Poor Down Shifting
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Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
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2021 GLE450
Poor Down Shifting
I am reaching out to members asking you about GLE's transmission and do you experience rough down shifting. I just picked up my 2021 GE450 and from the start I have noticed rough down shifts from 4 - 3 and 3- 2. Most of the time it is a little jerk or stutter, however on many occasions the whole car shutters to the point the passengers are asking me if there is a problem. I am trying to work with the Mercedes service department; however, their problem is, there are no GLE350 or GLE450's on their lot that we can compare to. My wife has a 2018 GLC300 and you can't even feel the downshifts. Since both are 9 speed gearboxes, I would suspect my new 450 should feel the same. I am looking for some help from the community on how your GLE's downshift, and use that to press Mecedes to dig deeper into the issue vs. trying to brush me off, with it seem to work normally.
Please help!!!
Please help!!!
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 645
Likes: 204
From: Central Indiana
2021 GLC 300 4Matic
I have the same 'issue' but haven't tried to address it with the dealer yet. It isn't as severe if you're in eco mode but nonetheless shouldn't feel that way in any mode. The wife always asks why I'm stopping so hard. I told her to blame Mercedes.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
Likes: 240
From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Yes, I noticed it on my 450 when I slow to a stop as well. It almost feels like it's downshifting too soon -- when the RPM's are higher than you would downshift on your own. We also have a GLC with the 9-speed, and we experience the occasional gearbox clunk, but nothing like the GLE. My sales rep says it's normal, but I will certainly discuss it with the service advisor when I get a chance.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 784
Likes: 403
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2009 SLK 300
I had the same problem with my 2018 GLE 550e. Multiple attempts at changing the shift points via software did not work. Mercedes finally ordered a new transmission valve body from Germany (took 2 months). The new valve body appears to have fixed the problem.
Last edited by BlueYonder; Oct 9, 2021 at 02:07 PM.
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GLE580, Cardinal Red
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The 7G is similar. The poor shift is 5–>4 and 3–>4. The common theme there is the K3 clutch which is overworked in the 7G shift logic. XENTRY application pressure adaptations for K3 are farther from nominal than any other clutch on my 7G. In summary, the 7G clunks going into and out of 4th gear. It’s been that way since day 1.
I will read up on the 9G and it will probably be something similar. Likely there is nothing the dealer or customer can do. A fluid change and confirming the engine/trans mounts haven’t failed is about it.
MB makes poor transmissions. They should get out of that part of their business as they have exited other parts of their business over time. ZF and Aisin make far superior transmissions than MB’s clunkboxes.
I will read up on the 9G and it will probably be something similar. Likely there is nothing the dealer or customer can do. A fluid change and confirming the engine/trans mounts haven’t failed is about it.
MB makes poor transmissions. They should get out of that part of their business as they have exited other parts of their business over time. ZF and Aisin make far superior transmissions than MB’s clunkboxes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,987
Likes: 2,187
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
The 7G is similar. The poor shift is 5–>4 and 3–>4. The common theme there is the K3 clutch which is overworked in the 7G shift logic. XENTRY application pressure adaptations for K3 are farther from nominal than any other clutch on my 7G. In summary, the 7G clunks going into and out of 4th gear. It’s been that way since day 1.
I will read up on the 9G and it will probably be something similar. Likely there is nothing the dealer or customer can do. A fluid change and confirming the engine/trans mounts haven’t failed is about it.
MB makes poor transmissions. They should get out of that part of their business as they have exited other parts of their business over time. ZF and Aisin make far superior transmissions than MB’s clunkboxes.
I will read up on the 9G and it will probably be something similar. Likely there is nothing the dealer or customer can do. A fluid change and confirming the engine/trans mounts haven’t failed is about it.
MB makes poor transmissions. They should get out of that part of their business as they have exited other parts of their business over time. ZF and Aisin make far superior transmissions than MB’s clunkboxes.
Probably a total of 185, 000 miles, with a significant amount of towing a 6,000 lb RV.
My only problem was a third gear accumulator on the 2010 ML that had contamination, probably pre-assembly. It was noticed quickly and replaced under warranty at 300 miles.
ZF transmissions are primitive in comparison but also pretty bomb proof. I prefer the 7g because I think it's a lot better transmission, although I've only had two ZF transmissions.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I am not sure why you would compare the 7g to the 9g, but I have had two 7G transmissions in ML's, with none of the problems you mentioned.
Probably a total of 185, 000 miles, with a significant amount of towing a 6,000 lb RV.
My only problem was a third gear accumulator on the 2010 ML that had contamination, probably pre-assembly. It was noticed quickly and replaced under warranty at 300 miles.
ZF transmissions are primitive in comparison but also pretty bomb proof. I prefer the 7g because I think it's a lot better transmission, although I've only had two ZF transmissions.
Probably a total of 185, 000 miles, with a significant amount of towing a 6,000 lb RV.
My only problem was a third gear accumulator on the 2010 ML that had contamination, probably pre-assembly. It was noticed quickly and replaced under warranty at 300 miles.
ZF transmissions are primitive in comparison but also pretty bomb proof. I prefer the 7g because I think it's a lot better transmission, although I've only had two ZF transmissions.
Try the latest ZFs and Aisins, for example in current model BMWs or VAG products. Brilliant.
Super Member
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Posts: 533
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From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Primitive? I'd love to hear the reasoning behind that comment. Having owned several vehicles with the ZF8, I can confidently state that it is without a doubt the best longitudinal transmission in the industry. A smoother, more versatile gearbox simply doesn't exist. The Aisin 8-speed in my Touareg was pretty darn good, too. I've had more 'clunks' in my GLE in three weeks than I had in 75k miles in my Touareg.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
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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
Service department experience, BMW, VW and Audi. I keep in touch. Talking to MB and Chrysler Service Managers.
