Rough downshifts S63 AMG W222
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
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2014 S63 AMG 4Matic
Rough downshifts S63 AMG W222
Hi,
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
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Joined: Mar 2014
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2015 S63 AMG
I have a 2015 S63 as well and the somewhat "rough" downshifts are considered normal when the vehicle is in "Sport" mode. To help reduce the harsher downshifts especially in the lower gears, try driving in comfort mode. With this, the vehicle will always start off in 2nd gear and the shifts seem smoother (at least to me they do). Of course, I'm coming from an F10 M5 so I'm used to somewhat harsh upshifts and downshifts.
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
the 722.9 is known for some rough downshifting and some have reported success from transmission software updates. Others have had to have things such as the valve body replaced, and yet others lemon lawed their cars because of it.
If its really that noticeable, take it in to have it looked at, and drive any that are sitting on the dealer lot.
If its really that noticeable, take it in to have it looked at, and drive any that are sitting on the dealer lot.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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2014 S63 AMG 4Matic
I have a 2015 S63 as well and the somewhat "rough" downshifts are considered normal when the vehicle is in "Sport" mode. To help reduce the harsher downshifts especially in the lower gears, try driving in comfort mode. With this, the vehicle will always start off in 2nd gear and the shifts seem smoother (at least to me they do). Of course, I'm coming from an F10 M5 so I'm used to somewhat harsh upshifts and downshifts.
There is barely any difference in the way the car downshifts in S vs C-mode. I would even say that it is certainly not worse in S because the car downshifts at higher speeds as compared to C mode which makes the downshifts (slightly) less noticeable.
I do hope this issue can be solved because it is really annoying if you're often caught in stop and go traffic.
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2015 S63 AMG
@ Tomcat,
There is barely any difference in the way the car downshifts in S vs C-mode. I would even say that it is certainly not worse in S because the car downshifts at higher speeds as compared to C mode which makes the downshifts (slightly) less noticeable.
I do hope this issue can be solved because it is really annoying if you're often caught in stop and go traffic.
There is barely any difference in the way the car downshifts in S vs C-mode. I would even say that it is certainly not worse in S because the car downshifts at higher speeds as compared to C mode which makes the downshifts (slightly) less noticeable.
I do hope this issue can be solved because it is really annoying if you're often caught in stop and go traffic.
Hmm...okay...in that case you may have a problem. I don't really notice the shifts at all in C mode. I do notice it in lower gears when in S mode...
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Joined: Dec 2006
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1988 535i 5 speed
This is a common problem with that transmission, as others have said. It's not broken, that's just how it works. Hopefully a performance version of the 9 speed is in the works with much improved shifting speed and smoothness.
I've heard that aftermarket TCU tunes, especially from Weistec or Renntech, really improve it. And you get rid of that insane delay between pulling the paddle and the actual gear change as well.
I've heard that aftermarket TCU tunes, especially from Weistec or Renntech, really improve it. And you get rid of that insane delay between pulling the paddle and the actual gear change as well.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Hi,
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
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2006 E55, 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible, 2014 Kia Sorento SXL AWD
YES, I DO HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, ON TOP OF THAT MY UP SHIFTS ARE AS BAD FROM 1ST TO 2ND TO 3RD AND SAME IN REVERSE ORDER ON DOWN SHIFTS, ON C MODE ALMOST I DONT FEEL IT BUT S MODE DAY N NIGHT DIFFERENCE, I'M SCHEDULE TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE FOR THIS ISSUE ON THE 11-3-14, HOPEFULLY I WONT GET THE RUN AROUND, I DO WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OTHER S63 OWNERS EXPRIENCES AND THE RESOLUTIONS IF THERE ARE ANY AT THIS POINT....
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Yet on A second NOTE should we bash the people that are not MAKING POSTS related to MB.....JUST A THOUGHT...!!!
Last edited by DATURK; Oct 8, 2014 at 10:12 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 15
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From: Lancaster, PA
2015 S63, 2013 AEV Jeep Rubicon Unlimited, 2013 Tiffin Zephyr, 2002 Porsche Cabrolet
My 2015 S63 also downshifts roughly at slow speeds. Found you all after doing a couple of searches. Was to see if I was imaging the rough shifting It's almost a halting affect as it goes down for a split second than up and than back down. I've only got 1,067 miles on the car so it's not had it's first service. Does anyone know if it's a issue? Some of the feedback read as if it's normal. It doesn't bother me that much is just seems odd and with $165k car everything should work correctly or as designed. One thing that is differ from my 2011 S550 is transmission acts as if it in 'P' ark after you first shift it into drive. The 2011 would start to move immediately not the 2015 i have to give it gas to get rolling. I guessed it some new BIG GOVERNMENT thing like they know that kind of light bulbs I want. Thanks for your thoughts!!
