E63 Jerky Transmission Issue
It might also be caused by Traction control, stability control, emissions or a dozen other systems that can effect drive train performance.
We can talk about this all day long. Nothing is going to get resolved until enough of us complain thru both the dealer and national call center channels.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 58
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From: Bay Area, CA
2012 E63 wagon, 2018 E63S Wagon
Sorry but I flat disagree with you. I have driven high performance sports cars for over 20 years. 10 years with Acura NSX. Lot of fun to do what you describe to "Jerk" a passenger back and forth while in low gear using the torque. had a blast with me kids doing this on occasion.
I have extensive experience in Electro-Mechanical systems. This, I believe is electronic. There are so many different computer modules running hundreds of programs. This is an electric hiccup
I have extensive experience in Electro-Mechanical systems. This, I believe is electronic. There are so many different computer modules running hundreds of programs. This is an electric hiccup
This ECU will adapt driving style. That's why, after hard driving, the symptom reduces. If ECU stays in conservative mode or before system heat up, it is easier to get timing off and it would jerk just like kid messing around with high torque car.
Anyway, with many years in electronic segment, I think I would not call it a intermittent "problem". It is more like whether the firmware can be written to match up luxury sport drivers's expectation. When driving Porsche, I think their engineer does fairly good job in this regard........but the car is too small to put my 2 meter hobby airplane......

Ps: I did have my ECU tuned plus I have been driving this car quite aggressively. With current ECU timing, the jerky thing has been reduced to the point I would not pay attention to. The only occasion would be first start on a cold day sometimes it jerks a little.
I will say it was never more than an interesting characteristic on rare occasions.
A tune does improve the situation.
I have an early 10 and it's become a non-concern as the car drives very smooth now.
As MV99 stated it's mostly related to how the driver applies throttle at low speed.
A tune does improve the situation.
I have an early 10 and it's become a non-concern as the car drives very smooth now.
As MV99 stated it's mostly related to how the driver applies throttle at low speed.
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 215
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From: Kansas City
'07 E63; 05 C55 gone; '02 C32 gone;1996 SL320;1978 280CE Gone
Did you ever determine the cause of this. It started on track after I had the transmission fluid changed. They tell me it is at the correct fluid level, but I had the problem for 3 days on track this weekend in my E63.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: New Jersey
'13 E63, '15 GL450, '12 Range Rover Sport
...and the issues continues in my 2013 E63
I just found this thread. I have a 2013 E63 and have been trying to resolve the "jerkiness" issue for over a year with multiple visits and computer resets unable to fix it. Jerky shifts in "C" and "S" between 2nd and 3rd. Drives me out of my mind because this is my daily driver and I commute on Rt 78 in New Jersey five days a week which involves a lot of stop-and-go. So, five days a week, I'd guess 10-15 times on those days, I get the jerky shift. Any new news on this issue?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
I just found this thread. I have a 2013 E63 and have been trying to resolve the "jerkiness" issue for over a year with multiple visits and computer resets unable to fix it. Jerky shifts in "C" and "S" between 2nd and 3rd. Drives me out of my mind because this is my daily driver and I commute on Rt 78 in New Jersey five days a week which involves a lot of stop-and-go. So, five days a week, I'd guess 10-15 times on those days, I get the jerky shift. Any new news on this issue?
I would like to hear from 2015 owners to see if this is still a characteristic of the s and s+ modes with stop and go
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Autoblog re: s63 trans:
That’s not to say the publication hates the S63, though. Autoblog enjoys the 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque from its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (duh!); its composure above 100 mph; the looks of its bodywork; and its “beautifully crafted, comfortable and quiet” interior, among other features. The website is less fond of the big Benz’s $160,900 starting price and its seven-speed automatic transmission’s gear-changing speeds in Manual mode, as well as the odd sensations the gearbox produces at low speeds.
That’s not to say the publication hates the S63, though. Autoblog enjoys the 577 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque from its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 (duh!); its composure above 100 mph; the looks of its bodywork; and its “beautifully crafted, comfortable and quiet” interior, among other features. The website is less fond of the big Benz’s $160,900 starting price and its seven-speed automatic transmission’s gear-changing speeds in Manual mode, as well as the odd sensations the gearbox produces at low speeds.
I ended up dumping my E63, because of the trans.
The lurchy downshift to 1st, at every stop, and the huge delay on downshifts drove me crazy.
Shame, because it was an otherwise perfect car.
However, I bet that trans is near bulletproof, as a positive for those who are willing to endure it.
The lurchy downshift to 1st, at every stop, and the huge delay on downshifts drove me crazy.
Shame, because it was an otherwise perfect car.
However, I bet that trans is near bulletproof, as a positive for those who are willing to endure it.
Re: 2015 63 issue
I recently (3000k miles) bought a 15 's63....
Absolutely , have the same issues but cant seem to make it repeatable....
so when I go to the daler and explain I dont look like a "pain in the ***, High maintenance complaining ..blah,blah....lol....
Like previously said coming out of a coasting stop...or sometimes on a turn ???
Nonetheless....Yes I still expeiernce this issue...my car is a 6/2014..makes it a 15
Absolutely , have the same issues but cant seem to make it repeatable....
so when I go to the daler and explain I dont look like a "pain in the ***, High maintenance complaining ..blah,blah....lol....
Like previously said coming out of a coasting stop...or sometimes on a turn ???
