Transmission Nitpicks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
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s550
Transmission Nitpicks
I love my MY15 and have had no major issues. In my opinion, the transmission may be the weakest part of the car. Unfortunately, as we all know, no car is perfect. My transmission:
1. Shifts up very quickly from 2nd under light throttle.
2. Can be harsh on downshifts coming to a stop.
3. Will "clunk" sometimes under light throttle as transmission searches and downshifts.
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. Have seen no bulletins addressing throttle or transmission mapping. Overall, I'm still very happy. Thanks.
1. Shifts up very quickly from 2nd under light throttle.
2. Can be harsh on downshifts coming to a stop.
3. Will "clunk" sometimes under light throttle as transmission searches and downshifts.
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. Have seen no bulletins addressing throttle or transmission mapping. Overall, I'm still very happy. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Cape Cod
E450 wagon, C43 AMG Cpe, GLE AMG 63S
I love my MY15 and have had no major issues. In my opinion, the transmission may be the weakest part of the car. Unfortunately, as we all know, no car is perfect. My transmission:
1. Shifts up very quickly from 2nd under light throttle.
2. Can be harsh on downshifts coming to a stop.
3. Will "clunk" sometimes under light throttle as transmission searches and downshifts.
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. Have seen no bulletins addressing throttle or transmission mapping. Overall, I'm still very happy. Thanks.
1. Shifts up very quickly from 2nd under light throttle.
2. Can be harsh on downshifts coming to a stop.
3. Will "clunk" sometimes under light throttle as transmission searches and downshifts.
Just wondering if anyone else is experiencing this. Have seen no bulletins addressing throttle or transmission mapping. Overall, I'm still very happy. Thanks.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 308
Likes: 76
2024 E350
There is a transmission 'reset' trick you can try for Mercedes transmissions. I've done it on my 2012 E class and it works. It should be the same for the S class:
If you have KEYLESS GO do not remove the Start button.
1. Press Start button twice. This sets it to key position 2.
2. Floor gas pedal for 10 seconds.
3. Press Start/Stop once. This turns it OFF.
4. Release gas pedal and wait two minutes.
5. Then start the engine and begin driving.
Other option:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ON (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait 2 minutes for the ECU to reset. When the 2 minutes are up start the engine. Drive away and you should notice a more responsive transmission (for a while).
If you have KEYLESS GO do not remove the Start button.
1. Press Start button twice. This sets it to key position 2.
2. Floor gas pedal for 10 seconds.
3. Press Start/Stop once. This turns it OFF.
4. Release gas pedal and wait two minutes.
5. Then start the engine and begin driving.
Other option:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ON (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait 2 minutes for the ECU to reset. When the 2 minutes are up start the engine. Drive away and you should notice a more responsive transmission (for a while).
Last edited by jumpman726; Jun 17, 2015 at 11:15 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
s550
Transmission Nitpicks
Jumpman,
Thank you for sharing your transmission reset trick. I used option 1 and noticed immediate improvement. Will monitor over time. Your generous suggestion certainly confirms the value of this forum. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing your transmission reset trick. I used option 1 and noticed immediate improvement. Will monitor over time. Your generous suggestion certainly confirms the value of this forum. Thanks again.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 8,201
Likes: 4,427
From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
This is pretty amazing stuff. Does anyone else here know of any OTHER types of reset TRICKS that most folks don't know about??? I tried this transmission reset on our old 2010 E350 and it seems to have changed the shifting pattern for the better. I am amazed!
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 47
S, GL
There is a transmission 'reset' trick you can try for Mercedes transmissions. I've done it on my 2012 E class and it works. It should be the same for the S class:
If you have KEYLESS GO do not remove the Start button.
1. Press Start button twice. This sets it to key position 2.
2. Floor gas pedal for 10 seconds.
3. Press Start/Stop once. This turns it OFF.
4. Release gas pedal and wait two minutes.
5. Then start the engine and begin driving.
Other option:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ON (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset. When the 2 minutes are up take your foot off the accelerator and start the engine. Drive away and you should notice a more responsive transmission for a while.
