9G Transmission
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 620
Likes: 65
From: Florida
2018 E300 Luxury - P3 and more
As someone with a W212 that has a very clunky tranny (and in the shop...again), the loaner W213 I'm driving now has been very agreeable. The 9G seems to understand exactly what I'm asking of it every time and hasn't given me a single bad shift yet. Only driven it ~300 miles so far, but the 9G almost makes me forget about the miserable engine underneath the hood.
To be honest, the 9G + miserable engine makes for an enjoyable drive compared to my W212's 7G cludgebox + V6. Engine noise is minimal at highway speeds, usually overcome by wind & road noise, which is also quite minimal. It also has a healthy / enjoyable amount of torque with minimal delay in spooling up.
The only time I dislike the new engine is at idle, where you can feel its roughness compared to the smoothness of the outgoing E350 normally-aspirated V6. I do wish Merc would have made this a hybrid or at least given us a bigger battery + electric aircon compressor. Then the engine could stay off at red lights every time, providing tranquil smoothness at idle. Of course, if it did that, some would argue that they couldn't justify buying an S-Class, so perhaps this was intentional.
To be honest, the 9G + miserable engine makes for an enjoyable drive compared to my W212's 7G cludgebox + V6. Engine noise is minimal at highway speeds, usually overcome by wind & road noise, which is also quite minimal. It also has a healthy / enjoyable amount of torque with minimal delay in spooling up.
The only time I dislike the new engine is at idle, where you can feel its roughness compared to the smoothness of the outgoing E350 normally-aspirated V6. I do wish Merc would have made this a hybrid or at least given us a bigger battery + electric aircon compressor. Then the engine could stay off at red lights every time, providing tranquil smoothness at idle. Of course, if it did that, some would argue that they couldn't justify buying an S-Class, so perhaps this was intentional.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,061
Likes: 326
From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
As someone with a W212 that has a very clunky tranny (and in the shop...again), the loaner W213 I'm driving now has been very agreeable. The 9G seems to understand exactly what I'm asking of it every time and hasn't given me a single bad shift yet. Only driven it ~300 miles so far, but the 9G almost makes me forget about the miserable engine underneath the hood.
To be honest, the 9G + miserable engine makes for an enjoyable drive compared to my W212's 7G cludgebox + V6. Engine noise is minimal at highway speeds, usually overcome by wind & road noise, which is also quite minimal. It also has a healthy / enjoyable amount of torque with minimal delay in spooling up.
The only time I dislike the new engine is at idle, where you can feel its roughness compared to the smoothness of the outgoing E350 normally-aspirated V6. I do wish Merc would have made this a hybrid or at least given us a bigger battery + electric aircon compressor. Then the engine could stay off at red lights every time, providing tranquil smoothness at idle. Of course, if it did that, some would argue that they couldn't justify buying an S-Class, so perhaps this was intentional.
To be honest, the 9G + miserable engine makes for an enjoyable drive compared to my W212's 7G cludgebox + V6. Engine noise is minimal at highway speeds, usually overcome by wind & road noise, which is also quite minimal. It also has a healthy / enjoyable amount of torque with minimal delay in spooling up.
The only time I dislike the new engine is at idle, where you can feel its roughness compared to the smoothness of the outgoing E350 normally-aspirated V6. I do wish Merc would have made this a hybrid or at least given us a bigger battery + electric aircon compressor. Then the engine could stay off at red lights every time, providing tranquil smoothness at idle. Of course, if it did that, some would argue that they couldn't justify buying an S-Class, so perhaps this was intentional.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 88
Likes: 16
From: Hartford CT
2019 GLC300 4matic
What is the oil (atf) change interval (oci) for the 9G Tronic?
I have driven my GLC300 4matic only 1100 miles and cannot feel any transmission shifting (I do hear some) so I{m happy driving but can't find any info on when to have it serviced.
Thanks
I have driven my GLC300 4matic only 1100 miles and cannot feel any transmission shifting (I do hear some) so I{m happy driving but can't find any info on when to have it serviced.
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 93
Likes: 14
Lexus RX350
exactly! best 9 speed transmission i have ever seen, knows exactly what gear to be in to get the most torque outta the 2.0 turbo! also had experience with the new lexus/toyota 8 speed and its horrible! it bangs on downshifts and constantly up and downshifting
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 351
Likes: 4
From: Christchurch, New Zealand
17 E220D, 11 E350 CDI(sold), 06 CLS320 CDI (sold), 05 Cadillac DeVille (gone), 04 E320 CDI (sold)
My only problem is that the car doesn't use the ninth gear at all at legal speeds (here in NZ). Our maximum speed limit is 110km/h (68mph), and the car doesn't seem to select 9th until about 130km/h. although once in, it will stay in it down to about 120km/h.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 88
Likes: 16
From: Hartford CT
2019 GLC300 4matic
RE Service, below is a cut and paste from a MB brochure dated 2013. Says service is at 125,000 KM (77,000 miles)
Is that when you are getting your 725.x transmission serviced?