Nonetheless....Yes I still expeiernce this issue...my car is a 6/2014..makes it a 15
my (new to me) 2010 E63 exhibits some jerkiness....i had the gear box software upgraded...it changed the characteristics of clutch engagement at take off, which is slightly better...but still harsh if you let the gear box change down to 2 and 1 while in manual mode... by C63 never did it...but I have accepted that in manual mode to avoid the clunky last 10yds to a stop i need to excercise my fingers just a little 
Could be worse....I had 2 BMW SMG cars a long time ago....

Could be worse....I had 2 BMW SMG cars a long time ago....
For you folks that are experiencing this "jerkiness", if you had it to do over again, would you still buy the car?
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
Last edited by starbrite; Jan 21, 2015 at 05:06 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 852
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From: Rural NoVA
'14 E63S, '13 G550, '06 E320 cdi, and a bunch of other stuff.
For you folks that are experiencing this "jerkiness", if you had it to do over again, would you still buy the car?
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
Please don't buy an E63.
This is a THREE year old thread with about four or five complaints about the transmission. If that's enough to sway your decision, then perhaps just stick a fork in it now?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
For you folks that are experiencing this "jerkiness", if you had it to do over again, would you still buy the car?
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
I've been looking at '12 E63 and am really having second thoughts, after reading through this thread.
Amazing to me that AMG has let this transmission out the door, for several years now, without a "fix".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,084
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From: Athens, GA USA
2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
The fact that this is a three year old thread, just indicates to me that the "symptom" is ongoing, without any real fix from MB. (headbolts, valve train and open injector hydro locking, on the 6.3 na, come to mind)
You have a '14, how about a constructive comment on how you feel about this, if you've experienced it or not.
Thanks Peter and homeofstone.....the kind of responses I was looking for.
Last edited by starbrite; Jan 21, 2015 at 08:14 PM. Reason: spelling
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 852
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From: Rural NoVA
'14 E63S, '13 G550, '06 E320 cdi, and a bunch of other stuff.
I gave you a constructive comment.
You can choose to ignore it if you wish.
Next piece of advice.... don't search for a thread about bent front drive shafts, else you might think all of the AWD cars suffer from this same issue.
You can choose to ignore it if you wish.
Next piece of advice.... don't search for a thread about bent front drive shafts, else you might think all of the AWD cars suffer from this same issue.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Starbrite...
Test drive it in stop and go scenarios... don't worry about gunning it and testing acceleration.. you KNOW already this car is in a very lofty league with acceleration, etc.
I test drove mine purposely in heavy 5pm traffic in the Chicago burbs for 30 minutes when I contemplated an E63S after getting rid of my E550.....
and if you don't like how it drives, take Ace's advice, move on and try another car. Perhaps the Audi will suit you better as I hear they have pretty bulletproof transmissions in terms of shift quality and feel.
Test drive it in stop and go scenarios... don't worry about gunning it and testing acceleration.. you KNOW already this car is in a very lofty league with acceleration, etc.
I test drove mine purposely in heavy 5pm traffic in the Chicago burbs for 30 minutes when I contemplated an E63S after getting rid of my E550.....
and if you don't like how it drives, take Ace's advice, move on and try another car. Perhaps the Audi will suit you better as I hear they have pretty bulletproof transmissions in terms of shift quality and feel.
An RS7 is a pretty epic machine as well. It has a super fast / smooth ZF transmission that behaves very close to a dual clutch. If you don't need the functionality of a wagon, check it out.
Last edited by CanuckE63; Jan 22, 2015 at 01:47 PM.
I understand the jerkyness, and I do agree it can be a bit annoying at times. But realize if you're in the market for an E63, this is a performance machine. If you want to glide on a cloud, go buy an S550. If you want to haul *** and have a crazy fun car to drive at a cheaper price than an S63, E63 is the way to go. I always tell everyone that wants to ride in it "this wont be a comfortable ride (because I typically hit the AMG button on them
).
With that, on my E63 I do feel the jerkyness but only in sport or sport+. It's only from 2 to 1. C never drops to 1st gear on me so I never have the hard jerk from 2 to 1. M is all you so you have no excuse
.
). With that, on my E63 I do feel the jerkyness but only in sport or sport+. It's only from 2 to 1. C never drops to 1st gear on me so I never have the hard jerk from 2 to 1. M is all you so you have no excuse
.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
The 2014+ e550 is the perfect car for somebody that wants Cush smooth trans and performance too... It's a 4.6/12.8 second car and that's no slouch for a 4400lb vehicle
From my understanding they are hammering out the clunky trans issues now in the 7 g tronic
From my understanding they are hammering out the clunky trans issues now in the 7 g tronic
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Orange,CT and BoyntonBeach, Florida
09 E63 , 08 Z06 , 09 SL63, 04 C5Z
I have a 08 E63 bought as a leftover, it now has 30,000 miles, this has been one of my best AMG's. I have not noticed the trans issue on it ? on the 09 SL63 I bought my wife in Dec 13, I have felt it from a stop, it jerks before accelerating , then goes, but it goes like hell!!! I have bought it to the dealer, they denied knowing anything was wrong. I just went to move the SL out of my garage, wife hasn't drove it in a week, it was pretty pronounced! I am just out of warranty, never knew this thread existed, only found it cause I was so pissed off the car still does this!! Damm it! Only 5000 miles, such a lovely car , really can not believe Mercedes is not addressing the issue. Mercedes knows this issue exists, just choose not to remedy the situation, Sad.
Can make it come and Go


