2020 GLE 350 Transmission Issues?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 282
Likes: 85
From: Boston
.
I had the same issue in my October 2019 GLE450 with 4->3 and 3->2 downshifts being a bit rough occasionally (more noticeable in sport and sport+ but still in comfort). Not super jerky but enough to be a bit annoying to me as the driver.
I mentioned it to the dealer a couple times but they never formally looked at it since I didn't want to keep my car with them for too long.
Anyway, I recently crossed 10K km (limited driving since I got it 2 years ago) and also performed my B Service back in October. Since then I don't notice it much at all anymore. Not sure if it went away on its own or the B Service helped...
I mentioned it to the dealer a couple times but they never formally looked at it since I didn't want to keep my car with them for too long.
Anyway, I recently crossed 10K km (limited driving since I got it 2 years ago) and also performed my B Service back in October. Since then I don't notice it much at all anymore. Not sure if it went away on its own or the B Service helped...
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Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
standardized problems...
The disappointment comes from the fact these wicked down shifts are about a decade old. Smoother preset values could well be factory loaded.
I guess they're trying to reinforce the illusion of luxury by getting "excellent service" through their dealer network.
For some reasons..., Daimler keeps carrying forward a sweet collection of proven problems. Historically Japanese were taught statistical quality improvements by Dr. Deming.
Germans are purposely not squashing any of their licensing partners by being an imperfect giant. They are by far the most sophisticated in every aspect. Good or bad, everything is managed with extreme minutiae.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Dec 28, 2021 at 04:06 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2022 GLE 53
Adaptive learning and reset?
I’ve been reading that a TCU reset (foot on pedal with engine off procedure) would fix the transmission jerkiness. Should I do this and start over with 1k miles in? Or keep driving hoping it will improve over time?
The transmission control software learns adaptations from all the previous shifts. It will soon be perfectly smooth (~7000kMi) with butter up/down shifts.
The disappointment comes from the fact these wicked down shifts are about a decade old. Smoother preset values could well be factory loaded.
I guess they're trying to reinforce the illusion of luxury by getting "excellent service" through their dealer network.
For some reasons..., Daimler keeps carrying forward a sweet collection of proven problems. Historically Japanese were taught statistical quality improvements by Dr. Deming.
Germans are purposely not squashing any of their licensing partners by being an imperfect giant. They are by far the most sophisticated in every aspect. Good or bad, everything is managed with extreme minutiae.
The disappointment comes from the fact these wicked down shifts are about a decade old. Smoother preset values could well be factory loaded.
I guess they're trying to reinforce the illusion of luxury by getting "excellent service" through their dealer network.
For some reasons..., Daimler keeps carrying forward a sweet collection of proven problems. Historically Japanese were taught statistical quality improvements by Dr. Deming.
Germans are purposely not squashing any of their licensing partners by being an imperfect giant. They are by far the most sophisticated in every aspect. Good or bad, everything is managed with extreme minutiae.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
The problem occurs when the tranny decides to shift gears *at the wrong time* in relation to engine speed, pedal position, ATF temperature etc...
There's nothing wrong with the mechanical gearbox itself only the integrated controller software leaves a bit to desire. Just give it time to learn your drive data and adapt shifts points.
Take it easy while this is happening so you don't send too much clutch material around your valve screens.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Dec 31, 2021 at 01:32 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 27
From: Eastern Maryland
ES350 E300 GLE350 GMC3500 Duramax
Since this is one of several problems that can’t be fixed with the GLE of ours 2020 about 50,000 miles I’m throwing the towel in and no more. Gladly going back to Lexus. The worst two issues with ours is the engine management system off idle and the unbearable wind noises above 75. The badly surging engine reminds me of the first turbo cars in 80.