Thanks
Brochure title:
Global Training – The finest automotive learning
Cars · Drivetrain
9-Speed Automatic Transmission (725.0) · AKUBIS®
direct special • Final Test · Go
Hand-outs for participants
from section 2.3
Maintenance information
Maintenance
• Oil change interval as per NAT2FE+ every 125,000 km/5 years
• Exchange of both oil filters in the oil pan, the oil pan must be replaced for this as the
filters are permanently integrated into the oil pan every 125,000 km/5 years
• Exchange of the pressure oil filter on the front integral carrier based on service
sheet specification
• Use of the new automatic transmission fluid Shell ATF D97 (Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Operating Fluids 236.16)
The new automatic transmission fluid has the following part number:
A001 989 92 03
General information on transmission 725.011 2
Maintenance information 2.3
T0831E
Is that when you are getting your 725.x transmission serviced?
Thanks
Brochure title:
Global Training – The finest automotive learning
Cars · Drivetrain
9-Speed Automatic Transmission (725.0) · AKUBIS®
direct special • Final Test · Go
Hand-outs for participants
from section 2.3
Maintenance information
Maintenance
• Oil change interval as per NAT2FE+ every 125,000 km/5 years
• Exchange of both oil filters in the oil pan, the oil pan must be replaced for this as the
filters are permanently integrated into the oil pan every 125,000 km/5 years
• Exchange of the pressure oil filter on the front integral carrier based on service
sheet specification
• Use of the new automatic transmission fluid Shell ATF D97 (Mercedes-Benz Specifications
for Operating Fluids 236.16)
The new automatic transmission fluid has the following part number:
A001 989 92 03
General information on transmission 725.011 2
Maintenance information 2.3
T0831E
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
E250
I had wondered if I we need to clear the "driving data" that the car saves about our driving styles. In my wife's VW , clearing the data ( pressing brake pedal for 10 secs with ignition key in before starting ) would make the DSG transmission run like new again. I read MB's have a similar way to clear the data but not sure if that's what its required
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 310
Likes: 57
e300
My car has 3,000KMS on the clock. I started feeling the 2-3 and 3-4 change at around 2500KMs but mostly when the car was driven first thing in the morning. After 15 to 20 mins, all the changes are fine. That said, before 2500KMs, all the changes were indiscernible even when cold.
I had wondered if I we need to clear the "driving data" that the car saves about our driving styles. In my wife's VW , clearing the data ( pressing brake pedal for 10 secs with ignition key in before starting ) would make the DSG transmission run like new again. I read MB's have a similar way to clear the data but not sure if that's what its required
I had wondered if I we need to clear the "driving data" that the car saves about our driving styles. In my wife's VW , clearing the data ( pressing brake pedal for 10 secs with ignition key in before starting ) would make the DSG transmission run like new again. I read MB's have a similar way to clear the data but not sure if that's what its required
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 3
E250
I don't know the ins and outs of the W213 drive train but I would not be surprised if MB's intelligent software / shift point adjustments also suffer similar limitations making a periodic reset a good thing. Below is a site i came across which explains how to do a reset on pre 2017 MB cars. Judging by the article and the comments, I am convinced this issue is also am MB problem and the reset does work.
http://www.mercedesmedic.com/reset-m...-instructions/
If I can find info on how to reset a W213, will try it myself.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 288
Likes: 45
From: UK
E Class Estate S213
Checked mine today and in Eco mode it goes into 9th bet 65-67 mph?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 473
Likes: 110
From: Texas, Northern VA
Porsche Cayman S, Mercedes W213, Nissan Titan, BMW X5, Chevrolet Suburban
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,830
Likes: 772
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
Yep, 9G is great, they corrected the issues the 7G had. I had a 2015 S550 with the 7G and it use to sometimes get very hard downshifts, like to the point where I felt somebody had banged into my rear bumper, none of that with the 9G and 22K miles on my E450 wagon and 9K miles on my E450 Cabriolet now. My old 212 E63 AMG pictured below had a very jerky trans as it was a MCT but not bad harsh downshifts or upshifts or anything, just uneven feeling at low speeds. Overall that was a really good car.
