Harsh change to gear 1 when stopping.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
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Harsh change to gear 1 when stopping.
So I tried out sport mode in my w222 s500 straight six. Gear box is smooth however when coming to a stop it changes down to gear one just before coming to a standstill and produces a noticeable jerk Motion like you’re putting on the hand brake whilst moving at slow speed. The car only uses gear 1 in sports mode so is it simply because this gear is rarely used? Or something else?
thanks
thanks
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Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 477
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From: US
Mercedes SL R231
Please provide enough information so we can help. What year is your car? What transmission do you have? How many miles on the car/transmission? Is this new or has the car always done this?
If you search the entire forum, you will find many people have this complaint. It is not uncommon for this to occur in the 7G+ transmission, regardless of the engine or car model. Sometimes it clears up on its own and sometimes a forced adaptation is required. Again, search.
One thing I noticed with my cars is that the transmission NEVER drops to 1st gear if the car is still moving unless I manually shift to first. I normally will feel the harsh downshift going from 3rd to 2nd.
If you search the entire forum, you will find many people have this complaint. It is not uncommon for this to occur in the 7G+ transmission, regardless of the engine or car model. Sometimes it clears up on its own and sometimes a forced adaptation is required. Again, search.
One thing I noticed with my cars is that the transmission NEVER drops to 1st gear if the car is still moving unless I manually shift to first. I normally will feel the harsh downshift going from 3rd to 2nd.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 14
Likes: 4
Please provide enough information so we can help. What year is your car? What transmission do you have? How many miles on the car/transmission? Is this new or has the car always done this?
If you search the entire forum, you will find many people have this complaint. It is not uncommon for this to occur in the 7G+ transmission, regardless of the engine or car model. Sometimes it clears up on its own and sometimes a forced adaptation is required. Again, search.
One thing I noticed with my cars is that the transmission NEVER drops to 1st gear if the car is still moving unless I manually shift to first. I normally will feel the harsh downshift going from 3rd to 2nd.
If you search the entire forum, you will find many people have this complaint. It is not uncommon for this to occur in the 7G+ transmission, regardless of the engine or car model. Sometimes it clears up on its own and sometimes a forced adaptation is required. Again, search.
One thing I noticed with my cars is that the transmission NEVER drops to 1st gear if the car is still moving unless I manually shift to first. I normally will feel the harsh downshift going from 3rd to 2nd.
it’s a 2018 9g with 23000 on the clock.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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W212 FL
I have noticed that jerkiness in other cars with the torque converter trannies when I shift down 2 to 1 as well. I think that's the way those behave . It's not just a Mercedes-Benz tranny problem either . Other than that , when those trannies stay in 2nd gear and come to complete stop , there's no problem . I have no idea why 1st gear in motion almost coming to stop makes jerkiness
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Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
OP has your 9G been serviced? 23,000 miles but seven years says it is due for fresh fluids and filters.
Yes; it is normal to feel the 2-1 downshift upon decel in sport mode.
It shouldn’t ‘bang’ the shift though.
Yes; it is normal to feel the 2-1 downshift upon decel in sport mode.
It shouldn’t ‘bang’ the shift though.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2024
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Hmmm not that I’m aware. I mean it’s had the basic annual services but I’m not aware of any gearbox services.
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