Robert
Robert
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Joined: Jan 2022
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From: Maryand
2022 GLE 450
Same here with my 2022 GLE 450. What's interesting is that I also have a 2021 Kia Telluride and it has the same problem. It's worse in the Kia than the 450. I wonder if there is some common component that's being used in some of all vehicles these days. Manufacturers may be doing any and everything to keep their heads above water.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 5
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From: Maryand
2022 GLE 450
Same here with my 2022 GLE 450. What's interesting is that I also have a 2021 Kia Telluride and it has the same problem. It's worse in the Kia than the 450. I wonder if there is some common component that's being used in some of all vehicles these days. Manufacturers may be doing any and everything to keep their heads above water.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
GLE 350
I also have the same problem with my GLE 350 but in addition to locking up in 1st gear my vehicle does not like to shift into 9th gear. I read that the exhaust pressure switch is the problem. Has anybody changed this and does it fix the problem?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
I have a brand new GLE 350 but the transmission seems to be pretty crappy. I'm wondering if its only me or does anyone else experience the same issues? The transmission is very jerky, when coming to a stop and the car automatically shifting to 2nd gear, the car kinda lunges forward while downshifts. It's hard to explain but the transmission shifting just seems like its not very smooth at all. I'm wondering If anyone else is experiencing this? The car only has about 200 miles on it so maybe the gears need to break in a bit but I still don't think it will help
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
car reboots... 👍
This reboot procedure helps normalize many things... it's becoming a MB cure all magic.
This help emphasize a software instability is behind this fancy networked chaos.
Good thing disconnecting the battery does not clear the learned shift point data out of the tranny. It clears stupid peripheral modules like SAM's that are wasting CPU cycles of VIP Modules.
Do this procedure once or twice a month
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
@WRA1963 That's a confirmed good news 👏
This reboot procedure helps normalize many things... it's becoming a MB cure all magic.
This help emphasize a software instability is behind this fancy networked chaos.
Good thing disconnecting the battery does not clear the learned shift point data out of the tranny. It clears stupid peripheral modules like SAM's that are wasting CPU cycles of VIP Modules.
Do this procedure once or twice a month
This reboot procedure helps normalize many things... it's becoming a MB cure all magic.
This help emphasize a software instability is behind this fancy networked chaos.
Good thing disconnecting the battery does not clear the learned shift point data out of the tranny. It clears stupid peripheral modules like SAM's that are wasting CPU cycles of VIP Modules.
Do this procedure once or twice a month
I didn't know that disconnecting the ground wouldn't reset the transmission.
It seems easier to just reset the transmission, instead having to break out tools.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 556
Likes: 197
From: NJ
2022 GLE 450
@WRA1963 That's a confirmed good news 👏
This reboot procedure helps normalize many things... it's becoming a MB cure all magic.
This help emphasize a software instability is behind this fancy networked chaos.
Good thing disconnecting the battery does not clear the learned shift point data out of the tranny. It clears stupid peripheral modules like SAM's that are wasting CPU cycles of VIP Modules.
Do this procedure once or twice a month
This reboot procedure helps normalize many things... it's becoming a MB cure all magic.
This help emphasize a software instability is behind this fancy networked chaos.
Good thing disconnecting the battery does not clear the learned shift point data out of the tranny. It clears stupid peripheral modules like SAM's that are wasting CPU cycles of VIP Modules.
Do this procedure once or twice a month
.I'm waiting to see if anyone else has performed this procedure and what success they had.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 47
Likes: 11
GLE 450
I have a 21 450, and this is my major gripe with the car. Downshifts are so abrupt and harsh. It has not learned my driving style to say the least. I am wondering if the dealer can reset the software/memory????
Thoguhts?
Thoguhts?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
😜
It is what it is:
Once you car is over 7kMi, the smart tranny controller module is done learning to work with the engine and your style.
Resetting the adaptations, I don't think goes in the way of executing timely smooth shifts. Retraining maybe.... someone correct me if the dealer redoing adaptations made his tranny shifts become world-class.
Not so good news:
The poor tranny shifts make it very obvious when it's disrupted. Limp mode being a polite extreme.
