Engine/Transmission Shudder at 1100-1500 RPM
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury, NC
2011 E550 w212
Engine/Transmission Shudder at 1100-1500 RPM
Hi all, I'm new to MBWorld and hoping to find some help and info to solve an issue with my 2011 E550. I have noticed when the air temp is 55 or higher and during normal acceleration between 1100 and 1500 RPM the car seems to shudder no matter what gear the trans is in. It does not happen on cooler days nor when I accelerate heavy. From what I am reading in some threads, it seems to be an issue with MAF, throttle position, not getting enough clean air, but not a transmission issue. I've started with replacing air filters, but no help. My next step would be to replace/clean MAF. But I have also seen where some people have installed a Sprint Booster. I would love to get some feedback, so that I can head in the right direction. Many thanks!!
Mike
Mike
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 347
2011 E-350 4Matic Sport
Don't throw parts at it.
Do you have or will you get a scantool? Even the generic versions will give you real time run data - that will tell you a lot about what O2 and fuel trims are doing, along with MAP sensor and other readings. They can also help figure out if it's an injector issue. Might be a weak coil as it heats up but you'd need to verify primary/secondary ignition pulse, can't do that with an obd2 reader. I use a GTC505 for that, although an inexpensive spark tool might at least give you an idea.
Transmission - change fluid AND filter. It's a bit tedious, I get a shop to do it, but there's DIY on this forum. Old fluid with depleted additive pack is often a culprit of shudder.
In general, if its a new car to you, start with maintenance baselines so you know where you're at.
If you aren't comfortable with doing the DIY scan, take it and get it scanned somewhere where they have MB software. The cost to identify an issue will be worth it rather than loading up the parts cannon.
Do you have or will you get a scantool? Even the generic versions will give you real time run data - that will tell you a lot about what O2 and fuel trims are doing, along with MAP sensor and other readings. They can also help figure out if it's an injector issue. Might be a weak coil as it heats up but you'd need to verify primary/secondary ignition pulse, can't do that with an obd2 reader. I use a GTC505 for that, although an inexpensive spark tool might at least give you an idea.
Transmission - change fluid AND filter. It's a bit tedious, I get a shop to do it, but there's DIY on this forum. Old fluid with depleted additive pack is often a culprit of shudder.
In general, if its a new car to you, start with maintenance baselines so you know where you're at.
If you aren't comfortable with doing the DIY scan, take it and get it scanned somewhere where they have MB software. The cost to identify an issue will be worth it rather than loading up the parts cannon.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury, NC
2011 E550 w212
I do have a basic scan tool. And it is time for fluid change and filter, although the problem persisted after the last change. I've had the car 2 years and the problem was there from the get go. I didn't notice it as much, but as I got used to the car and more sensitive to it's quirks, the more it's noticeable. I recently had it at the MB dealer to have it scanned for Airmatic issues, but I suppose any other codes would not have been identified, since they weren't looking for anything else at the time.
I appreciate your feedback, and think I'll start with a pro scan!!
I appreciate your feedback, and think I'll start with a pro scan!!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 53
From: Hollywood, CA
Tectitgrau S210
Does it feel like your driving over freeway shoulder bumps/grooves? Like the whole interior of the car resonates? If so, it's probably the same issue as mine, where the transmission solenoid was clogged and was not fully engaging the clutchpack at low RPMs and I would get "clutch chatter".
I took the complete valvebody assembly out, cleaned all solenoids with a magnet per the instruction video and after I put it back together with a complete fluid flush the transmission was 100% back to normal. I was shiattin' bricks thinking i needed a transmission rebuild, but it was just clutch debris stick inside the B2 solenoid.
I took the complete valvebody assembly out, cleaned all solenoids with a magnet per the instruction video and after I put it back together with a complete fluid flush the transmission was 100% back to normal. I was shiattin' bricks thinking i needed a transmission rebuild, but it was just clutch debris stick inside the B2 solenoid.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 53
From: Hollywood, CA
Tectitgrau S210
take it to a shop that has serviced the MB 722.9 transmission before, more specifically the valve body. While removing the valve body is very very easy, the transmission wiring plug on the conductor plate is REALLY stuck inside transmission housing, and if the shop is unfamiliar with the method of removal (ie gently prying from the top) they will break the connector off resulting in the need for a new complete conductor plate assembly, which in itself isn't too expensive at around $300, but it will require online programming through MB's online servers, which again most shops cannot perform.
