E-Class (W212) 2010 - 2016: E 350, E 550
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Odd shifting behavior

Old Sep 30, 2023 | 09:11 PM
  #1  
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Mine: 2014 E550 4matic; Hers: 2016 CLS 400 4matic
Odd shifting behavior

My 2014 E550’s transmission has developed a weird thing. The transmission works well with no problem shifting. However every couple of days the car does not allow me to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa. I have to the turn the car off and then on to allow the car to shift. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong?
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Old Oct 1, 2023 | 03:32 AM
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
The ISM is the one responsible or the one task to do the shifting D to N to R only. Gear shift 1 to 7 is done by other module inside the tranny itself.
This one is ISM : https://automotivetechinfo.com/wp-co...Module-ISM.pdf

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Old Oct 1, 2023 | 05:03 AM
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
sophisticated ISM failure...

yes, it sounds like your solderless ISM needs attention.

Options are to either repair the missing solders or to get a new module installed and coded.
Luckily labor is easy: expect minimal charge.


> FYI Beware... stuck:
The Intelligent Shifter Module is built with an "emergency circuit" that will shift tranny into Park one last time.
This will get your vehicle stuck wherever this takes place.

Furthermore ISM is equipped with a breather pipe shaped like a snorkel - Stay away from flooded roads if you can help it...

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 1, 2023 at 01:21 PM. Reason: known surprises
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 08:21 AM
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X166 2013 GL450
Originally Posted by Munich77
My 2014 E550’s transmission has developed a weird thing. The transmission works well with no problem shifting. However every couple of days the car does not allow me to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa. I have to the turn the car off and then on to allow the car to shift. Does anyone have any idea what is wrong?

Hey, did you ever figure out what was wrong with your car? I have the same issue and replaced the ISM but I still get the message. I am taking it to a shop on Tuesday. They said in most cases the issue is the valve body or oil leaking to areas it should be which will be more expensive. I am debating on if I should just trade mine for a newer model.
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 09:11 AM
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2014 - W212.065 - E400 ( M276.820, 3 liter Turbo) RWD not Hybrid
Sometimes this gear selector get broken. https://www.ebay.com/itm/125966992935




The ISM rotation is to pull or push this gear selector of the valve body
This rod has a magnetic head which tell the sensor above it what the gear selection is N/P/D/R , its dark black metallic rod multiple "humps" are the oil valving.

THis rod is not for sale stand alone
It can break off completely or still dangling a bit

Also sometimes metallic particle accumulation can be so much on the magnetic head, it distort/confuses the sensor reading.
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 09:49 AM
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2012 E550 sedan 2019 E63 Wagon
Originally Posted by SCusa864-
Hey, did you ever figure out what was wrong with your car? I have the same issue and replaced the ISM but I still get the message. I am taking it to a shop on Tuesday. They said in most cases the issue is the valve body or oil leaking to areas it should be which will be more expensive. I am debating on if I should just trade mine for a newer model.
Which message?
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Old Nov 16, 2023 | 02:03 PM
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W166 chaos beware...

Originally Posted by SCusa864-
Hey, did you ever figure out what was wrong with your car?

I have the same issue and replaced the ISM but I still get the message.

I am taking it to a shop on Tuesday.
They said in most cases the issue is the valve body or oil leaking to areas it should be which will be more expensive.
I am debating on if I should just trade mine for a newer model.
You got a new ISM without improvement?
... who installed and programmed it??

Display message is related to :
"Visit overpriced workshop without shifting..." right?

​​​​​With a working ISM, this problem is not tranny but CAN related... specially knowing the W166 offers full featured chaos. ( Link to similar: HERE )

Say NO to rebuilt tranny $10k bill ! Get yourself a second opinion from another MB specialist.

++++ FREE QUICKY... :
This is the perfect application for a REBOOT of soft-crashed modules.
Dont wait until it locks-up "P" (tow truck party).

+++ Adding link to help this out
searching...HERE thread in 12 posts

Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 16, 2023 at 02:37 PM. Reason: adding help link
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Old Nov 23, 2023 | 07:26 AM
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X166 2013 GL450
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! So we bought a new car but I didn't trade the GL in. It is posted on Marketplace. The NEW repair shop said the click that holds the ESM in is cracked based on the code they received as well as possible oil migration and water damage from a previous owner. They noticed the windshield was replaced and said water could've gotten in through that. They so believe a new battery or fixing the cracked connector could extend its life but they told me to cut Bait w the car and move on so it doesn't become a money pit. If I cannot sell it (issues are disclosed in linsting) for $9800 then I'll just take it to Mercedes who offered $9000 trade in and get a sedan.
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