CRembo

I've been reading this forum daily for a few weeks since I recently decided to exchange my 2009 E 4Matic for a new vehicle. I live in a region where snow is a concern during winter so an ML seemed like a good choice. My wife has a 2009 GL Bluetec and she nor I, have ever experienced this "hesitation" or "Bucking" issue. I know exactly what this issue is like as described on the other threads because I have had this same issue (exceedingly rare) with the E 4Matic where I thought the car was not getting gas to the engine. In three years, this maybe happened 3 or four times and always early during a cold start.

I have placed an order for a 2012 Bluetec and the build date is set for mid-June with an expected delivery roughly early July. Should I cancel this order? Are there any users on this site and with this car with no issues regarding this problem? I would hate to buy a new car that would need a new transmission or frequent evaluations for a problem that would be frustrating, time consuming and yet resolved. Perhaps I should buy another E class. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

GregW / Oregon

Read the poll results here: https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...n-bucking.html. 50% have no issues at all.

batuceper

Mine has been perfect, very happy with it. Sep 2011 build.

caf

I had this issue, though mine was never very bothersome. Maybe once or twice a week I would get some stumbling for the first 30 seconds of driving.

Had the dealer update a few weeks ago, and haven't noticed it since.

YYZ-E55

No problems here.

dougiebear

I have driven 2 and never had any problem. Accept cars getting in the way hahaha

300DTurbo

May have had it once, but I believe it was user error. I went from R into D and hit the gas 75% as I was blocking traffic. I suspect I didn't give the trans enough time to engage before hitting the gas. By the time the turbo kicked in, it was silky smooth.

So far knock on wood no issues.

If anyone knows how to do 1st gear starts please share.

2nd note: I am very disappointed with the paddle shifters, it seems like MB says, "we think this is a good gear for you right now, thanks for chiming in with the paddle shifters; but we'll just continue to do what we think is best for you."

it will hold gears but there is a significant delay in downshifting, up shifting is useless

- likely designed to preserve the transmission given the amount of torque flowing through there.

But once again if anyone knows how to consistently get 1st gear starts please do share. I do use the benz to crawl over curbs from time to time and this would be helpful.

iankayem

300D Turbo, this may not be the answer you want but the "Off-Road" setting does put it down a gear which includes 1st. But you should not leave it engaged all day long.

batuceper

Never had to cause to use the paddle shifters yet. Guess I am just a lazy driver.

Question: If I floor it, doesn't the transmission automatically downshift?

Thanks,
Steve

300DTurbo

no it is not the answer i am looking for, i dont have the offroad package.

iankayem

Sorry, it seems the standard W166 does not have that button unlike the W164.

In Australia, the ML250 is without but it is standard for the Ml350 & ML550. The North American models differ of course.

This button modifies the change points and ETS settings, and gives first gear starts.

I was not referring to the On/Off Road pack which has a unique control system.

listerone

My 2011 Bluetec has the bucking issue.Recently I had the dealer install the software update which was supposed to remedy the situation but it didn't work.*However*,as others have noted,the bucking problem in mine goes away completely within a minute or so.In light of this fact I'm inclined to see this as nothing more than a very minor annoyance.My atttitude will certainly change,however,if it gets much worse or is someday proven to have caused serious problems with my drivetrain but.....

rgraham

I had some bucking and jerking issues at first. A return to the dealer showed a bad oxygen sensor. It was replaced and the computer reflashed. No issues since then. Runs perfect. I have had in start and run smoothly down to 15 degrees F.