Transmission Slip/Jerk at very low speeds
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GLE450 W167
Transmission Slip/Jerk at very low speeds
I have a 2021 GLE450. It has the software update related to the recall for potentially dangerous downshifting. I was never super happy with the occasional abrupt downshifting but I was aware of it prior to purchase as a limitation of the Merc GLE transmission and I live with it. Software update didn't make much difference. For the past 2-3 months it has evolved a problem: when crawling forward at very slow speeds in traffic or going up steep hills at low speed the transmission feels like it slips very slightly every few seconds. This is not associated with a gear shift. It is most noticeable in 2nd gear but also slightly noticeable in 3rd. I have a 100% coverage plan with MB for all service and maintenance. Mileage is 60000kms (approx. 37,500 miles). I also hear an occasional 'whoop' type sound - not very loud and perhaps every 5-10 mins at slow speeds. I have had it at the dealer three times now. Each time they shift the software to the latest version. On the visit they also recoded the transmission and took a sample of transmission oil for analysis which they found no issues with. Nevertheless I continue to have the issue. Any ideas. I am asking them to consider replacing the torque converter and transmission at their expense but the evidence to do so is light at present. Anyone else have a similar issue or any ideas?
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I have a 2021 GLE450. It has the software update related to the recall for potentially dangerous downshifting. I was never super happy with the occasional abrupt downshifting but I was aware of it prior to purchase as a limitation of the Merc GLE transmission and I live with it. Software update didn't make much difference. For the past 2-3 months it has evolved a problem: when crawling forward at very slow speeds in traffic or going up steep hills at low speed the transmission feels like it slips very slightly every few seconds. This is not associated with a gear shift. It is most noticeable in 2nd gear but also slightly noticeable in 3rd. I have a 100% coverage plan with MB for all service and maintenance. Mileage is 60000kms (approx. 37,500 miles). I also hear an occasional 'whoop' type sound - not very loud and perhaps every 5-10 mins at slow speeds. I have had it at the dealer three times now. Each time they shift the software to the latest version. On the visit they also recoded the transmission and took a sample of transmission oil for analysis which they found no issues with. Nevertheless I continue to have the issue. Any ideas. I am asking them to consider replacing the torque converter and transmission at their expense but the evidence to do so is light at present. Anyone else have a similar issue or any ideas?
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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
You could request for a "Forced adaptation" : https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post7961182
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9026943
Last edited by mikapen; Sep 18, 2024 at 07:08 PM.
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Although mine didn't start downshifting strangely until about 35,000 mi. , mine was fixed with a new thing called a "Standstill Adaptation." It took them twice to get it to take, according to the work orders. August '24.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9026943
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post9026943
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,016
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
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GLE450 W167
The adaptation (or at least a reset of adaptation settings) is what I understand them to have done on my third visit. It didn't have any effect on the issue though. I didn't really expect it to as the jerk/slip is not associated with a gear change - unless the transmission 'thinks' about a gear change but doesn't go through with it
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MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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The adaptation (or at least a reset of adaptation settings) is what I understand them to have done on my third visit. It didn't have any effect on the issue though. I didn't really expect it to as the jerk/slip is not associated with a gear change - unless the transmission 'thinks' about a gear change but doesn't go through with it
By the way, I am not sure if you came across this thread yet but it has more details and other forum members sharing their experience with this vehicle's transmission: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ecently-3.html
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gle 400d
Jerky transmission in gear D3
2023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,495
Likes: 6,345
2023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
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gle 400d
UPDATE ON THE FOLLOWING POST…….
SimonBnz
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gle 400d
Unhappy Jerky transmission in gear D32023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
JUST HEARD. THE GOOD PEOPLE IN STUTTGARD HAVD DECIDED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THATS WHAT I CALL A GREAT WARRENTY ! Hope it solves the problem.
SimonBnz
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gle 400d
Unhappy Jerky transmission in gear D32023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
JUST HEARD. THE GOOD PEOPLE IN STUTTGARD HAVD DECIDED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THATS WHAT I CALL A GREAT WARRENTY ! Hope it solves the problem.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,495
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UPDATE ON THE FOLLOWING POST…….
SimonBnz
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1
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gle 400d
Unhappy Jerky transmission in gear D32023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
JUST HEARD. THE GOOD PEOPLE IN STUTTGARD HAVD DECIDED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THATS WHAT I CALL A GREAT WARRENTY ! Hope it solves the problem.
SimonBnz
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 1
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gle 400d
Unhappy Jerky transmission in gear D32023 GLE 400D
At 25,000 km my GLE feels like the gears are slipping with a light jerking/thumping sensation when accelerating in D3. It feels like I am running over cats eyes road markers. It only happened in D3. Not M3.
The technician said the adaptive transmission can learn bad habits………..A transmission computer reset to factory solved the problem, but after two weeks it has started to do it again.
JUST HEARD. THE GOOD PEOPLE IN STUTTGARD HAVD DECIDED TO REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION. THATS WHAT I CALL A GREAT WARRENTY ! Hope it solves the problem.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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You're welcome. They still use some new parts, as long as the transmission works properly I wouldn't be too worried. They do have a parts warranty afterwards I think?
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gle 400d
Last edited by SimonBnz; Sep 15, 2025 at 11:11 PM.
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They installed a brand new transmission but the problem is still there. Only once the vehicle has warmed up, there is a jerky/thumpy sensation when accelerating in gear D3. It does not do it in manually selected M3 and barely noticable when accelerating in D3 if SPORT mode is selected. The technicians can feel the problem during test driving but cannot figure out what to do next. Very frustrating.
