dramatic downshift
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
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GLC 300 4-matic
dramatic downshift
Here's my issue - sometimes my GLC 300 (2021, 15k miles) lurches when slowing down. I cannot tell if the transmission is slipping (from 4 to 2) or if the brakes are grabbing and forcing the downshift.
When it went into the shop, they said the transmission diagnostics were clean and they reset the 'learning' just in case.
It happens sporadically - maybe 3 times a week, so I don't think the reset did anything. And other than this lurching downshift around 3rd gear, the transmission is smooth and enjoyable.
Has anyone seen this issue?
When it went into the shop, they said the transmission diagnostics were clean and they reset the 'learning' just in case.
It happens sporadically - maybe 3 times a week, so I don't think the reset did anything. And other than this lurching downshift around 3rd gear, the transmission is smooth and enjoyable.
Has anyone seen this issue?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 645
Likes: 204
From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
I believe you'll find many others that will say the same thing. I don't drive the wife's GLC that often but I have the same in my GLE. I think it's a terribly designed software program and the drivetrain is clunky as well. I haven't taken it in to the dealer yet but will at some point. Definitely not what I expect from MB.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,655
Likes: 4,560
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I believe you'll find many others that will say the same thing. I don't drive the wife's GLC that often but I have the same in my GLE. I think it's a terribly designed software program and the drivetrain is clunky as well. I haven't taken it in to the dealer yet but will at some point. Definitely not what I expect from MB.
MB is not offering a better product or better experience than Honda or VW. An argument can be made that MB product and experience are worse than with VW and Honda.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 19
Likes: 10
2022 GLC300
I believe you'll find many others that will say the same thing. I don't drive the wife's GLC that often but I have the same in my GLE. I think it's a terribly designed software program and the drivetrain is clunky as well. I haven't taken it in to the dealer yet but will at some point. Definitely not what I expect from MB.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 39
Likes: 5
2021 GLC300
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I'm not a fan of these new many gear transmissions. Previously, I had an MK7 Golf R with a 6 speed dual clutch. I loved that transmission. It was perfect, IMO. My next car was a MK 7.5 Golf R with a 7 speed dual clutch. I did not like that one bit. It was always hunting for a gear. I ended up driving nearly 100% in manual mode and it was fine.
Now with my 9 speed GLC, I never see 1st gear unless in sport mode. I hardly ever see gears 8 or 9 and even when I do, gear 9 seems useless. There is definitely lots of gear hunting in the GLC in auto mode and the sifting isn't what I would call fast. Most of the time, it's smooth and not noticeable, so good on MB for that, but when the transmission is confused or you need to step on the pedal to pass or merge into traffic, it can be a pain. I'm ending up driving mostly in manual mode lately because of this. It's so nice being in the gear I want to be in when I want to be in it. I may get slightly worse gas mileage (only by about 1-2 mpg), but it's so much nicer to drive.
Sometimes I wish manufacturers would just stick with a nice 6 speed dual clutch or torque converter.
Now with my 9 speed GLC, I never see 1st gear unless in sport mode. I hardly ever see gears 8 or 9 and even when I do, gear 9 seems useless. There is definitely lots of gear hunting in the GLC in auto mode and the sifting isn't what I would call fast. Most of the time, it's smooth and not noticeable, so good on MB for that, but when the transmission is confused or you need to step on the pedal to pass or merge into traffic, it can be a pain. I'm ending up driving mostly in manual mode lately because of this. It's so nice being in the gear I want to be in when I want to be in it. I may get slightly worse gas mileage (only by about 1-2 mpg), but it's so much nicer to drive.
Sometimes I wish manufacturers would just stick with a nice 6 speed dual clutch or torque converter.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,655
Likes: 4,560
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
This may be an unpopular opinion, but I'm not a fan of these new many gear transmissions. Previously, I had an MK7 Golf R with a 6 speed dual clutch. I loved that transmission. It was perfect, IMO. My next car was a MK 7.5 Golf R with a 7 speed dual clutch. I did not like that one bit. It was always hunting for a gear. I ended up driving nearly 100% in manual mode and it was fine.
Now with my 9 speed GLC, I never see 1st gear unless in sport mode. I hardly ever see gears 8 or 9 and even when I do, gear 9 seems useless. There is definitely lots of gear hunting in the GLC in auto mode and the sifting isn't what I would call fast. Most of the time, it's smooth and not noticeable, so good on MB for that, but when the transmission is confused or you need to step on the pedal to pass or merge into traffic, it can be a pain. I'm ending up driving mostly in manual mode lately because of this. It's so nice being in the gear I want to be in when I want to be in it. I may get slightly worse gas mileage (only by about 1-2 mpg), but it's so much nicer to drive.
Sometimes I wish manufacturers would just stick with a nice 6 speed dual clutch or torque converter.
Now with my 9 speed GLC, I never see 1st gear unless in sport mode. I hardly ever see gears 8 or 9 and even when I do, gear 9 seems useless. There is definitely lots of gear hunting in the GLC in auto mode and the sifting isn't what I would call fast. Most of the time, it's smooth and not noticeable, so good on MB for that, but when the transmission is confused or you need to step on the pedal to pass or merge into traffic, it can be a pain. I'm ending up driving mostly in manual mode lately because of this. It's so nice being in the gear I want to be in when I want to be in it. I may get slightly worse gas mileage (only by about 1-2 mpg), but it's so much nicer to drive.
Sometimes I wish manufacturers would just stick with a nice 6 speed dual clutch or torque converter.
MB makes garbage transmission, without exception. They should have long ago exited the transmission portion of the business and let the people that know what they are doing (Aisin and ZF) get the job done.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
Likes: 240
From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
My wife's 2017 GLC never does this, but my '21 GLE 450 sure does. A LOT! I'll report it when I take it in for its first service next month, but I'm not expecting anything to be done. What I'd like to know is why newer GLC's apparently have different (worse) programming. What benefit comes from owners being jerked around in the car?
