We have had a problem with our CLS 500 since day one. MB replaced something back when the car was new regarding the ESP light and the car jerking when downshifting. When I picked up the car, the light was fixed but the car was still downshifting hard. I called the service department and told him the car still did not feel right but I agreed to drive it longer and see if I could describe when and how it would feel weird. I let time pass because I became used to the car feeling that way, however, we continued to have more problems and after 5 visits to the shop they told me they needed to replace the transmission. Since replacing the transmission, the car is MUCH worse. Before, the car would make a sharp downshift but now the car just jerks when accelerating from first to second to third, etc., and is really noticeable when going up a hill and around corners. MB finally agreed to buy back the "lemon" but are asking us to pay an arm and a leg for a usage fee. They claim that the problem just started (10 months after owning the car) even though I have been complaining about it since day one. My service person admits I have complained since day one and the sales person who sold us the car has acknowledged we told him about the jerking the car made since day one. The problem is that my service person never noted half of my complaints and only recorded it after I put 12,000 miles on the car. They want us to pay for usage up until the correct problem was recorded in their system. I had no idea that it was the transmission (I'm not the mechanic). We are in a heated battle with MB corporate over how to proceed. Any one have any advise for us?
I guess you are American where better consumer rights should exist compared to Europe.
Anyway,the fact is that this 7 speed box is known to be a "dog" on a worldwide basis, "if you are really unlucky".
Even my dealer's demonstration vehicle suffered the fault you mentioned when I took a test drive before ordering my CLS. I still bought one on the assumption that mine would be OK and so far it is OK at 4500 miles.
MB know that this transmission has a history of spasmodic malfunction from new and this forum proves it.
If I get the problem, I will use the strength of this world-wide forum to state my case, because that's the real power of it! Tell MB to log on and get real!!
I would expect the V8 CLS to run for 100,000 miles trouble free. Otherwise, I will switch back to BMW. Your 12000 miles is nothing for a vehicle of this price and calibre. Take them to the brink!!
1400 miles and so far, so good.
My CLS500 was built in January so perhaps they had solved some of the problems by then.
It does shift a bit sportier than my 2002 S500 but this IS a sportier automobile.
It is a great car so far.
Hey you guys. Now 6 days with no postings. Lots of us following your problems, wishing you well and wanting to know the final outcome. Keep us all informed. Please. Any of us could be in your shoes. Nearly bought a 320ML myself. Luckily drove a Dec 2005 W220 5 speed auto and fell in love with that instead.
If you look at previous posts, you will see that I had my transmission replaced at about 1600 miles. The really rough down shift that it had previously is gone, however, it still hesitates and shifts rougher than I would expect from a car of this caliber. Let me know what happens with your car.
If you look at previous posts, you will see that I had my transmission replaced at about 1600 miles. The really rough down shift that it had previously is gone, however, it still hesitates and shifts rougher than I would expect from a car of this caliber. Let me know what happens with your car.
Yes I saw you got a new box. Glad it's better. Hope you have energy to keep going till it's really right. Wonder what happened to ajw family and his battle??
I had two new boxes (5 speed) on an E class many years back which kept sticking in reverse. Nothing you could do would make it come out. After two new boxes and the same fault I gave up and got a Honda. BUT I did miss the Merc and eventually came back. Once in the bloodstream it's hard to keep away.
Resseting ECU solved all this issues for me. Car is far more responsive and shifts smoother. And also doesn't hasitate to shift lower gear.
Guys on the other forum say that there is no side effects - this only deletes learned drive habbit, and starts learning again.
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
Resseting ECU solved all this issues for me. Car is far more responsive and shifts smoother. And also doesn't hasitate to shift lower gear.
Guys on the other forum say that there is no side effects - this only deletes learned drive habbit, and starts learning again.
1. Turn the ignition key to the on (not start) position.
2. Press the gas pedal to the floor and hold for five seconds.
3. Turn the key to the "off" position (don't remove the key), then release the gas pedal.
Wow, does that really reset the learned behaviour - simple as that? Is that only for 7 speed boxes or is there some advantage in doing it on other boxes e.g five speed. Mine is smooth as silk but could help others.
I have been having problems with my 2006 ML350 since day one. I took it in the shop 5 times for the same issue in less than a month. I have also scheduled another service in a few days. Theres problems with an extremely jerky transmission, they had to replace the front struts, they had to reseal the right driver's side rear door, they did a poor job. When I'm on the highway or go over slight bumps, I hear this squeaky noise coming from the trunk even though its empty. Its annoying and feels like im driving a cheap car. The back and passenger seats squeak loud even though no one sits in them. The back seats are becoming yellow for some reason. My car also goes into neutral quite often. It feels extremely unsafe to drive. Im losing sleep over this and my dealers convincing me to do a trade in "while the miles are low" on my car. He's offering me a new ML350 with a $10,000 cheaper sticker price
for $2,500 more. I think thats BS as I should get a new one at no charge or my cash back. In order for a car to be a lemon it has to be in 3-4 times. I have been in there 8 times. Someone, please help. I also called corporate and they are being assholes and ignoring me and telling me to wait even though its been 2 months.
Surely you now need to contact Mercedes themselves and not just the dealer. Try the CLS threads here and on Benzworld and you will see Merc have fitted new gearboxes and in some cases even given new cars due to problems with the 7 speed auto. I thought these were largely sorted now. If you can swap to new 350 to same spec as yours for only a few grand, it would be worthwhile in my view BUT you are right you shouldn't need to do this. Get onto Merc. Rattle the cage BUT start politely, drain the adrenalin and anger first before calling or e-mailing. The Customer Service person is not responsible for your problems and you want them on side to help you with the powers that be. So tempting to unleash all the anger but doesn't help of course. All the evidence from other threads is that if you keep pressing all will be put right. Then you can have your breakdown which by then you will have richly earned! Good luck.
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2006 Ml350 Transmission Problems 
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