They are many other modules that play the same fiddle but are less obvious to catch creating chaos.
The ECU, the SAM's, the door modules, the headlights.... safety related modules (brakes, steering, throttle, SRS) are nicely kept off chart.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 22, 2022 at 04:27 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,125
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From: Costco
2023 S500
My transmission isn’t very smooth, either, at least compared to BMW’s eight speed. But I haven’t even passed the break in mileage so I’ll reserve judgement until then. It seems to be getting better, though, versus some of the clunks I first encountered right off the lot.
However, aren’t BMW’s ubiquitous eight speed made by ZF, same as Mercedes’ nine speed?
However, aren’t BMW’s ubiquitous eight speed made by ZF, same as Mercedes’ nine speed?
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My transmission isn’t very smooth, either, at least compared to BMW’s eight speed. But I haven’t even passed the break in mileage so I’ll reserve judgement until then. It seems to be getting better, though, versus some of the clunks I first encountered right off the lot.
However, aren’t BMW’s ubiquitous eight speed made by ZF, same as Mercedes’ nine speed?
However, aren’t BMW’s ubiquitous eight speed made by ZF, same as Mercedes’ nine speed?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,663
Likes: 4,567
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Yes, and MB in house transmissions are terrible compared with ZF and Aisin boxes. MB should have long ago exited their transmission operations and left it to the people who know what they are doing (Aisin and ZF).
There is no "break-in" mileage for an MB transmission. The performance of an MB transmission goes only one way after leaving the showroom: downhill.
There is no "break-in" mileage for an MB transmission. The performance of an MB transmission goes only one way after leaving the showroom: downhill.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
there are many-many services that can be done to the transmission but honestly I think dealers are not rushing because they have not been handed the fix by the factory. At this stage it's all busy work round-robin. Keep an eye on TSB's for joy related to issues you may have.
It is what it is:
Once you car is over 7kMi, the smart tranny controller module is done learning to work with the engine and your style.
Resetting the adaptations, I don't think goes in the way of executing timely smooth shifts. Retraining maybe.... someone correct me if the dealer redoing adaptations made his tranny shifts become world-class.
Not so good news:
The poor tranny shifts make it very obvious when it's disrupted. Limp mode being a polite extreme.
They are many other modules that play the same fiddle but are less obvious to catch creating chaos.
The ECU, the SAM's, the door modules, the headlights.... safety related modules (brakes, steering, throttle, SRS) are nicely kept off chart.
It is what it is:
Once you car is over 7kMi, the smart tranny controller module is done learning to work with the engine and your style.
Resetting the adaptations, I don't think goes in the way of executing timely smooth shifts. Retraining maybe.... someone correct me if the dealer redoing adaptations made his tranny shifts become world-class.
Not so good news:
The poor tranny shifts make it very obvious when it's disrupted. Limp mode being a polite extreme.
They are many other modules that play the same fiddle but are less obvious to catch creating chaos.
The ECU, the SAM's, the door modules, the headlights.... safety related modules (brakes, steering, throttle, SRS) are nicely kept off chart.
Just like the remaining range of your fuel, which adjusts according to your recent driving style.
I've never seen or heard of a rough shift causing limp mode.
I particularly like my transmission and prefer it over the ZF ones that I've had. Hard to compare though, because each manufacturer has their own software package.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 11,921
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Temp fix - test drive...
Tranny works as well as ECU lets it ...
The issue here is the shifts quality are closer to poor than excellent.
When everything runs great tranny shifts are all executed seemlessly like a machine gun. The issue is with the interface with the ECU boss. ECU calls the shifts to match engine throttle control...
Tranny usual mode is degraded but try a "battery reboot" to refresh soft-crashed buggers. It will temporarily improve networking timings.
Then go for a 5 miles drive, observe differences in tranny work...
