something else that totally slow the car down, BUT!!! the problem came back after a couple of days!! Does anyone know exactly why it's doing this? and if MB has a solution for it already?
Maybe the online MB tech can help.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,630
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
Originally Posted by RJC
The jerking applies to 320's.
Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: California
2003 E320
Originally Posted by konigstiger
P-B-07.00/28f - FEB04 - Engine Control Unit Software Update - 2003 e320/500.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 14,362
Likes: 1
From: Staples Center
w211 & w124
I wonder if this affects the 05's as well. Although I don't know if I'd consider it to be jerking but once in a while I get a slight hesitation and then once it kicks in it does slightly jerk a little, not as smooth as I would expect. 
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 957
Likes: 1
was '03 E320 - now - '04 S4
Brian -
You'd notice it. Mine is like a yo-yo or pogo stick.
It really feels similar to someone who can't drive a manual transmission and gets that "bucking" action.
The other tranny issue my car has is a weird hesistation if you floor it and have to back off the accelerator - it's as if the car has fuel starvation or something. Nothing happens at all.
Grrrr...
lig
You'd notice it. Mine is like a yo-yo or pogo stick.
It really feels similar to someone who can't drive a manual transmission and gets that "bucking" action.The other tranny issue my car has is a weird hesistation if you floor it and have to back off the accelerator - it's as if the car has fuel starvation or something. Nothing happens at all.
Grrrr...
lig
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
I have both problems, the jerking (which is pretty hard when it happens) and the stalling when decelerating quickly, including a shut-off once a few weeks ago when I was about to turn left. Yeah that was a load of fun. Took it to the dealer last week, and since they couldn't duplicate the problem, they just didn't do anything. Second time in for the same problem.
I'm at the point where I'm pretty sure I won't be buying another Mercedes. It's incredibly comfortable and good looking, and surprisingly fun to drive, but I've spent too much time at the dealer for what we pay.
I'm at the point where I'm pretty sure I won't be buying another Mercedes. It's incredibly comfortable and good looking, and surprisingly fun to drive, but I've spent too much time at the dealer for what we pay.
Newbie
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
I complained about the jerking problem and was told everything was normal. I did notice on the shop copy of the work order that the alternate transmission program was used. The jerking has gone away and feels better now. The alternate transmission feels like driving in "c" mode instead of "s" mode with 1st gear still being used. There is now less engine breaking and a much quieter ride. I think the engine breaking in the lower gears was the cause of the jerking. I'm just curious as to why they didn't tell me about the change in the transmission program(not listed on my copy of the receipt).
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 48
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From: Sydney
2005 CLS350 (lemon)
My 2005 CLS350 has had this problem from day one. The dealership has made half a dozen attempts to fix to but to no avail. I have had the car stall also.
Here are some details provided by a member here that are supposed to fix the problem:
P-B-27.60/61c JAN06 Rough Shift Quality – Rough 1-2, 3-2 and 2-1 gearshifts. Addresses any mechanical causes and performs shift adaptations.
P-B-27.50/59a MAR06 Transmission in Limp Home Mode with fault codes – Replaces flange (clutch) and valve body and addresses shift adaptations.
(As a precautionary measure)
P-B-18.40/29a MAR06 Leakage Between Oil Level Sensor and Oil Pan - Replaces oil level/oil quality sensor.
If you have lemon laws in your state you have a strong position to ask for a buy back as I am aware of some CLS's in California that had the problem and got their money back. I have the VIN for one of the cars that was bought back because of this issue. This might help if you want to push for it let me know and ill give it to you.
Here are some details provided by a member here that are supposed to fix the problem:
P-B-27.60/61c JAN06 Rough Shift Quality – Rough 1-2, 3-2 and 2-1 gearshifts. Addresses any mechanical causes and performs shift adaptations.
P-B-27.50/59a MAR06 Transmission in Limp Home Mode with fault codes – Replaces flange (clutch) and valve body and addresses shift adaptations.
(As a precautionary measure)
P-B-18.40/29a MAR06 Leakage Between Oil Level Sensor and Oil Pan - Replaces oil level/oil quality sensor.
If you have lemon laws in your state you have a strong position to ask for a buy back as I am aware of some CLS's in California that had the problem and got their money back. I have the VIN for one of the cars that was bought back because of this issue. This might help if you want to push for it let me know and ill give it to you.
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Suburbs, USA
2014 E350 4Matic, 2012 Kia Soul+
I've had my new E350 for 2 months. Twice I've had this problem. It happens during the shift from 3-2 in Comfort mode. Switching to Sport didn't change anything. In both cases it happened first thing in the morning. When slowing down to about 5 mph, it would jerk just before stopping. It went away on its own a few hours later. My theory is once you get it up to highway speed, it gets fixed.
I love the car, but hope this doesn't get worse or happen more frequently.
I love the car, but hope this doesn't get worse or happen more frequently.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 436
Likes: 36
From: Barrington IL
2015 E 250, 1999 BMW M Roadster, 1939 International Harvester, 2023 GLC
I have just started gettting a similar problem with my 05 CDI diesel. At about 30 mph rpms around 1200-1500. More noticable cold engine conditions
Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
w211 E320
My car used to jerk until I took it to the dealership and have them test drove it. It usually jerks during stop and go traffic and yes speeds below 10mph. The jerking was caused by the transmission, after they reprogrammed mine it was perfect and jerk was gone.
BTW jerking is not normal you should have it checked for those who think its ok.
BTW jerking is not normal you should have it checked for those who think its ok.
