2011 GL450 stutters/shakes at low rpm, slow acceleration
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2023
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Gl450
2011 GL450 stutters/shakes at low rpm, slow acceleration
When i am driving slow and put slight pressure on accelerator - car will pulsate/stutter for about 3 seconds before returning to normal. Feels like a jerking. Was worse on going up a hill but now happens occasionally on flat roads also. No noise at all - but you can feel it. I have read threads that say torque converter, try Tran oil change, fuel pump, plugs; my mounts do look bad - could that cause it? Trying to not blow a fortune on this- hoping someone may have fixed this and can comment on their solution.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
When i am driving slow and put slight pressure on accelerator - car will pulsate/stutter for about 3 seconds before returning to normal. Feels like a jerking. Was worse on going up a hill but now happens occasionally on flat roads also. No noise at all - but you can feel it. I have read threads that say torque converter, try Tran oil change, fuel pump, plugs; my mounts do look bad - could that cause it? Trying to not blow a fortune on this- hoping someone may have fixed this and can comment on their solution.
How many miles?
When was the last oil change?
When was he last transmission fluid change?
When was the last spark plug change?
Does the shudder happen at highway speed when you tip in and out of the gas pedal?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 18
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From: New Jersey, USA
2011 GL350
Same here.
2011 GL350 does the same thing in 2nd/3rd gear. Low rpm shudder that used to only happen on slight grades, now happens on flats, especially in traffic situations. Interested to hear everyone’s thoughts.
119K miles, trans fluid done at 91K, original plugs, oil every 6000K.
119K miles, trans fluid done at 91K, original plugs, oil every 6000K.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
You guys need to hook up a diagnostic computer and find out what the ECU is telling you. Not just an OBD scanner; while that would be a start, you need to find out what information the ECU is reporting when this happens.
Otherwise you are lost. Even with a good computer it is like calling to get directions to a house party and a drunk chick answers the phone.
Otherwise you are lost. Even with a good computer it is like calling to get directions to a house party and a drunk chick answers the phone.
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Mercedes gl450
You guys need to hook up a diagnostic computer and find out what the ECU is telling you. Not just an OBD scanner; while that would be a start, you need to find out what information the ECU is reporting when this happens.
Otherwise you are lost. Even with a good computer it is like calling to get directions to a house party and a drunk chick answers the phone.
Otherwise you are lost. Even with a good computer it is like calling to get directions to a house party and a drunk chick answers the phone.
I'm bringing my GL450 in to the mechanic next week and I will report back what is found.
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Gl450
While I think the "drunk chick" is a bit of an exaggeration, your point is valid. I have that low speed shudder and my MB specific OBD scanner has nothing to say about it. However, the OBD scanner does have the ability report a number of transmission related codes. Obviously, though, the absence of a reported fault doesn't mean everything is okay.
I'm bringing my GL450 in to the mechanic next week and I will report back what is found.
I'm bringing my GL450 in to the mechanic next week and I will report back what is found.
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Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
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Mercedes gl450
Let us know what you find out. My mechanic thinks it is coming from engine and transmission mounts (which are original and likely bad); I am not convinced. It seems to happen as I accelerate and as trans is trying to shift. Perhaps the mount is keeping transmission in place as it is attempting to shift and absorbs the stutter in normal conditions..
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 33
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2008 gl320
FWIW, I changed the motor mounts and transmission mount on my 08 gl320 and the slight shudder that I had went away. I didn't even know that it was there til I drove it after changing and it was a lot smoother. I guess I got used to it. I only changed them because I got them cheap and knew they were prone to go bad.
If your trans mount is original, I'd probably start there. It's not too expensive and pretty easy to change. BTW, none of my mounts looked bad at all and they all weighed the exact same as the new ones.
If your trans mount is original, I'd probably start there. It's not too expensive and pretty easy to change. BTW, none of my mounts looked bad at all and they all weighed the exact same as the new ones.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2023
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Mercedes gl450
FWIW, I changed the motor mounts and transmission mount on my 08 gl320 and the slight shudder that I had went away. I didn't even know that it was there til I drove it after changing and it was a lot smoother. I guess I got used to it. I only changed them because I got them cheap and knew they were prone to go bad.
If your trans mount is original, I'd probably start there. It's not too expensive and pretty easy to change. BTW, none of my mounts looked bad at all and they all weighed the exact same as the new ones.
If your trans mount is original, I'd probably start there. It's not too expensive and pretty easy to change. BTW, none of my mounts looked bad at all and they all weighed the exact same as the new ones.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 33
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2008 gl320
I wouldn't think so, as long as you can get underneath it. Two bolts to the crossmember, then four bolts to the transmission.
One thing to look out for is my old mount had two threaded studs with nuts for the crossmember. The new one that I bought had threaded holes. So I had to buy bolts for it.
I put a jack underneath the transmission (or transfer case.. don't remember) to hold it up, then removed 6, 7, and 8 in the attached pdf.
One thing to look out for is my old mount had two threaded studs with nuts for the crossmember. The new one that I bought had threaded holes. So I had to buy bolts for it.
I put a jack underneath the transmission (or transfer case.. don't remember) to hold it up, then removed 6, 7, and 8 in the attached pdf.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Post back when you get this done. I sometimes get a clunk pulling away from a stop, and am wondering if it is the transmission and/or motor mounts, and am curious what effect it has for you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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NGL450 w/EORP, S550
I have the same clunk from a dead stop, but that is my stretched chain in my two speed transfer case… At least that’s what I think but it could also be cracked or worn giubi or a transmission mount.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
It is just a guess, but it feels to me more like the whole motor shifting sideways than slack in the drivetrain. This I say because it is not consistent and is deep and solid sounding.
Junior Member
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GL450
In my case it was the transfer case - the chain was stretched & skipping. Exact same symptoms as described. Replaced T/C with a low-mileage used unit & problem solved.
