sloppy shifting when cold
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Banned
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1999 MB C43 2004 E55 AMG, 2004 Suzuki GSXR, gl63
sloppy shifting when cold
Wanted to know if this is normal. I only bought the car about 2 months ago and it drives fine but sometimes it feels like it shifts really early and it almost throws the gear in. Once it warms up it generally gets a lot better. I bought the Eurocharged TCU tune but I'm not sure I want to install it just because I don't want any additional stress on the transmission. Any thoughts? Also wanted to mention that I did have the fluid changed at the time of purchase.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: FL
CLS55
My car does the same thing. On a cold start, it short shifts into second (does the same in C mode). Transmission has been checked out fine by the dealer and independent mechanic and I've had the fluid and filter changed twice during ownership.
If I let the car idle for 5 minutes before I leave my garage, it greatly reduces it or it doesn't do it at all. Mine will only do it on the first shift of the drive, never after that.
If I let the car idle for 5 minutes before I leave my garage, it greatly reduces it or it doesn't do it at all. Mine will only do it on the first shift of the drive, never after that.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
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From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
Mine has a similar issue. When cold either in reverse or D, car seems to hesitate. hard to explain it's just Jerky... E63...
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211-55
It's normal. Since owning the car in '09, it often refuses to downshift to first gear when transmission is cold. If I force first gear by using manual mode or shifting down before the car rolls, it does the horsey hop/jerky/hesitating thing a few times before taking off unless I ease into acceleration.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
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W211 E55 AMG
I was about to make this thread tonight too ha!
I also get if I'm at a standstill in d it seems to hesitate for the first few pull offs till warm... Was thinking maybe the cold weather makes the oil too thick?
I also get if I'm at a standstill in d it seems to hesitate for the first few pull offs till warm... Was thinking maybe the cold weather makes the oil too thick?
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 41
From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
Exact same thing here, I'm thinking about taking it in to get looked at...
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: DC/VA
14 S8, 07 E63 Designo, on order 14 G63
This is normal behavior. I pursued this issue extensively w/ my dealer, and their transmission master mech.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
Last edited by phalen302; Nov 25, 2013 at 10:45 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,159
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2006 E55
Best thing to do is let the car idle for a minute or two before starting to drive in the cold months; not longer than that, though. Letting a car idle too long isn't good either, but a minute or two to get the fluids and motor flowing well is always a good idea.
Actually, this should be with any car.
Actually, this should be with any car.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: FL
CLS55
This is normal behavior. I pursued this issue extensively w/ my dealer, and their transmission master mech.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
Glad to hear it seems like a "normal" issue.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
This is normal behavior. I pursued this issue extensively w/ my dealer, and their transmission master mech.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot.
I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks.
This information is for 7 speed trany only.
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: DC/VA
14 S8, 07 E63 Designo, on order 14 G63
Mercedes Benz of Chantilly - SA is Lisa Rozier. I complained that this issue is unacceptable. Their tech escalated the issue with MB and updated the software. Also would like to add that I have MB CPO vehicle.
Last edited by phalen302; Nov 26, 2013 at 12:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,315
Likes: 4
E55, SL63, ML550
This is normal behavior. I pursued this issue extensively w/ my dealer, and their transmission master mech. This issue is caused by not enough pressure in valve body in first start of the day. Function of valve body is to shift the gears - hence when there is not enough pressure to engage and un engage pistons - causes hard shift (hard jerks going from 1-2 and 2-1, If I remember it is K1 or K2 piston). MB usually update the transmission software - transmission pump comes on at full speed right after 15 sec when the car is started - help to get the enough pressure built up in the valve body and pump runs for 15 seconds. You will hear a slight pump noise if you have this "patch" installed. It helps a lot. I live in DC and when it gets close to 32F - I had to warm up the car for 10 minutes or more for it to operate better - but with this new update, 2-3 minutes is enough to get the car going with out any really hard jerks. This information is for 7 speed trany only.
There is also many more variations in what can cause a harsh shift than it's operating pressure.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 569
Likes: 3
From: Lynnwood,WA
07 E63
Mine does it to from 2nd-3rd.. shifts fine just rough.. but only during warm up. My M3 did the same bs.. assumed it was just part of warm up process. I just had my trans checked by dealer.. its in perfect working order. the longer i let it warm up the less noticeable it its.
Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 147
Likes: 3
From: DC/VA
14 S8, 07 E63 Designo, on order 14 G63
The information I posted above was given to me the MB mech at the MB dealership - not a self proclaimed MB experts.
In my mind the purpose of these forum/threads is build up a wealth of knowledge and not shoot from behind. The comment you posted has no value to this topic and please contribute vs. hate. Just 0.02 cents.
Last edited by phalen302; Nov 27, 2013 at 10:48 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,315
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E55, SL63, ML550
Sir I am not sure if you are living under a rock or just don't know the topic - there are very large vendors out there who sell custom mappings which change the behaviors of the "Mechanical" items. If your statement was true - custom tuning business would not exist. Just an FYI to you - on MB, you can program a lot of things. The information I posted above was given to me the MB mech at the MB dealership - not a self proclaimed MB experts. In my mind the purpose of these forum/threads is build up a wealth of knowledge and not shoot from behind. The comment you posted has no value to this topic and please contribute vs. hate. Just 0.02 cents.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,159
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2006 E55
Be careful, man. He might mistake your E55 for a E320 
phalen - good job wasting your time at the dealer while they cleared adaptations
You need a vacation from the forum, good thing it's Thanksgiving week 
phalen - good job wasting your time at the dealer while they cleared adaptations
You need a vacation from the forum, good thing it's Thanksgiving week
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,556
Likes: 15
From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Cars do different things when cold, first just be happy they start, allow the car to come up to operating temp, not just the coolant but all fluids. Then if you still have an issue well then maybe there is actually a problem but to expect a car to operate perfectly in cold weather just after a cold start then you are in dream land. IMO
Thread Starter
Banned
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Posts: 132
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1999 MB C43 2004 E55 AMG, 2004 Suzuki GSXR, gl63
Gonna have my car checked out at a tranny shop, cold weather is coming around the corner, and this ****ty behaviour is returning. Makes my car feel like a GEO when its cold. Anybody solve this yet?
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2005 e55 AMG
I have been an automatic transmission builder for 27years and under no circumstances is it possible for a mechanically driven pump that is attached to a torque converter spin faster than the engine speed when needed. What is possible is the tcu will allow more fluid pressure to be achieved when needed.the pressure control solenoids act as a dam if you will and regulate fluid pressure or flow. I have built many of these and I know this as fact.
