Hard downshifts when cold
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
08 CLS63
Hard downshifts when cold
I was out at some casino's a few weekends ago with family in my car. It was the first time they had riden in the car and it didn't leave a good impression. When I started the car in the morning, which valet left parked outside in the cold, as I drove off and approached a stop sign I began to come to a stop. Right before the car comes to a stop there is a hard if not violent jerk as the transmission shifts into first. It kept on doing this until the transmissin had warmed up. Either I really never payed attention to this or it it just started. Now everytime I first start up the car and drive, I've come to anticipate it. I'm pretty sure I never remember this happening in the past. Even one of my previous vehicles with a valve body upgrade didn't jerk this hard downshifting.
Is it normal or should I have it looked at?
Is it normal or should I have it looked at?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,642
Likes: 13
From: Caribbean/Florida/Colorado
E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
At least check the AT fluid, and engine coolant. On some MBs the trans coolers leaked and allowed coolant in to the trans, first complaint was hard shifts.
Dealer has the dipstick, How many miles do you have?
Dealer has the dipstick, How many miles do you have?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 9,137
Likes: 4
From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
I used to have this same issue when I first got my car.... right before the car shifts from 2nd down to 1st, I get a very strong jerk. I took it to the dealership, and they said that I had no adaptations from 2nd to 1st, so they re-adapted the car. Easy fix 
However, my car was doing this all the time whether cold or hot..... 
However, my car was doing this all the time whether cold or hot.....