Happy Day!!
Happy Day!!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
Likes: 4
2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
My 2015 S63 also downshifts roughly at slow speeds. Found you all after doing a couple of searches. Was to see if I was imaging the rough shifting It's almost a halting affect as it goes down for a split second than up and than back down. I've only got 1,067 miles on the car so it's not had it's first service. Does anyone know if it's a issue? Some of the feedback read as if it's normal. It doesn't bother me that much is just seems odd and with $165k car everything should work correctly or as designed. One thing that is differ from my 2011 S550 is transmission acts as if it in 'P' ark after you first shift it into drive. The 2011 would start to move immediately not the 2015 i have to give it gas to get rolling. I guessed it some new BIG GOVERNMENT thing like they know that kind of light bulbs I want. Thanks for your thoughts!!
Happy Day!!
Happy Day!!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
My e63S shifts pretty smoothly but I made Benz buyback two 2014 e550's with harsh shifting 7g tronics.
Luckily my mct has been smooth shifting up and downshifting but I hear there is a new software update for the e63 mct, perhaps this will apply to s63 as well?
Luckily my mct has been smooth shifting up and downshifting but I hear there is a new software update for the e63 mct, perhaps this will apply to s63 as well?
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 89
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
2013 GL63; 2012 S63
Hi,
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
My new S63 AMG W222 4Matic was delivered 2 weeks ago. As expected, it is a magnificent car. It is a true luxury cruiser but can be extremely fast when pushed.
Being a long time MB and MB-AMG Customer I am however a bit disappointed in the way the transmission works.
You easily adjust to the "uncommon" way the car starts moving from standstill. You just need to step a bit firmer on the gas as compared to e.g. the CL63 AMG I had before this one.
What is more difficult to digest however, is the way the car downshifts especially at low speeds. Every time the car downshifts from 4th to 3rd and from 3rd to 2nd gear, you really notice this in the drive train. In order to come to a standstill in a more or less comfortable way, you have to try to predict when the car will downshift and exactly at that moment release the brake pedal in order to have a smooth deceleration.
Did anyone of the other S63 AMG W222 owners experience the same issue? If so, was your dealer able to resolve this?
Kimt
Last edited by mjeagent; Dec 31, 2014 at 03:59 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I had the same problem with my MY15 S65. Was also trowing a check engine light. Did software update - throws check engine light again. Reset internal computer - still hard downshifts. Turns out it was a pinched fuel line coming out of the fuel tank. Replaced fuel tank and no more hard downshifts. MB said it might issue a worldwide recall but it needed to look further into the issue to see how widespread it was. I would suggest you ask your service advisor to take a close look at the fuel line to see if its pinched.
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
I had the same problem with my MY15 S65. Was also throwing a check engine light. Did software update - throws check engine light again. Reset internal computer - still hard downshifts. Turns out it was a pinched fuel line coming out of the fuel tank. Replaced fuel tank and no more hard downshifts. MB said it might issue a worldwide recall but it needed to look further into the issue to see how widespread it was. I would suggest you ask your service advisor to take a close look at the fuel line to see if its pinched.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
The S65 doesn't have a MCT transmission. The 63 & 65 are not comparable but that a fuel line can cause hard down shifting is very interesting.
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,556
Likes: 3,680
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Old-school slush box. In the past, all V12's used a 5-speed automatic to handle the massive torque of the engines. There simply was no MCT/DCT that could handle the V12 AMG torque. AMG variants used a speed shift version of the transmission (still a regular automatic) with modified shift pattern and three distinct shift modes.
For the R231, W222, C217, they came out with a 7G-tronic version instead of 5G-tronic.
That said, I am super-excited about the 7speed DCT in the GT AMG. It's not made by MB but by Getrag; same as the SLS. Have read nothing but good things about it. Too bad it can't handle the torque of the 5.5l 63 engines.
For the R231, W222, C217, they came out with a 7G-tronic version instead of 5G-tronic.
That said, I am super-excited about the 7speed DCT in the GT AMG. It's not made by MB but by Getrag; same as the SLS. Have read nothing but good things about it. Too bad it can't handle the torque of the 5.5l 63 engines.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 254
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2010 HARLEY FLHTK, 2013 SL550, 2014 S63
Old-school slush box. In the past, all V12's used a 5-speed automatic to handle the massive torque of the engines. There simply was no MCT/DCT that could handle the V12 AMG torque. AMG variants used a speed shift version of the transmission (still a regular automatic) with modified shift pattern and three distinct shift modes.
For the R231, W222, C217, they came out with a 7G-tronic version instead of 5G-tronic.