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 88
Likes: 16
From: Hartford CT
2019 GLC300 4matic
Agree smooth imperceptible up shifting MY2019 GLC300 4Matic with almost 20,000 miles. Minor annoyance with the downshifting that car seems to speedup noticeably.
What about service/maintenance? I have a Service Sheet for my model 253 that says "replace automatic oil and filter at 60,000 (and 120,000) miles for Transmission 725". Do you agree?
Anyone have the service yet?
If so, what was cost?
Thanks
What about service/maintenance? I have a Service Sheet for my model 253 that says "replace automatic oil and filter at 60,000 (and 120,000) miles for Transmission 725". Do you agree?
Anyone have the service yet?
If so, what was cost?
Thanks
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 284
Likes: 77
2019 GLC300, 2017 E300
Agree smooth imperceptible up shifting MY2019 GLC300 4Matic with almost 20,000 miles. Minor annoyance with the downshifting that car seems to speedup noticeably.
What about service/maintenance? I have a Service Sheet for my model 253 that says "replace automatic oil and filter at 60,000 (and 120,000) miles for Transmission 725". Do you agree?
Anyone have the service yet?
If so, what was cost?
Thanks
What about service/maintenance? I have a Service Sheet for my model 253 that says "replace automatic oil and filter at 60,000 (and 120,000) miles for Transmission 725". Do you agree?
Anyone have the service yet?
If so, what was cost?
Thanks
Not something I would care to tackle, they drained the torque converter as well as replaced the pan. I wouldn't want to get the level incorrect.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
2017c43
A few days ago I wrote the post below in a thread here about the AMG e class models. I am more enthusiastic on the benefits of this 9G transmission than most, especially since I just came from the older MB seven speed (which I thought was a pretty good transmission as well). Please note that my car is not the e class but 2017 CLS550, which I believe has the same tranny as the e class but mated to a 278 bi turbo V8 so it may be geared entirely different for the performance segment. Here is what I said in that discussion:
"I think you will find the 9 speed transmission to be a Godsend. That is precisely the tranny MB has been looking for to put in these kinds of cars, especially in terms of driveability. This is what sets MB apart.
I say this not because I own or have even driven the e45, rather from my experience with the 2017 CLS550. Although not AMG, the ride is super exhilarating nonetheless. The 278 motor is a bi-turbo V8 producing 402 hp/443 lb-ft torque which exceeds the ratings of the 6 cyl. e45 but as I said, it is not AMG and should not be compared in those terms. If the e45 has the same tranny as my CLS (I think it does) it will be more than capable of producing smooth, seamless shifts throughout the range of the most powerful MB motors (the 63 S is another animal entirely!).
You will have the added bonus of very good efficiency as well. My car has not yet been broken in as I have 3000 miles on it but I have driven the heck out of it (often in sports mode) and have averaged nearly 23 mpg. The transmission will be in 9th gear riding along at 70 mph at only 1400 rpms - that is almost diesel-like. Of course sports mode jacks that up two fold but the efficiency is not compromised that much.
The driveability factor of this transmission is the last thing to worry about even in higher performance Mercedes cars. I think this is due to the wide space between gears and its ability to even skip gears (in downshifts) which maximizes the smoothness and quickness of the car overall, making it ideal for the performance segment. Previously, I owned a Mercedes with the seven speed and there is no comparison whatsoever - the 9G-Tronic is as good a tranny as you will find".
"I think you will find the 9 speed transmission to be a Godsend. That is precisely the tranny MB has been looking for to put in these kinds of cars, especially in terms of driveability. This is what sets MB apart.
I say this not because I own or have even driven the e45, rather from my experience with the 2017 CLS550. Although not AMG, the ride is super exhilarating nonetheless. The 278 motor is a bi-turbo V8 producing 402 hp/443 lb-ft torque which exceeds the ratings of the 6 cyl. e45 but as I said, it is not AMG and should not be compared in those terms. If the e45 has the same tranny as my CLS (I think it does) it will be more than capable of producing smooth, seamless shifts throughout the range of the most powerful MB motors (the 63 S is another animal entirely!).
You will have the added bonus of very good efficiency as well. My car has not yet been broken in as I have 3000 miles on it but I have driven the heck out of it (often in sports mode) and have averaged nearly 23 mpg. The transmission will be in 9th gear riding along at 70 mph at only 1400 rpms - that is almost diesel-like. Of course sports mode jacks that up two fold but the efficiency is not compromised that much.