EDIT: also make sure they don't reuse the valve body bolts as they are stretch bolts and cannot be used again after initially torque since they will either snap or worse strip the thread in the trans housing if you try to torque down to MB specs. Again, a competent MB specialist should know this, which is why it's important you take it to someone who knows what they are going.
EDIT: also make sure they don't reuse the valve body bolts as they are stretch bolts and cannot be used again after initially torque since they will either snap or worse strip the thread in the trans housing if you try to torque down to MB specs. Again, a competent MB specialist should know this, which is why it's important you take it to someone who knows what they are going.
Last edited by Ungarisch; Mar 28, 2019 at 08:53 PM.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Salisbury, NC
2011 E550 w212
Thanks for the info. Meant to note earlier that when the shudder happens, there's no noise, rather it's the feeling of the car slightly lunging 3-4 times per second. But what is baffling is when the air temp is below 55f, it's as smooth as silk, as it should be. Would the solenoid act up only at certain temps?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 293
Likes: 53
From: Hollywood, CA
Tectitgrau S210
yes, mine did the exact same thing is 4th gear, especially when turning and accelerating out of an intersection when the car's at low rpm it would buck and lurch as if someone just learned to drive an manual transmission and let the clutch out too fast. B2 solenoid control 4th and 7th gear. in 4th the car would lurch, in 7th the car would vibrater/resonate like driving over bumps. It may not be the same solenoid that's clogged for you, but it does sound similar.
The reason it;s temperature dependant is because automatic transmission fluid, which is basically just fancy motor oil, is thicker at start/cold temps but since your fluid is burnt due to old age it hold very little viscosity as it heats up.
The reason it;s temperature dependant is because automatic transmission fluid, which is basically just fancy motor oil, is thicker at start/cold temps but since your fluid is burnt due to old age it hold very little viscosity as it heats up.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2011 E550 W212
I have been experiencing rpm surging ever so slightly at idle in P and at times I feel like I can feel very slight vibration in a 2011 E550 M273 . Sometimes I can see surging while driving in D as well, but it's usually not high range, the needle moves barely, but it's not on keeping 100% straight like in all other non mb cars I had before. I've been told by MB dealer that it's within tolerance. There were TCM errors, but after transmission testing the dealership said that MB test procedure advised to ignore the codes. Once when revving it a little on a warm engine in P It felt like the throttle body got stuck or something and it'd hold over 1k rpms and surge. Are these early signs of a torque converter failure? Or is it a normal thing for the rpm needle to be moving like that ever so slightly? I replaced spark plugs thinking it was that since it's at 55k and spark plug service us dye at 60k miles anyways, done transmission service with fluid change, and shifts are silky smooth. But rpm situation is still a thing.
Here's videos of what it looks like
This is that one time when it seemed like the throttle body got stuck, after restarting the car all was back to normal
Here's videos of what it looks like
This is that one time when it seemed like the throttle body got stuck, after restarting the car all was back to normal
Last edited by E550W212; Mar 7, 2022 at 12:03 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
RPM & shaking...
The video makes this look more like your tach itself has Parkinson... than actual engine RPM hunting up/down.
Why/how it does that is a good question! Seek answers by:
1- Scan the OBD port for a fresh list of issues
2- Access to on-board live data.
3- Look at your "misfire count" data...
Engine/tranny mounts are known items to stay on top of for vibrations... not RPM surging.
Why/how it does that is a good question! Seek answers by:
1- Scan the OBD port for a fresh list of issues
2- Access to on-board live data.
3- Look at your "misfire count" data...
Engine/tranny mounts are known items to stay on top of for vibrations... not RPM surging.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Mar 8, 2022 at 02:24 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
2011 E550 W212
The video makes this look more like your tach itself has Parkinson... than actual engine RPM hunting up/down.
Why/how it does that is a good question! Seek answers by:
1- Scan the OBD port for a fresh list of issues
2- Access to on-board live data.
3- Look at your "misfire count" data...
Engine/tranny mounts are known items to stay on top of for vibrations... not RPM surging.
Why/how it does that is a good question! Seek answers by:
1- Scan the OBD port for a fresh list of issues
2- Access to on-board live data.
3- Look at your "misfire count" data...
Engine/tranny mounts are known items to stay on top of for vibrations... not RPM surging.
