Streamliner

The members on this site represent a tiny fraction of MB drivers. In addition, there are members here who have the issue, but it doesn’t bother them and they might not even mention it. Amongst non-MBW.org members—the general public—most of them have no idea if the vehicle is shifting properly or not. What makes the matter worse—or better—is that it is definitely hit or miss. One vehicle rolls off the assembly line operating perfectly, the one behind it might have the problem. Is it 10%, 25%, 50% that have this “virus?” I believe the issue is quite widespread and if and until MB comes up with a fix for it, matters will only become worse. They replaced the transmission and torque converter in my 2,000 mile 2020 S560, and the problem got worse. How much did that cost them? Is there a class action lawyer in the house?

Ron.s

I counted all of 10 or 11 reporting varying shift issues in this thread (V167) with one reporting an exhaust sensor replacement curing his issue. That’s a small percentage of active members on this Forum…not much of an indictment that it’s widespread. I would argue (based on few posts) that some of those posting came to the Forum looking for an answer. There are obviously more with the issue but no real indication that it’s widespread.

mikapen

@Streamliner did you try resetting your transmission so it "unlearns" your driving habits? It's worth a try.
Actually I don't know if this generation is user resettable, but it was in W164 and 166, but those were 7 speed.

Streamliner

The dealer, Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach, the largest in the country, replaced the transmission and torque converter. I believe that they would have tried resetting the shift patterns before going to that trouble and expense.

Streamliner

Since neither of us can actually prove our points, we will have to agree to disagree.

TexAg91

Not sure I’m following, did the GLE 450 you decided to not purchase shift rough too, or just your S560? I have a 2020 GLE 4matic and it shifts fine.

5k over MSRP is nuts…I’d tell them no too.

Streamliner

Never drove the GLE. I’m sure it is probably fine, at least the odds are that it is fine. In addition to our rough shifting S560, we have a 2019 E450 Wagon and a 2019 SL450, both of which shift flawlessly. The issue is that these problems have persisted for years now, even going back to the 7-speed transmissions. The vast majority of vehicles are fine, but way too many seem to develop this harsh shifting issue and in most cases, MB tries to shine the owners on, which is just not right. Anyway, one would hope that a fix is in the works. MAYBE none of the 2022 models will have the issue? One would only hope.

mikapen

Is there a recall? You'd think that if there were "thousands" of cars, there would be a recall. Maybe there's not "thousands"

chassis

@mikapen are recalls used for noncompliance with law or regulation? That’s my understanding, maybe I’m wrong.

Crappy transmissions that MB produces aren’t strictly against the law. Although they should be.

Ron.s

[QUOTE=chassis;
Crappy transmissions that MB produces aren’t strictly against the law. Although they should be.[/QUOTE]

I suppose that you can back that up with facts? We have maybe 10 members posting about harsh shifting in the GLE out of over 400,000 that are in service and not one reported failure either. Sure there are more & maybe unreported failures but your comment seems irresponsible.

chassis

My 7G is repeatably clunky. Full service history and dealer serviced transmission. MB doesn’t know what they are doing when it comes to transmissions. The should exit the tranny business and leave it to people who know what they are doing at Aisin and ZF.

hussainsadeq

Never thought of that! I will try using economy setting next time I drive my car. Will let you guys know whether it fixes the problem.

hussainsadeq

I did try "resetting the transmission". Did not fix the issue at all.

Ron.s

You don’t do much to back up your opinion. Using your logic, there is nothing clunky about the 9G transmission. My two worked great and I have had similar experience with loaners so they must not be clunky. A more factual approach would be to evaluate how many and the cause. Some Mercedes Service Departments will do a better job, be more helpful than others. I’m guessing some don’t take it seriously because nothings broken and it may be hard to replicate. It’s not likely to be the transmission design or manufacture causing erratic shifts since it’s a rare occurrence.

In most cases the shifting of a transmission is different from the quality of the transmission itself. The shifting is controlled by a “computer like” TCU. There are sophisticated programs that monitor other vehicle sensors to determine shift patterns. As one post mentioned an exhaust sensor caused his shifting issue. While I haven’t experienced the issue with a GLE, I have had a couple of other vehicles with occasional harsh shifts. It’s usually when they skip a gear downshifting. I can get a harsh downshift in our Audi if I use the paddle shifters to downshift by clicking 2-3 down before the first shift occurs. I had a truck that did it occasionally & GM said “working as designed”.

BlueYonder

I had the same problem with my 2018 GLE550E. The down shift between 3rd and 2nd were almost violent at times. The mechanic at the dealership knew how to duplicate it and Mercedes had to admit there was a problem. After multiple attempts at changing the shift points in software, Mercedes replaced the transmission valve body (3 months for the part to come from Germany). That pretty much fixed the problem. The hard down shift has only occurred a couple of times in the last 10,000 miles.

lyn2021MBGLE350

Did Mercedes Benz ever resolve your GLE Transmission issues?
I have a brand new 2021 GLE 350 and in Comfort or Sport trans modes the RPM's hang in close to the Red Zone for several (too many) seconds after I've removed my foot from the gas pedal. According to my local dealership, the MB GLE350 learns my driving habits and reacts accordingly...?
After 3 service appointments to try and resolve this issue - it still exist. I reached out to MB Corporate just yesterday and have yet to hear back.
I know I'm a bit late to this thread but just found this forum.
Appreciate any thoughts you (or anyone) has on this subject.

Streamliner

For the vast majority of MB owners, their vehicles drive fine. Unfortunately, for the group that suffers transmission problems—a group that seems to be quite large—the problems are a real headache and MB does not seem to be all that interested in coming up with a once-and-for-all solution. They would rather buy back thousands of vehicles than solve the problem, or at least it appears that way. Oh well, MB seems to be locked into making everything electric, so why spend any money on fixing transmissions that won’t be used for much longer?

robert c

I observed the same hanging issue that you have also can’t get rid of it and other drivability issues
Robert

marchgroupinc

Have you tried not removing your foot from the gas pedal completely? I read Mercedes have foot sensitive pedals so if you hit the gas hard and then remove your foot from the gas pedal it will slow the vehicle down quickly. I can't say for sure but this may be done partially by the transmission hanging on to the lower gear to keep reducing your speed. Try being more smooth with the gas and not fully remove your foot from the pedal and see if that helps. Let us know.

deeluk

1k miles in, same problem, strong jerk downshifting from 3rd gear to 2nd gear. Doesn’t matter in Comfort or Sports mode. Has anyone actually got the issue fixed? Or issue went away or just given up complaining.

Roni07

-Yes, I was able to fix the issue - traded it in, for a Tesla Model Y. Wow Tesla is light years ahead of these clunkers.

Ron.s

Tesla has the most quality issues of any Manufacturer. I just read a news feed that they charged a customer $22,000 for replacement batteries. Good luck finding a Dealer Network if you have an issue…they have minimal support.

hussainsadeq

Unfortunately, the issue has not been resolved, and I don't think it will be resolved. I have sold the car one month ago. I can safely say this was the worst purchase I have made in my life.

chassis

Sorry to hear, and not surprising. MB boxes are poor across the board. They should exit the design and manufacture of transmissions and leave it to people who know what they are doing at ZF and Aisin.

zengshengliu

I have a loaner 2020 GLC with a 9G transmission (but not sure if it is the same one as the GLE), and the downshift is very smooth when comparing to the GLE. It also start in second gear from stop in comfort mode (vs 1st gear in GLE).