2024 GLE450 Transmission issues.
#1
2024 GLE450 Transmission issues.
So my 24 GLE450 has been at the dealership for 12 days now. They are trying to figure out why the downshift from 5 to 4 and 4 to 3 are so harsh. When this car downshifts it's like you slam on the brakes for a moment then let off.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'
UPDATE: After 14 days in the shop we got the car back. Was told the issue was factory trying to update the transmission software. also told some part was changed (don't know what yet as the paperwork wasn't ready when we picked up the car.), the fluid and filter were changed also. So far it drives and shifts just fine... we'll see how it goes.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'
UPDATE: After 14 days in the shop we got the car back. Was told the issue was factory trying to update the transmission software. also told some part was changed (don't know what yet as the paperwork wasn't ready when we picked up the car.), the fluid and filter were changed also. So far it drives and shifts just fine... we'll see how it goes.
Last edited by ClydeF1s; 02-29-2024 at 08:43 PM.
#2
This is the exact same issue my 450 has and mine is a 2020. Biggest complaint overall about this particular model. You will see others here with the same issue. Mine downshifts hard between 3 and 2. I've given up on trying to find a solution as this car will be with me for another 2 years max so not worth it at this point and none of my new cars have traditional transmissions so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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cypress822 (02-27-2024),
HotRodW (02-26-2024)
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 464
Likes: 235
From: SWFL
2024 GLE 450, 2015 X5 35d, 2009 SLK 300
This seems to be a common problem. My previous GLE did it and was fixed by replacing the transmission valve body. My new 2024 doesn't have the hard shifting problem. Maybe Mercedes should give up on the transmission business and buy their transmissions from ZF like BMW.
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HotRodW (02-26-2024)
#4
I understand you're upset with the issue you're having and I agree it's frustrating to have an issue with the transmission. You may get better luck with the dealership be being calm, persistent and polite. The dealership didn't build the car and MB didn't design the car to behave this way. Issues happen, that's what warranty is for. I hope they'll fix it for you soon and you'll keep enjoying the car.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 1,671
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
Perhaps ask for a conference with the technician and the service manager directly, so you can better describe the symptoms and answer questions.
Describing symptoms can be difficult, especially with the service writer trying to put it into the service order succinctly.
Describing symptoms can be difficult, especially with the service writer trying to put it into the service order succinctly.
#6
So my 24 GLE450 has been at the dealership for 12 days now. They are trying to figure out why the downshift from 5 to 4 and 4 to 3 are so harsh. When this car downshifts it's like you slam on the brakes for a moment then let off.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'.
MB transmissions are, in a word, bad.
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#8
This is the exact same issue my 450 has and mine is a 2020. Biggest complaint overall about this particular model. You will see others here with the same issue. Mine downshifts hard between 3 and 2. I've given up on trying to find a solution as this car will be with me for another 2 years max so not worth it at this point and none of my new cars have traditional transmissions so... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Last edited by TonyF61; 02-28-2024 at 11:48 AM. Reason: Spelling
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cupecoy (03-01-2024)
#9
Back on topic, I had my transmission reset two or three times, and if anything it made things worse. But as I've reported elsewhere, the downshifting has improved of late. It's still not what I would describe as normal, but I now swear a lot less than I used to. Now if the many other gremlins would self-correct, maybe I wouldn't find myself swearing at all.
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TonyF61 (02-27-2024)
#11
Thank goodness the person attempting to spell "adaptations" wasn't the one working on your car. You'd probably still have the problem.
Back on topic, I had my transmission reset two or three times, and if anything it made things worse. But as I've reported elsewhere, the downshifting has improved of late. It's still not what I would describe as normal, but I now swear a lot less than I used to. Now if the many other gremlins would self-correct, maybe I wouldn't find myself swearing at all.
Back on topic, I had my transmission reset two or three times, and if anything it made things worse. But as I've reported elsewhere, the downshifting has improved of late. It's still not what I would describe as normal, but I now swear a lot less than I used to. Now if the many other gremlins would self-correct, maybe I wouldn't find myself swearing at all.
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,092
Likes: 1,671
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former- 10&14 ML BlueTecs, 20 GLE450 E-ABC, 15 Cayenne D, 17 Macan
#13
Keep in mind, if it's at the dealer for 30 days or more for a critical component, this includes the transmission, you may be able to lemon law the car. I did this for my last AMG GLE 53 for the air conditioning of all things, and it's a surprisingly easy process in California. 30 days in the shop is the key. I didn't need a lawyer and just started the process with Mercedes directly. The dealer is mostly out of the transaction.
#14
Thanks for sharing, I brought it up several time while doing the annual service and following a drive the tech determined that "it works as designed".
#15
The 3 to 2 downshift is notoriously bad. My 2022 GLE53 would audibly and loudly clunk and jerk on that downshift. It would also jerk on the 4 to 3 downshift and would occasionally act really weird on upshifts, where it would seemingly get stuck between gears like when you press the clutch on a manual while pressing the gas.