Another thing is I had the spark plugs replaced and here are my old ones. Most look fine, but 2 are sticking out. They seem to be fully covered, but I'm not sure if that's oil? Because that could be another cause for surging rpms I'd imagine? If anyone has an idea I'd appreciate any input.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I have similar issues feels like I’m driving on the shoulder when I do a turn or slightly in lower gear not always in straight line but happens say I’m already at 60 and trying to merge it will do that vibration and then start going u think it’s the same issue? But I raced it hard and it doesn’t do it but I do feel like something just spinning in front as if it was a pulley which I switch the upper thinking of doing the lower?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,775
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
USUAL FARE
I have similar issues feels like I’m driving on the shoulder when I do a turn or slightly in lower gear not always in straight line but happens say I’m already at 60 and trying to merge it will do that vibration and then start going u think it’s the same issue?
But I raced it hard and it doesn’t do it but I do feel like something just spinning in front as if it was a pulley which I switch the upper thinking of doing the lower?
But I raced it hard and it doesn’t do it but I do feel like something just spinning in front as if it was a pulley which I switch the upper thinking of doing the lower?
Check your #1+ #5 plugs these two cyl. nearest to the balancer are the first to take the beating of unbalanced engine under heavy load.
Next is cyl. compressions
then bore scope damages
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Mar 30, 2025 at 01:49 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I’ve changed my plugs after buying the car they weren’t really oily or with oil just ur typical used plug and I haven’t switched them since the last 5k miles I have a daily that does oil the plugs so I know when they are oily
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I usually race the typical whenever someone comes across like an Audi or 340 but it doesn’t do any vibration at all under heavy load more as light load when I cruise her and try to give her a little pedal to get up and go she does. She did it a lot with the upper pulley was out but I didn’t replace the lower one since it felt nice but again it’s a smooth pulley but it did make a difference it stopped doing it at every try and does it less so I’m assuming it’s the lower one?
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
MAF or pedal sensor have had this symptom for me in the past. MAF's don't really go out on these cars but that IS a symptom with the idle you have. The pedal sensor SOMETIMES codes out but you will get wonky behavior like this leading up to that event, especially if you're trying to accelerate and its not doing anything but the engine is otherwise healthy and not reporting any errors.
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
i missed the vibration at low rpm.
how olds your transmission fluid? you get a real bad shudder at low rpm-high torque situations like going up a hill. these cars misbehave real badly when the fluid is dirty... theres no way to inspect this other than to just start draining a little bit. It's a fairly complicated process unless youre handy
how olds your transmission fluid? you get a real bad shudder at low rpm-high torque situations like going up a hill. these cars misbehave real badly when the fluid is dirty... theres no way to inspect this other than to just start draining a little bit. It's a fairly complicated process unless youre handy
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Im pretty handy myself im a blue collar guy but most likely will send it to get changed someone else on here said they had it due to dirty tranny oil and solenoid were clogged but I haven’t changed it since I bought it only engine sparks filters tires brakes rotors etc
SPONSOR
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 846
Likes: 559
From: San Jose, CA
11 E550, 16 AMG GTS, 13 S550
can you operate a ratchet and a handpump? it's just pulling a transmission oil pan and setting up a new filter/gasket/and filling it with a handpump through the drain hole with an adapter that threads in, I can walk you through it. I think its your transmission fluid. My car at 108 was AWFUL when I bought it after it heated up.
I will say though the wandering tach tells me theres a vacuum leak somewhere so the idle is surging up and down to match uncorrected/unmetered air entering the engine. It's not causing a check engine light cuz nothing is broken, but theres surging happening. These two things could be unrelated. I dont know until i see the car/engine/drive it
I will say though the wandering tach tells me theres a vacuum leak somewhere so the idle is surging up and down to match uncorrected/unmetered air entering the engine. It's not causing a check engine light cuz nothing is broken, but theres surging happening. These two things could be unrelated. I dont know until i see the car/engine/drive it
__________________
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Alpha European Autotech
Purchase Amsoil at 25% off from me
Chris Tran, Retired Alpha European Autotech Owner
Amsoil Independent Dealer #7236674
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Yeah who can’t I’ve changed up to a transmission on a truck but how would get the car high enough with a lift I have tried using harbor freight ramps for when I do oil changes but I don’t get near to say I can confidently have enough space to remove the oil pan so how would u go about lifting the car up a tad more ? Driving it up form the behind ?
