puranm

In the last 6 years, I have moved from 2009 S550 / 5.5V8 to 2012 S550 / 4.7V8 Bi-turbo to 2015 S63 / 5.5V8 Bi-turbo. No issues with the first 2 cars. But the S63 has serious downshift issues from 3 to 2 in C mode and 3 to 2 & 2 to 1 in S mode. Car jerks - as it downshifts. The RPM needle oscillates a lot while downshifting. Took it to dealer, they agreed and re-programmed the transmission after talking to AMG engineers in Germany. They first said the engine is big and car has too much torque. I reminded them that my 2009 S class had same engine. The jerks while downshifting in C mode is random now. But car still has the same jerk issues in S mode. Any suggestions - thanks!

DATURK

its a common issue to 63 trans, moving from s550 to s63 i was just like you but its perfectly normal, in time you get use to it but I agree shouldn't be jerky to begin with, I wish I had a better new for you, some members here had MBUSA buy back their cars twice....

PeterUbers

Yup.... How many miles on the s63?

For the price paid it should be smooth like my e63S mct is....

I made Benz buyback two e550's with bad jerking trans' but it was a battle

puranm

Finally someone responds, thank you for responding. This is our 7th MB and this is unacceptable. I went and test drove a black S63 and yes - it drove the same. This is crazy and they need to take it back and they need to re-visit their AMG division. The jerks are annoying - specially in traffic. I would love to hear from the folks that made MB do buy-back.

puranm

I have 5000 miles and have had it for 75 days. Problem is from day 1 and I am just too busy to follow-up. Never had issues with my 2 S550's.

PeterUbers

You have to draw a line in the sand now... Dump this car and go for a buyback or live with it because this is how the trans is for 2014+

It all starts with a service manager conversation about if this is correctable or not. More miles will allow a better adaptation and maybe it'll smooth out... I chronicled my buyback experience online

Google peterubers e550 harsh downshift and happy reading

squid23

The thing I would do is find out which software version you are running. Will require some arm twisting. Then try to find out what the revision history is and monitor when a new revision comes along. Your SA won't be comfortable with it but they they prefer it over a buyback discussion.

Also make sure you drop it off for show every now and then so that you pile up workshop visits in case it comes to a fight.

WSH

Well known issue w/MCT (or DCT/PDK) for past 5+yrs: none of mfrs able to solve it (always amused by idiotic explanations for a jerky/hesitating/failing gearbox in a 600+lb-ft daily commuter car or alleged perf car, arguably 99+% of which are driven 95+% of time in urban/suburban traffic in places like SV/SF or BH)

Lemoning is invariably messy process esp for anyone whose time is valuable (almost universal for repeat buyers of >$175K commuter cars)

If one is a profitable repeat customer at a major dealer, dealer may make process a bit smoother

Know several who have lemoned 63s for this MCT debacle; but all of these guys are also repeat 65 buyers, each of whom has also have lemoned (at least) one 65 for motor failure

Poor reliability and/or downright poor engineering attributes are part of any car known, no matter cost....anecdotally far more comfortable w/safety&reliability of 65 motor/gearbox/CCB than that of any other MB/P/F product...but I tend to view any new car as having <2yr lifespan before need to be replaced, much like any phone but w/far more profound safety issues of aging/wear&tear/obsolescence

AMG 17GT

And your that comfortable with a 5 year old v-12? Good luck.

AHall

Hello Puranm,

I have some interest in purchasing a S63 but would like to know more about the experience of actual owners of the car. Can you tell me if the issue you reported about with the transmission shift have been resolved to your satisfaction? Also can you or any other owner of a 2014+ S63 provide a summary of your experiences?

Has the car been what you expected, would you purchase it again, why pick the S63 over the S600 when price is about the same, any reliability issues?

Any comments from owners or dealers would be appreciated

PeterUbers

The s600 will have a truly smooth transmission ... None of the quirks of mct like the 63's

DATURK

also s600 will be V12 vs V8 for s63.
once you pass the transmission corkiness its a great car, its my daily driver, I like it, I've got over the trns problem, it is not fixed, and I don't think it'll ever be fixed, it just the way it is. it has plenty plenty power and monsters torque, pulls like a freight train...

AHall

Thanks for the input Daturk.

If you did it over again would you still pick the S63 over the S600? Also what has the cost of ownership in terms of repairs and maintenance been like?

jenz

I'm around 500 miles, delivered with under 15, and have been very focused on the break-in driving. Who knows if it matters? I've had 1-2 shuddering shifs but fine otherwise. I have been doing lots of no fun driving, no kick downs, no long monotonous speed drives. I'm hoping 500 more miles of this limits the shudders.

DATURK

absolutely positively yes I would go S63 again & again & again, no repairs so far I bought extra warranty on top of factory, I believe 2 more years over the existing warranty, total of 7 years, you will go frequent tire changes, I have about 9000 miles on the odometer, and looks like i'm going to need new shoes very soon, besides that enjoy all the comfort and power at your leisure...

Caeruleus11

Wow. Is this really a widespread problem? I've been a life long BMW guy (25+ years and in that time lots of Bimmers) and the S63 AMG 4Matic really has caught my eye. I took a car for a test drive and I didn't notice anything amiss but that was just a few hours where I didn't really go too crazy. It seems to me Mercedes has done a really fantastic job with their current line up and I find it very appealing. I'd hate to discover this after the fact. My lease runs out in about a year so I have time to do some research.

By the way, my test drive convinced me this is the finest sedan I've ever driven. And its great looking too!

In so far as it applies to your situation, I'd suggest going through the dealer and if they are unwilling or unable to do anything for you then I would suggest you contact MBUSA. In the time I've been with BMW, there were a few times where I got a bad example and BMWNA was right on it. I am sure MB is the same. You are driving their flagship and a repeat customer. I think part of owning a luxury car is not having to worry about inconsistent behavior.