That said, I am super-excited about the 7speed DCT in the GT AMG. It's not made by MB but by Getrag; same as the SLS. Have read nothing but good things about it. Too bad it can't handle the torque of the 5.5l 63 engines.
For the R231, W222, C217, they came out with a 7G-tronic version instead of 5G-tronic.
That said, I am super-excited about the 7speed DCT in the GT AMG. It's not made by MB but by Getrag; same as the SLS. Have read nothing but good things about it. Too bad it can't handle the torque of the 5.5l 63 engines.
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From: CA
2010 CL65
Been known for 5+yrs that MCT are POS gearboxes as are DCTs....clunkiness/hesitation in low-speed shifting and occasional failures at-speed/in-traffic...grt for reversing MB's alleged safety advantages vs P/F
Not clr why anyone wants these dainty, fail-prone boxes in a 600+lb-ft 63; perhaps useful trade-off in a zero-tq 991GT3 or 458 or GTS, but seemingly moronic in any new 63 where a robust, smart autobox w/downshift blips likely makes far more sense
That said, even 7-sp autobox of latest SL65 or S65 Coupe is clunky in low-speed driving (though seemingly brilliant in any other mode...and haven't heard of failures in past 2+yrs of this box in SL65s)
Seems like MB (and every other mfr) struggles w/balance of reliability/smoothness of boxes vs high-tq, stress-inducing motors (though ironically high-tq elims need for fragile/clunky boxes)....amusingly, DCT/PDK struggles for reliab/smoothness vs ~500lb-ft 991TTS/F12 motors: can only imagine absurdity of these girlie boxes vs 63 or 65....
Not clr why anyone wants these dainty, fail-prone boxes in a 600+lb-ft 63; perhaps useful trade-off in a zero-tq 991GT3 or 458 or GTS, but seemingly moronic in any new 63 where a robust, smart autobox w/downshift blips likely makes far more sense
That said, even 7-sp autobox of latest SL65 or S65 Coupe is clunky in low-speed driving (though seemingly brilliant in any other mode...and haven't heard of failures in past 2+yrs of this box in SL65s)
Seems like MB (and every other mfr) struggles w/balance of reliability/smoothness of boxes vs high-tq, stress-inducing motors (though ironically high-tq elims need for fragile/clunky boxes)....amusingly, DCT/PDK struggles for reliab/smoothness vs ~500lb-ft 991TTS/F12 motors: can only imagine absurdity of these girlie boxes vs 63 or 65....
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From: Poconos, Pennsylvania
Protecting the Earth from the Scum of the Universe
Been known for 5+yrs that MCT are POS gearboxes as are DCTs....clunkiness/hesitation in low-speed shifting and occasional failures at-speed/in-traffic...grt for reversing MB's alleged safety advantages vs P/F
Not clr why anyone wants these dainty, fail-prone boxes in a 600+lb-ft 63; perhaps useful trade-off in a zero-tq 991GT3 or 458 or GTS, but seemingly moronic in any new 63 where a robust, smart autobox w/downshift blips likely makes far more sense
That said, even 7-sp autobox of latest SL65 or S65 Coupe is clunky in low-speed driving (though seemingly brilliant in any other mode...and haven't heard of failures in past 2+yrs of this box in SL65s)
Seems like MB (and every other mfr) struggles w/balance of reliability/smoothness of boxes vs high-tq, stress-inducing motors (though ironically high-tq elims need for fragile/clunky boxes)....amusingly, DCT/PDK struggles for reliab/smoothness vs ~500lb-ft 991TTS/F12 motors: can only imagine absurdity of these girlie boxes vs 63 or 65....
Not clr why anyone wants these dainty, fail-prone boxes in a 600+lb-ft 63; perhaps useful trade-off in a zero-tq 991GT3 or 458 or GTS, but seemingly moronic in any new 63 where a robust, smart autobox w/downshift blips likely makes far more sense
That said, even 7-sp autobox of latest SL65 or S65 Coupe is clunky in low-speed driving (though seemingly brilliant in any other mode...and haven't heard of failures in past 2+yrs of this box in SL65s)
Seems like MB (and every other mfr) struggles w/balance of reliability/smoothness of boxes vs high-tq, stress-inducing motors (though ironically high-tq elims need for fragile/clunky boxes)....amusingly, DCT/PDK struggles for reliab/smoothness vs ~500lb-ft 991TTS/F12 motors: can only imagine absurdity of these girlie boxes vs 63 or 65....
That's exactly what I felt and complained about when riding/comparing my '08 CL600 and '13 Cl63. Tranny is THE weakest point of the car.
Joke of the house was, 5 minutes after parking CL63 in my driveway ... oh look, the car finally downshifted from 3rd to the 2nd gear. What a piece of garbage. Pathetic.
PS,
let me not even start about my CL63's $h!tty engine.