If you have KEYLESS GO do not remove the Start button.
1. Press Start button twice. This sets it to key position 2.
2. Floor gas pedal for 10 seconds.
3. Press Start/Stop once. This turns it OFF.
4. Release gas pedal and wait two minutes.
5. Then start the engine and begin driving.
Other option:
1. Turn the ignition key to the ON (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
4. Wait at least two minutes for ECU to reset. When the 2 minutes are up take your foot off the accelerator and start the engine. Drive away and you should notice a more responsive transmission for a while.
Tried it on my S63 that had 17 miles at delivery, removed the lag I had from getting on the gas under 10mph that I just assumed was part of the gripes about the AMG transmission
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
This transmission reset is a great tool and has been around for 15 years or so, but keep in mind that this reset just clears learned shift behavior. As soon as it's cleared, it will learn (fuzzy logic) how you drive and get lazy again since most people will cruise in traffic (7th gear at around 2-3k rpm).
I found that when you switch to M and shift more (low gears, high rpm) for even a 10 mile drive, the effect appears similar. Sport mode shifts great afterwards.
Otherwise just repeat the reset as desired...
I found that when you switch to M and shift more (low gears, high rpm) for even a 10 mile drive, the effect appears similar. Sport mode shifts great afterwards.
Otherwise just repeat the reset as desired...
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 7
From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
Had a similar issue about 2yrs ago then tried this trick, it worked temporarily then the issue came back. For some the adaptive trans never adapted to my driving style. Then went to the dealer had them do a hard reset on the trans w/software after complaining about my issue and it has been shifting perfectly since with a much more spirited feel.
As Wolfman stated, this has been around for years.
As Wolfman stated, this has been around for years.
Last edited by wilassasin; Jun 20, 2015 at 03:29 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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s550
Took car in for 10k service with continuing trans issues,even after "soft resets".Dealer performed dignostics and "got some questionable numbers".Checked with MB for any re-programming,etc.Got no love from MB,so they went ahead and performed "hard reset".Definite improvement in shift quality and throttle response.Just hope it lasts!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,233
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/515501-first-service-visit-rough-downshifting-2k14-e550-4matic.html
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w212-e-class/1965585-replacement-2014-e550-harsh-downshift-clunk-5.html
Well we'll know issue at Benz across the models
I had Mbusa buyback two brand new 2014 e55's over this and then I go my e63S
Same exact issues as the op
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w212-e-class/1965585-replacement-2014-e550-harsh-downshift-clunk-5.html
Well we'll know issue at Benz across the models
I had Mbusa buyback two brand new 2014 e55's over this and then I go my e63S
Same exact issues as the op
Last edited by PeterUbers; Jul 20, 2015 at 09:56 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 659
Likes: 7
From: New Jersey
2013 S550 4matic (AMG sport package), 2016 Corvette Stingray.
Took car in for 10k service with continuing trans issues,even after "soft resets".Dealer performed dignostics and "got some questionable numbers".Checked with MB for any re-programming,etc.Got no love from MB,so they went ahead and performed "hard reset".Definite improvement in shift quality and throttle response.Just hope it lasts!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
s550
So far so good on the "hard reset" of the trans.Much better shift quality and throttle response.Seems to adapt to the situation,functioning as it should.No clunking,etc.Thanks to all for the good advice!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 1
From: Honolulu
I had the same issues you were having and they did a transmission control update that helped fix the rough downshift issue. I actually found the TSB on the sticky on this forum and gave it to my advisor.
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From: Iowa
2025 EQS580
I brought my car in for the 20,000 mile service back on Friday. They downloaded a software update which is suppose to fix transmission issues, especially on downshifting. Mine seems to be downshifting smoothly now, but I will hold final judgement until the weather gets cold. That's when the problem was most prevalent. But at least right now, I don't get the slight grabbing when decelerating to about 30 mph.
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2026 Mercedes CLE53A4 AMG Cabriolet and 2025 MAYBACH EQS680V4
