Very concerned about the 4matic transmission
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
Very concerned about the 4matic transmission
Folks,
I need your inputs. I did a pre-trade for a new Mercedes but I just can't pull the triga on a new car because I am reading the issues about the 7 speed transmission having to be replaced whenever the diff goes bad on the 4 matic.
I am very interested on buying a E550 sedan 4-matic but just the idea of having to replace the whole 7 speed transmission because of the Diff going bad makes me worry. I heard this topic about the GLK 4matic breaking the diff and having to replace the whole thing (transmission and diff) because the diff is inside.
Is this the same issue on the cLA 45 AMG? If this is an issue I might turn around and look for a RWD car.
I need your inputs. I did a pre-trade for a new Mercedes but I just can't pull the triga on a new car because I am reading the issues about the 7 speed transmission having to be replaced whenever the diff goes bad on the 4 matic.
I am very interested on buying a E550 sedan 4-matic but just the idea of having to replace the whole 7 speed transmission because of the Diff going bad makes me worry. I heard this topic about the GLK 4matic breaking the diff and having to replace the whole thing (transmission and diff) because the diff is inside.
Is this the same issue on the cLA 45 AMG? If this is an issue I might turn around and look for a RWD car.
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2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
Are you sure it's the diff?
All the reports and complaints I see are due to the internal transfer case on 7G Tronic 4MATIC.
The CLA won't have that problem - it's a FWD-based car. Totally different transmission and AWD set up. Not saying it won't have problems....but they won't be the same as the 7G Tronic 4MATIC on the RWD-based sedans and SUVs.
All the reports and complaints I see are due to the internal transfer case on 7G Tronic 4MATIC.
The CLA won't have that problem - it's a FWD-based car. Totally different transmission and AWD set up. Not saying it won't have problems....but they won't be the same as the 7G Tronic 4MATIC on the RWD-based sedans and SUVs.
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
I would not worry about it - if this were such a big problem on the 4matics we would have heard about it by now. Remember they sell tons of 4matics.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
Are you sure it's the diff?
All the reports and complaints I see are due to the internal transfer case on 7G Tronic 4MATIC.
The CLA won't have that problem - it's a FWD-based car. Totally different transmission and AWD set up. Not saying it won't have problems....but they won't be the same as the 7G Tronic 4MATIC on the RWD-based sedans and SUVs.
All the reports and complaints I see are due to the internal transfer case on 7G Tronic 4MATIC.
The CLA won't have that problem - it's a FWD-based car. Totally different transmission and AWD set up. Not saying it won't have problems....but they won't be the same as the 7G Tronic 4MATIC on the RWD-based sedans and SUVs.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
Well, the problem is the amount of torque that the E550 puts. I plan to eventually get a tune if I get the car, that would put the car into a ridiculous amount of torque. That and the act that you can disable the traction it makes me think that something is going to give.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
If you are this worried, then just buy a different car. Buying a car is supposed to be enjoyable. If you are already stressing, then this is obviously not the brand for you.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Well, the problem is the amount of torque that the E550 puts. I plan to eventually get a tune if I get the car, that would put the car into a ridiculous amount of torque. That and the act that you can disable the traction it makes me think that something is going to give.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Washington DC area
Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
Well, the problem is the amount of torque that the E550 puts. I plan to eventually get a tune if I get the car, that would put the car into a ridiculous amount of torque. That and the act that you can disable the traction it makes me think that something is going to give.
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
No transfer case on these cars. It is differential, more precisely center differential. It is the differential that works between the front and rear axles just the same way as the differential on an axle works between the right and left wheel.
Transfer case is a part of the old fashioned 4-wheel drive that does not have the center differential. These 4-wheel drive vehicles are not supposed to be operated with 4-wheel drive engaged when driving on dry pavement where tire grip is good. 4-wheel drive is meant to be used on slippery surfaces where the tires don't have the best grip.
All Wheel Drive cars have center differential meaning that the front and rear axles are allowed to turn at different speeds as the center differential allows for this without stressing the power transmission parts too much. Well, MB may have a little problem here as they don't want you to have the staggered tires with the 4Matic obviously because this would cause a speed difference between the axles and wear on the "primitive" center differential lock, which I believe is a simple spring loaded "disk brake".
Transfer case is a part of the old fashioned 4-wheel drive that does not have the center differential. These 4-wheel drive vehicles are not supposed to be operated with 4-wheel drive engaged when driving on dry pavement where tire grip is good. 4-wheel drive is meant to be used on slippery surfaces where the tires don't have the best grip.
All Wheel Drive cars have center differential meaning that the front and rear axles are allowed to turn at different speeds as the center differential allows for this without stressing the power transmission parts too much. Well, MB may have a little problem here as they don't want you to have the staggered tires with the 4Matic obviously because this would cause a speed difference between the axles and wear on the "primitive" center differential lock, which I believe is a simple spring loaded "disk brake".