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 24, 2022 at 12:57 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2,125
Likes: 939
From: Costco
2023 S500
One thing I’ve noticed is that is doesn’t shift very well while slowing down to a stop. I can feel it and hear it slightly lurch as it downshifts as I slow to a near stop. The 8-speed ZF BMW tranny was smooth like butter; shifts were imperceptible.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,184
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
... don't mix everything in one lump.
Tranny works as well as ECU lets it ...
The issue here is the shifts quality are closer to poor than excellent.
When everything runs great tranny shifts are all executed seemlessly like a machine gun. The issue is with the interface with the ECU boss. ECU calls the shifts to match engine throttle control...
Tranny usual mode is degraded but try a "battery reboot" to refresh soft-crashed buggers. It will temporarily improve networking timings.
Then go for a 5 miles drive, observe differences in tranny work...
Tranny works as well as ECU lets it ...
The issue here is the shifts quality are closer to poor than excellent.
When everything runs great tranny shifts are all executed seemlessly like a machine gun. The issue is with the interface with the ECU boss. ECU calls the shifts to match engine throttle control...
Tranny usual mode is degraded but try a "battery reboot" to refresh soft-crashed buggers. It will temporarily improve networking timings.
Then go for a 5 miles drive, observe differences in tranny work...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Isn’t it absolutely astonishing that a company like MB, that has been producing automatic transmissions for many decades, just can’t seem to hit the nail on the head any longer? I know, it’s a software issue, but still, this is pretty ridiculous. I guess they have their vehicles fine tuned down to the Nth degree and any tiny blip of a glitch changes how they operate. They bought back my $131,000.00, 2020 S560 earlier this year due to a rough 3-2 downshift that they “couldn’t” fix. I believe that they could have fixed it, but chose not to. Meanwhile, millions of Asian econoboxes are produced annually, most every single one with a smooth shifting transmission. Oh well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Isn’t it absolutely astonishing that a company like MB, that has been producing automatic transmissions for many decades, just can’t seem to hit the nail on the head any longer? I know, it’s a software issue, but still, this is pretty ridiculous. I guess they have their vehicles fine tuned down to the Nth degree and any tiny blip of a glitch changes how they operate. They bought back my $131,000.00, 2020 S560 earlier this year due to a rough 3-2 downshift that they “couldn’t” fix. I believe that they could have fixed it, but chose not to. Meanwhile, millions of Asian econoboxes are produced annually, most every single one with a smooth shifting transmission. Oh well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,120
Likes: 4,351
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
Our 2019 SL450 and 2019 E450 Wagon shift flawlessly.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
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From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Of course, the vast majority of newer MB’s have transmissions that work just fine. However, when some poor guy ends up with a bad one—something that happens WAY too often—it really is irritating and disappointing—especially when MB can’t or won’t fix the problem.
Our 2019 SL450 and 2019 E450 Wagon shift flawlessly.
Our 2019 SL450 and 2019 E450 Wagon shift flawlessly.
Can you provide the buyback numbers for transmissions, or any other fault?
I can't find any data - just forum posts, but it's hard to equate them to a general population of GLE owners.
I bought a Performance Auto, and I expect it to shift crisply, which it does when asked. Then, after I settle down and keep my foot out of it, so does the car, including downshifts. But the throttle response is so Immediate, that it's hard to be "gentle." If I spend a day or two resisting the urge to move quickly, the tranny becomes pretty lame, just like those "smooth shifting ZF's."
There's another factor in M-B's shifting algorithms - the speed that you depress the pedals. A quick stab on the gas is interpreted as your desire to move immediately, and it downshifts to the best performance gear for that speed. In other words, it's anticipating your intent.
If you only increase pedal pressure gradually, it probably won't downshift at all, and it won't "learn" aggressive driving.
Try Hyper-miling for an afternoon and see if your transmission doesn't learn to assist your hyper-miling. It kind of does.
BTW in Comfort, the final downshift coming to a stop is harder than in Sport, in my experience.
Or maybe focus on how much fun the car is to drive.
