ddcha

I don't have another MB to compare it against (prior car was an X5). But the downshift in the transmission sometimes feels pretty harsh after braking and slowing to a stop. I see the RPM needle jump a little on the downshift. Have less than 400mi on the car.

Is this something that's typical during the "break-in" period, or is this something I need to live with long-term?

lkchris

No, it's something you have to have fixed at the dealer.

They have numerous DTBs on transmission problems and the fixes are free if you're under warranty and you ask them to do them.

MKW

Very common. Had it on our '08. I bet it's their way of getting higher EPA test cycle MPGs. Numerous TSBs going back 2 years . They will reflash latest shift software for smoother low speed shifting if customer complains but your city mileage will suffer ( as ours did ) since you will be at higher rpms /slower to go to next higher gear in slow traffic to avoid sudden jerky downshift . The 7G tranny was designed in house by MBZ. They shoulda let tranny experts Gertrag do it , IMO,as it's been a problem on all their models that use it, I've heard. But when you have some engineering egos to massage in house and desire to keep profits in house ....

ddcha

Thanks gents. I only found 4 TSBs for '08 models so far. And as you said, the control module software for the transmission seems to be the issue...
I think I'll wait to hit 1k mi before taking it in. May give me some time to spot anything else... crud.


SERVICE BULLETIN:2007110001 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10023863

MFG Bulletin Date: 20071101 Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Bulletin Summary: MODELS ML350, ML500, ML63, ML320, ML550, GL450, GL320, GL550, R350, R500, R63, R320 - MODEL YEAR 2008 -- UPDATE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE -- CHECK TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE AND UPDATE IF NECESSARY. *NJ
Date added to datbase: 20080207

SERVICE BULLETIN:033008 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10022893

MFG Bulletin Date: 20080424 Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Bulletin Summary: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON / FAULT CODES FC1200 / FC1208 STORED IN ME-SFI CONTROL UNIT. MERCEDES-BENZ MODEL C230, C280, C350, SLK280, SLK350, CLK350, CLK550, E350, E550, CLS550, S600, AND SL550. EQUIPPED WITH M272 ENGINE OR M273 ENGINE. *NJ
Date added to datbase: 20071003

SERVICE BULLETIN:TB-46-20-61 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10025648

MFG Bulletin Date: 20080422 Component: STEERING
Bulletin Summary: RATTLING/THUMPING NOISE ON ROUGH ROADS AND/OR KNOCKING NOISE WHEN MOVING STEERING IN BOTH DIRECTIONS ON ALL MODEL 164 AND 251 VEHICLES. MODEL YEARS UNKNOWN. *PE

SERVICE BULLETIN:TB 83 10 112 NHTSA ITEM NUMBER:10025647

MFG Bulletin Date: 20080307 Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Bulletin Summary: WATER ENTRY INTO VEHICLE INTERIOR FOR ALL MODEL 164 VEHICLES. *PE
Date added to datbase: 20080827

lkchris

As was every MB automatic transmission ever.

It's BMW that has problems with ZF transmissions.

B200Turbo

I have had the update done and it is smooth more than ever. no problems anymore.