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2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
All I can say is, I have heard faint ticking noise when accelerating from rest, had the transmission replaced twice already, just got the car back tonight.
Will see if the peace and silence will last.
Will see if the peace and silence will last.
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From: Oregon's beautiful Willamette valley
2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, 2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Staggered tires do not inevitably create an important speed differential. Check tire companies revolutions per mile data on their tires and select staggered sizes with similar turn numbers per mile.
.... MB may have a little problem here as they don't want you to have the staggered tires with the 4Matic obviously because this would cause a speed difference between the axles and wear on the "primitive" center differential lock, which I believe is a simple spring loaded "disk brake".
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2014 E550
These are car forums , guys who ask car questions, some of which you may not like but they are asking because there is genuine interest. Not get another car.
Last edited by usamuscle; Jan 21, 2014 at 01:41 PM.
Super Member
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From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
You can call it transfer case/center diff.
MB basically mated this unit into the 7G box and sell them as one for $7xxx. Makes it easier for dealer save time to "swap" things out.
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From: Central Pennsylvania
2012 S350 Bluetec 4Matic, Diamond White, P2
Can you post something that is actually useful ? Instead of telling people they should get something else? . Lol , you did the same **** with me when I posted. Why even comment if you have nothing but bs to spew?
These are car forums , guys who ask car questions, some of which you may not like but they are asking because there is genuine interest. Not get another car.
These are car forums , guys who ask car questions, some of which you may not like but they are asking because there is genuine interest. Not get another car.
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From: NM
2023 AMG EQS
Don't post ridiculous concerns if you don't want ridiculous answers. MB has sold millions of 4Matic vehicles. If you add up all of the complaints on these forums, it is a very small percentage of vehicles that(<1%) have any transmission issues at all. My response to you was a genuine "helpful" comment. If you are truly that worried about the 7G transmission then don't get a car with it. Period. If you are just a drama queen that needs to hear from others that it is a decent transmission, then, just buy the car. Your reaction to my comment tells me that you may not know very much about cars in general. If you think my advice about not buying a car that you have "serious concerns" about is BS, than you have a real dismal life outlook.
I would have posted the same thing when I first saw this thread but I chose to ignore the thread instead.
Now that we are all being honest.
This is a DUMB thread.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
This also shows that any tire diameter difference between the axles will cause movement on this clutch that wears it over time.
It also says that these 4Matic cars are basically FWD cars with a "helper drive" at the rear wheels.
And now I see why Audi Quattro drive is so much better.
P.S. Found below Youtube and it really explain how the 4Matic powers the rear axle when needed, i.e. it is a FWD car with the RWD enabled when needed. This does not mean it is something bad. It just means it is a FWD car on good grip surfaces and here is where the staggered tire setup is a problem. With speed difference between the axles the system engages the rear axle, which then makes parts to wear as something has the give. Mostly this would probably show in very fast tire wear.
Last edited by Arrie; Jan 22, 2014 at 11:48 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: middle o' ma
15 AMG S63 4-matic coupe
Arrie, I think that only refers to the new gen of little cars which are FWD by default.
The slightly older versions, like I've had all had open diffs and utilized the ABS wheel speed sensors and brake loading to balance slipping wheels.
I have a recollection that the current E has something similar to what you posted but in reverse whereas the front wheels are enabled when the rears are slipping.
The slightly older versions, like I've had all had open diffs and utilized the ABS wheel speed sensors and brake loading to balance slipping wheels.
I have a recollection that the current E has something similar to what you posted but in reverse whereas the front wheels are enabled when the rears are slipping.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Arrie, I think that only refers to the new gen of little cars which are FWD by default.
The slightly older versions, like I've had all had open diffs and utilized the ABS wheel speed sensors and brake loading to balance slipping wheels.
I have a recollection that the current E has something similar to what you posted but in reverse whereas the front wheels are enabled when the rears are slipping.
The slightly older versions, like I've had all had open diffs and utilized the ABS wheel speed sensors and brake loading to balance slipping wheels.
I have a recollection that the current E has something similar to what you posted but in reverse whereas the front wheels are enabled when the rears are slipping.
Further, if you have a system that use brakes for "locks" like Audi Quattro system does you really need the center differential for true AWD functionality. By what the video shows MB 4Matic is NOT an AWD system as world knows these three letters mean. It is far from it.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Los Angeles
'19 MBZ E450 Wagon, '19 BMW 530e
A class 4matic system is for FWD platform cars A/B class.
C and above have the traditional Rear drive based 4Matic like the picture below
C and above have the traditional Rear drive based 4Matic like the picture below
Last edited by instantfob; Jan 23, 2014 at 04:04 PM.
