My 2020 S560 suffers from a rough 3-2 downshift. MBUSA has offered to buy it back, but I want to keep it. I want to write a letter to an MB Executive and am wondering if anyone here has a name & email address for someone at MB in Germany or MBUSA. If so, please PM me. I will absolutely not divulge where I got it. Thanks.

I would send to both Germany and US.

Good idea, just need names & addresses.

Why do you want t to keep it if they cannot correct the issue? The bang shifting ruins the otherwise serene driving experience and you’ll always know another hard shift is right around the corner. Since MB has already replaced the trans and t/c, and made other repair attempts it’s unlikely they’ll do more attempting another repair. Maybe it’s time to try something else like a 2022 7 series. After two S coupes both with separate drivetrain issues I went BMW and couldn’t be happier. When my lease is up late next year I’ll test out the new sl but based upon MB’s troubling quality #’s (posted in the 223 forum under another complaint, I may go for the new LC500 convertible; it’s simply gorgeous and has a solid time tested na powertrain and doesn’t share an interior with any other model. I may also get the facelifted 2023 8 series since mine’s been simply superb in nearly every aspect.

It’s truly a shame, it’s always the most discerning of owners that get the lemons.

They don't care.

+1...Google for info on contacts for MBUSA & Germany.

Well, I figure it’s worth one last shot.

Is the vehicle leased, and if so, say it’s fixed, would you buy it out? Reason I’m asking is since it’s already had a large portion of the drivetrain replaced it should show up on a car fax/service records and it could hurt resale.

I doubt that I would buy it. With around 26 months left on the lease, there will probably be several other choices to consider by then. I still have a 2022 on order and I still might get it, just leaving all my options open for now.

If it were me I'd let MB take it back, have the '22 come in and agree to a long weekend test drive based upon all that's occurred; they may ask you to keep the miles under~ 500, and if all is smooth under all circumstances then go for it and hopefully it will stay smooth. In the interim, I'd absolutely take a new 7 series for a weekend test and since this would be a 4 door give the M850 gran coupe a whirl, is sportier but very nice and be sure to test one that has the non-run flats.

Dimitris Psillakis
Dimitris.Psillakis@daimler.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimitris-psillakis-3972086a

(From https://www.ceoemail.com/us-companies.php)

Is the problem exactly the same as before??? No improvement whatsoever? My 2019 shifts fine, in fact, of the 15 Mercedes I've owned for 30 or so years, none have given me any trouble at all. I just don't see how every so often a transmission that is built exactly along the same factory line with the exact same specs as others can be faulty. I know you and so many others are telling the truth about this for many years on many different models but something in quality control has to be amiss.

I'm definitely going to start looking closer at Audi, BMW or Lexus once my lease is up in 12 months. The Lexus grill is my biggest turn off for Lexus, BMW depreciation and the big nostrils are a big problem, and Audi is probably the least objectionable. I sat in an A8L the other day and drove it and I was amazed at how well thought out this car is.

What about Porsche, did you consider Porsche?

It is difficult to compare any Porsche to an S Class. The Panamera is the closest thing, but it is closer to a 4-door 911 than it is to an S Class. It is tight, snug, sporty and in comparison, at least to me, quite uncomfortable. It’s not a luxury sedan, it’s a 4-door sports car. I feel the same about the SUV’s. The Cayenne Is not comfortable, compared to a GLE or GLS, again, IMHO.

Agree but since you mentioned the big 3 German brands and you even threw a Japanese one like Lexus in as well that is why I was curious if you considered Porsche. That's all. : )

Oh yes. Most definitely. Forgot about that one as I love the Panamera.

Be careful for you have summoned superangrypenguin to discuss the greatest sedan ever made, the Audi A8....

Which Japanese brand did I mention?

Agree the BMW grill is atrocious but I'm hopeful the 2023 redesign will address this. The Audi RS/S8's are quite nice.

Yes, Fletcher Jones just opened a new Audi dealership about a half mile from their big MB dealership here in Newport Beach. I believe it is time to go and at least test drive a big Audi.

I think you'll like it. One of the Motor Trend TV shows Auto Mundial (British) Auto Mundial just (this week) compared all three (BMW 7. MB S and the new Audi 8), the Audi won handedly. Look forward to your assessment, as you, like me, are on the discerning side.

Just checked with them. They have zero A8 models in inventory.

When did they say the 22's will start to arrive?

My bad quote the wrong post, please ignore. Sorry about that.