Different manufacturers' software can mask the inherent ZF clumsiness, but they are reliable. They just don't have the flexibility that MBs 7G transmissions do. Or reliability of the MB.
I've really stressed my 9G (waited for brake-in til 7,500 miles before hitting the track), so we'll see how it stood up to my abuse when I go in for 10,000 mile check in the next week or so.
Different manufacturers' software can mask the inherent ZF clumsiness, but they are reliable. They just don't have the flexibility that MBs 7G transmissions do. Or reliability of the MB.
I've really stressed my 9G (waited for brake-in til 7,500 miles before hitting the track), so we'll see how it stood up to my abuse when I go in for 10,000 mile check in the next week or so.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
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From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Tranny smoothness, or lack thereof
I honestly have no complaints about the smoothness of ours after 21k miles. I never notice any roughness, unless of course you let off the gas suddenly while accelerating.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 533
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From: Pennsylvania
2021 GLE450
Our GLC's transmission was largely cooperative for the first three years, but then it started exhibiting some concerning behaviors as we neared the end of the warranty period. The dealer never found anything "abnormal". The shifting hasn't gotten any worse, but it also never self-corrected. My wife wants to keep the car for a few more years, so for the first time in my life I invested in an extended warranty. It has accumulated very few miles since COVID relocated my wife's office to our home, but she'll be restarting her commute in the near future. I don't like throwing money away, but I really hope I don't need to rely on that warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 6,770
Likes: 1,264
From: Lake Oswego, OR
2020 GLE 450; 2023 BMW M2 Coupe
Extended warranty
Our GLC's transmission was largely cooperative for the first three years, but then it started exhibiting some concerning behaviors as we neared the end of the warranty period. The dealer never found anything "abnormal". The shifting hasn't gotten any worse, but it also never self-corrected. My wife wants to keep the car for a few more years, so for the first time in my life I invested in an extended warranty. It has accumulated very few miles since COVID relocated my wife's office to our home, but she'll be restarting her commute in the near future. I don't like throwing money away, but I really hope I don't need to rely on that warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
2021 GLE 450
I am reaching out to members asking you about GLE's transmission and do you experience rough down shifting. I just picked up my 2021 GE450 and from the start I have noticed rough down shifts from 4 - 3 and 3- 2. Most of the time it is a little jerk or stutter, however on many occasions the whole car shutters to the point the passengers are asking me if there is a problem. I am trying to work with the Mercedes service department; however, their problem is, there are no GLE350 or GLE450's on their lot that we can compare to. My wife has a 2018 GLC300 and you can't even feel the downshifts. Since both are 9 speed gearboxes, I would suspect my new 450 should feel the same. I am looking for some help from the community on how your GLE's downshift, and use that to press Mecedes to dig deeper into the issue vs. trying to brush me off, with it seem to work normally.
Please help!!!
Please help!!!
Member
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 181
Likes: 63
NCC-1701
There is definitely a solid transmission braking (hard "gulp") when it downshifts from 3-2 and 2-1 as sds1062 also pointed out. It is unpredictable and annoying.
This is very unique to the GLE I have never had in any of the cars I owned before (Chevy / Buick / Ford / Dodge / Hyundai / Mitsubishi / Kia / Nissan) or own / rent today.
This is very unique to the GLE I have never had in any of the cars I owned before (Chevy / Buick / Ford / Dodge / Hyundai / Mitsubishi / Kia / Nissan) or own / rent today.
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 208
Likes: 78
From: SoCal
2021 GLE 350, 2020 911 C2S MT, 2023 Polestar 2, '73 Alfa GTV
I noticed similar on our new GLE350 as soon as we drove it off the lot. No mild hybrid of course, but switching the start/stop off fixes the issue and that’s fine by me. Our old GLK350 never did this so it was surprising.
But re. ZF transmissions, we had a BMW X3 for 6 years in Australia that had a 6-speed ZF. That model X3 - a 2.0d - was not sold in the US and I don’t believe any US X3’s had this transmission. It has a known but little publicized issue with a bronze bush at the end of the input shaft, the bush doesn’t support the shaft but provides alignment for the sensors which measure input speed and hence are inputs to gear selection. The bush wears and the gear selection starts to get jerky and unpredictable. Ultimately you get limp home mode, cleared by a restart but not safe at all.
ZF and BMW replaced the box despite warranty having expired some 2 years before this happened. Point is even good manufacturers have odd issues, what’s more important to me is how they handle it.
But re. ZF transmissions, we had a BMW X3 for 6 years in Australia that had a 6-speed ZF. That model X3 - a 2.0d - was not sold in the US and I don’t believe any US X3’s had this transmission. It has a known but little publicized issue with a bronze bush at the end of the input shaft, the bush doesn’t support the shaft but provides alignment for the sensors which measure input speed and hence are inputs to gear selection. The bush wears and the gear selection starts to get jerky and unpredictable. Ultimately you get limp home mode, cleared by a restart but not safe at all.
ZF and BMW replaced the box despite warranty having expired some 2 years before this happened. Point is even good manufacturers have odd issues, what’s more important to me is how they handle it.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
GLE450
I have a 2020 GLE 450 (12K miles) and for me noticed the rougher downshifting occurs under heavier braking. It feels like the regenerative braking is kicking in harder when you are applying more pressure on the brakes, helping to also decelerate the car and perhaps get more longevity out of the brake pads (fine by me). Under light braking, my downshifting is smooth.
