SL/R231: Transmission Issue?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 526
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Transmission Issue?
My SL is my first Mercedes Benz after owning over 15 BMWs and Audis. Nice car and the wife loves it.
I note that when Park is selected I feel a slight clunk. Is this normal? Also when engaging Drive or Reverse there is a slight delay and the downshifting when going up a slight grade at low speeds seems a bit rough. Is this also normal? The car is CPO so maybe the best thing is to have the dealer drive it to see if the transmission is operating properly. Any feedback is appreciated.
Does MB use ZF trannies?
I note that when Park is selected I feel a slight clunk. Is this normal? Also when engaging Drive or Reverse there is a slight delay and the downshifting when going up a slight grade at low speeds seems a bit rough. Is this also normal? The car is CPO so maybe the best thing is to have the dealer drive it to see if the transmission is operating properly. Any feedback is appreciated.
Does MB use ZF trannies?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 334
From: South Florida
2013 SL550 (Lux Sport), 2006 CL55 AMG (Muscle). S550 (Wife's Sedan)
My SL is my first Mercedes Benz after owning over 15 BMWs and Audis. Nice car and the wife loves it.
I note that when Park is selected I feel a slight clunk. Is this normal? Also when engaging Drive or Reverse there is a slight delay and the downshifting when going up a slight grade at low speeds seems a bit rough. Is this also normal? The car is CPO so maybe the best thing is to have the dealer drive it to see if the transmission is operating properly. Any feedback is appreciated.
Does MB use ZF trannies?
I note that when Park is selected I feel a slight clunk. Is this normal? Also when engaging Drive or Reverse there is a slight delay and the downshifting when going up a slight grade at low speeds seems a bit rough. Is this also normal? The car is CPO so maybe the best thing is to have the dealer drive it to see if the transmission is operating properly. Any feedback is appreciated.
Does MB use ZF trannies?
Put the transmission in 'Sport Mode' or 'Manual Mode' by pushing the E-S-M button located just to left of the shift lever if you want your 231 to start off in 1st gear. 1st Gear should be better for hill climbing from a standing stop than trying to start up a hill from a standing stop in 2nd Gear. You should notice a difference on the slight grade mentioned in your post..
Last edited by bob55; Jul 29, 2019 at 06:40 PM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 138
Likes: 45
From: Rhode Island
2013 SL550, 2017 GLE350, 2018 Audi Q3
I occasionally get a very slight "clunk" when engaging Park and I do see the delay when engaging Drive or Reverse from Park. As for the downshifting, do you see the same issue when driving in Manual and downshifting?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,644
Likes: 526
From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Thanks, guys. Sounds like my SL may be exhibiting "normal" behavior.
Just returned from the dealer. Shop foreman with 40 years of MB experience rode with me and says all is well.
Just returned from the dealer. Shop foreman with 40 years of MB experience rode with me and says all is well.
Last edited by rmorin49; Jul 30, 2019 at 01:17 PM.