The driveability factor of this transmission is the last thing to worry about even in higher performance Mercedes cars. I think this is due to the wide space between gears and its ability to even skip gears (in downshifts) which maximizes the smoothness and quickness of the car overall, making it ideal for the performance segment. Previously, I owned a Mercedes with the seven speed and there is no comparison whatsoever - the 9G-Tronic is as good a tranny as you will find".
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,769
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
CAN bus delays...
I have a little more than 700 miles on it, rwd. I didn't notice this when the car was new but maybe I was distracted from all the toys in the car. I definitely feel the engagement. Also seems to be something similar happening in between one of the higher gears, from 5-6 or 6-7, I can't remember which at the moment.
In my experience, MB has never really been good at making transmissions, but this one is leaps and bounds over the old 7G.
Today, for the first time, something weird happened at a stoplight.
The car's auto stop kicked in, and when I released the brake to go, the engine fired right up, but I was trying to accelerate and it wasn't in gear. It just revved up a bit and then caught on after a second or two.
Very weird.
In my experience, MB has never really been good at making transmissions, but this one is leaps and bounds over the old 7G.
Today, for the first time, something weird happened at a stoplight.
The car's auto stop kicked in, and when I released the brake to go, the engine fired right up, but I was trying to accelerate and it wasn't in gear. It just revved up a bit and then caught on after a second or two.
Very weird.
One of the peripheral module gone lazy is causing the extreme delay you experienced during an ECO restart.
Nothing is supposed to affect the TCU-ECU timings.... but in reality things are a bit different!
TCU is affected by ECUECU is affected by F-SAMF-SAM is affected by everything.
> When TCU is in shape it shifts gears up and down seamlessly as fast as a machine gun. Always in perfect synch with what the gas pedal is asking.
> When bogus delays are introduced TCU lags a bit behind what the engine is doing. Shifting decisions act confused and react slowly. Downshifts can be harsh. Upshifts hang on rpm for no reason... No errors are directly logged by TCU, codes are in remote modules
While your tranny is moody, take it easy to prevent building clutch sludge over the valve screens.
Monthly reset of adaptations or ATF Sce do nothing to help this issue.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Feb 10, 2022 at 01:35 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 619
Likes: 34
From: East part of Texas
2017 CLS550
Well, I guess I have to eat my words. I wrote the "Godsend" post above several years ago but now I must edit it because of an expensive experience I had a few days ago. My car, a 2017 CLS550 which I purchased new in the fall of 2016 has 51,000 miles on it. All trouble free. It has been a great, fun car for me. But the other day I stopped at a traffic light and the car died. I could not start it and the dash had the message "transmission malfunction - stop". I had it towed in (although I learned later there is a trick to getting it started again under these conditions). The dealer said they would check it out and it could be a "minor" repair ($3000) if it is just a module and no transmission bits are found in the fluid. Worse case scenario of course would cost much more. They replaced a module of some sort, overflow pipe and a bunch of other stuff but the transmission was not harmed at all and it runs very well now. The only good thing is that the transmission service and fluid replacement ($750) is due and would have had to have been done soon anyway. I can't recommend this 9G tranny, or at least the system that is suppose to protect it.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
cls350 2016
cls350 9g gearbox fault
i have a cls 350 9g gearbox , it doesn’t take the gears smoothly specially first second third, it acts very strange specially when u take the foot from the rev it gives so bangs when the gears goes down , sometimes when u put foot down it won’t act straight away it takes time and u can hear a massive bang
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
Likes: 6,769
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
DELAYED CAN: gearbox shifts, brakes etc...
i have a cls 350 9g gearbox , it doesn’t take the gears smoothly specially first second third, it acts very strange specially when u take the foot from the rev it gives so bangs when the gears goes down , sometimes when u put foot down it won’t act straight away it takes time and u can hear a massive bang
If you have DistronicPlus: you'll also notice delayed reactions followed by heavy braking. No faults!
While driveable, impacted vehicles are operating in a degraded mode. This is like a super nimble limp-mode that almost feels normal to drive... I dont know of any MBenz TSB published to fix that broad issue. Adaptations only deal with poor tranny shifts - Tranny is not the cause of the issue here. Clutch shifts are perfectly well executed, only out of band at the wrong unexact delayed time.
This Benz favorite decade old CAN issue should earn many fault codes, much like cam-crank correlation faults. It is sad to see how couple details are causing these great tech-stacks to underperform straight from factory.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Jan 23, 2023 at 07:08 PM.