Thankfully, my S500 only jerks on the 3 to 2 downshift, no loud clunk. I can live with this but frankly I shouldn’t have too.
This is the worst automatic transmission I’ve ever driven and for Mercedes to not recognize that and get rid of it says a lot about MB’s judgement and decision-making process. They need to kick that 9 speed to the trash heap and put in a ZF.
Thankfully, my S500 only jerks on the 3 to 2 downshift, no loud clunk. I can live with this but frankly I shouldn’t have too.
This is the worst automatic transmission I’ve ever driven and for Mercedes to not recognize that and get rid of it says a lot about MB’s judgement and decision-making process. They need to kick that 9 speed to the trash heap and put in a ZF.
#16
I wish you well, and hope you get the downshifting resolved.
#18
UPDATE: After 14 days in the shop we got the car back. Was told the issue was factory trying to update the transmission software. also told some part was changed (don't know what yet as the paperwork wasn't ready when we picked up the car.), the fluid and filter were changed also. So far it drives and shifts just fine... we'll see how it goes.
I have the same harsh downshifts in my GLS450. Dealer has tried twice to remedy. First was "perform adaptations," following time was "perform software update," but no improvement.
I'm sorry to hear that you're in the same boat...
THANKS
#19
So my 24 GLE450 has been at the dealership for 12 days now. They are trying to figure out why the downshift from 5 to 4 and 4 to 3 are so harsh. When this car downshifts it's like you slam on the brakes for a moment then let off.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'
UPDATE: After 14 days in the shop we got the car back. Was told the issue was factory trying to update the transmission software. also told some part was changed (don't know what yet as the paperwork wasn't ready when we picked up the car.), the fluid and filter were changed also. So far it drives and shifts just fine... we'll see how it goes.
I'm really disappointed in M-B. Wanted a new Benz my entire life. Retire, buy one, and it's a piece of crap to drive.
And the dealer experience has been absolutely the worst I've ever experienced. NO communication what so ever. They act like 'how dare you suggest we build a crappy car'
UPDATE: After 14 days in the shop we got the car back. Was told the issue was factory trying to update the transmission software. also told some part was changed (don't know what yet as the paperwork wasn't ready when we picked up the car.), the fluid and filter were changed also. So far it drives and shifts just fine... we'll see how it goes.
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harry1357931 (03-07-2024)
#21
Aside from all the clunking, I didn’t love how it froze shifting 1-2 under WOT today. That was a new experience for me.
Last edited by sickk23; 08-31-2024 at 01:05 PM.
#22
That’s odd. The only time I’ve ever heard of a 8 ZF not shifting smooth was in the old V6 Grand Cherokees. I’ve had it in 2 X5’s, 2 Q7’s, V8 GC, 4xe GC, and a RRS. They were all beyond flawless. The transmission in my new 53 is the worst I've ever experienced.
Aside from all the clunking, I didn’t love how it froze shifting 1-2 under WOT today. That was a new experience for me.
Aside from all the clunking, I didn’t love how it froze shifting 1-2 under WOT today. That was a new experience for me.
I have experienced that upshifting freeze, too. It's like it's waiting for me to shift manually. Mine is typically in Sport mode when it does it, but I can't say it's only happened in Sport mode.
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sickk23 (08-31-2024)
#23
Last edited by sickk23; 08-31-2024 at 04:06 PM.
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HotRodW (08-31-2024)
#24
This "ZF transmission" fan club is getting old. Every time somebody complains about ZF, some person will jump in, brush it off and keep repeating how great the ZF is. Now, I do own WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the ZF transmission. It's ok, I can't see much difference (if any) between it and the one on my GLE.
I also drove like 4 or 5 2023 X5s for more than a month total, again, nothing spectacular about that transmission. From my point of view, both are boring transmissions that just work.
I also drove like 4 or 5 2023 X5s for more than a month total, again, nothing spectacular about that transmission. From my point of view, both are boring transmissions that just work.
Last edited by stktyz33; 09-01-2024 at 04:41 PM.
#25
This "ZF transmission" fan club is getting old. Every time somebody complains about ZF, some person will jump in, brush it off and keep repeating how great the ZF is. Now, I do own WK2 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the ZF transmission. It's ok, I can't see much difference (if any) between it and the one on my GLE.
I also drove like 4 or 5 2023 X5s for more than a month total, again, nothing spectacular about that transmission. From my point of view, both are boring transmissions that just work.
I also drove like 4 or 5 2023 X5s for more than a month total, again, nothing spectacular about that transmission. From my point of view, both are boring transmissions that just work.
How many threads are there on this forum about problems with the MB 9-speed? Answer: a lot. There aren't just a couple owners making noise, it comes up time and time again. You are fortunate if you happen to have one that behaves the way it's supposed to. The 9-speed in our GLC was like that. It still got confused and clunked from time-to-time, but you didn't have to worry about it jerking you to a stop at every intersection.
For the record, Jeep manufactures their own 8-speed under license from ZF. If Jeep owners are to be believed, they are not of the same quality.
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sickk23 (09-02-2024)