SL/R230: 2004 SL 500 (7G Box) Shift from 1st to 2nd "Kick"

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May 8, 2005 | 04:37 PM

xtianpel

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Los Angeles

2004 SL 500

2004 SL 500 (7G Box) Shift from 1st to 2nd "Kick"

When I have the transmission set to "S" (so that it starts on 1st gear) I notice a "kick" between 1st and 2nd gear if I take it above 3000 rpm.

This "kick" is not noticeable between 2nd and 3rd or 3rd and 4th or any other gears.

I've taken it into the dealer for this problem countless times. At one point they upgraded the transmission software and it is less noticeable, but it is still there. They tell me they all do that.

I have not been able to confirm this by driving another 04 SL. Is anyone else experiencing this? Is this normal behavior? If it is, I'm fine with it, but if it is not I will insist on a fix.

Thanks for your feedback.

May 8, 2005 | 05:02 PM

Mr GEL

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Joined: Feb 2005

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From: Durban, South Africa

2005 SLK55 AMG

Kick

What exaclty do you mean by kick? My 7box on the SLK55 sometimes gives a bit of an extra rev when changing in the low gears if that's what you mean. So just as you are expecting the gears to change up, it revs a bit more, and then changes. Especiallt going up a hill. It's settled down though. On one occasion it was bad. I couldnt go over 3000 rpm with out the engine cutting out. When i eased off the gas, it kicked in again. So i drove slowly to the gas station, put 50 bucks in, started her up again and it's been fine ever since. I did also switch the ESP off and on again. I'm not sure if this reset anything. Maybe the EMS just gets confused sometimes.

May 8, 2005 | 06:20 PM

MBZFAN55

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Joined: Dec 2004

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From: DFW

BMW M850i Gran Coupe

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtianpel

Same here, but mine is a 2004 S500. It is more noticable when set in "S" as opposed to "C", so it's obviously a "first" gear issue. I also have a noticable "kick" on the final downshift from 2 to 1.

This is all after having the transmission valve body and computer control replaced about a month ago. That repair came after the car wouldn't move at all.

May 8, 2005 | 10:08 PM

xtianpel

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Los Angeles

2004 SL 500

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr GEL

What exaclty do you mean by kick?

It is hard to describe but basically, you put your foot on the gas about half way so that the car will go above 3000 RPM before it shifts (maybe about 1/2 way down) and when it shifts from 1st to 2nd you feel your head go back, whereas when it shifts from 2nd to 3rd it's veeeeery smooth.

May 8, 2005 | 10:09 PM

xtianpel

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Los Angeles

2004 SL 500

Quote:

Originally Posted by MBZFAN55

Same here, but mine is a 2004 S500.

So, yours has the 7 gear box too? Maybe it's normal then.

May 9, 2005 | 03:45 PM

clkcadet

MBWorld Fanatic!

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From: NYC

S550

have that too, have the 5speed from first to second it feels like a jerking motion i always thought it was the wheels regaining traction from chirping, but if theres something wrong i will take it in but nobody can confirm anything yet so i dont know what to do

May 9, 2005 | 07:18 PM

MBZFAN55

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Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 972

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From: DFW

BMW M850i Gran Coupe

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtianpel

So, yours has the 7 gear box too? Maybe it's normal then.

Yes, I have the 7-speed and yes, it seems to be "normal" in Mercedes-land these days.

I passed on 4-matic with the 5-speed because I wanted more performance that the 7-speed definitely brings to the party. Unfortunately, once again (when will I ever learn??? ), first year items like this tend to need a little time to get the bugs out.