I notice it sometimes on my 2014 E350 also... a firm, hard downshift. Dealer said it is normal??
2k14 7-spd less than smooth shifting?
Hi,
took delivery of a 2k14 E550 4-matic early sept 2013, and it's been running great except for an intermittent problem my dealership claims is "normal operation:"
When downshifting from any speed to a gradual stop (i.e. going 40 mph, comign to a stoplight gradually, nothing aggressive) the only perceived downshift I can feel -- sometimes rather rough, is the 5th to 4th downshift. It's more often when the engine/transmission is cold, and less perceived when everything is up to temp. I don't notice is more than 10% of the time during all downshifting (in full auto, not in manual). Happens in S and E modes.
Taking it in again to the dealership for re-check, 2 weeks ago they checked software, reset adaptations, and said all was within normal limits.
Any advice is appreciated.
took delivery of a 2k14 E550 4-matic early sept 2013, and it's been running great except for an intermittent problem my dealership claims is "normal operation:"
When downshifting from any speed to a gradual stop (i.e. going 40 mph, comign to a stoplight gradually, nothing aggressive) the only perceived downshift I can feel -- sometimes rather rough, is the 5th to 4th downshift. It's more often when the engine/transmission is cold, and less perceived when everything is up to temp. I don't notice is more than 10% of the time during all downshifting (in full auto, not in manual). Happens in S and E modes.
Taking it in again to the dealership for re-check, 2 weeks ago they checked software, reset adaptations, and said all was within normal limits.
Any advice is appreciated.
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The dealer said "within normal limits" -- but it is my opinion that most people with this 7spd tranny either a) aren't as sensitive as I am to these shifts, or b) don't have them, and we're the outliers.I notice it sometimes on my 2014 E350 also... a firm, hard downshift. Dealer said it is normal??
I'm taking the car back in on Tuesday and I plan on driving a brand new E550 coupe and E550 sedan they have on the lot 2k14's to see if this is prevalent in those vehicles.
If it is.. then not much I can do about it until a software patch comes in, or perhaps it'll go away with "break in".
The sad part is that I didn't feel it at all but one time on the ride into work this morning .. go figure.
What shift points do you feel yours in? 3-2, 5-4? upshift, downshift?
I've queried SL, S class owners on other sites (mbworld) 2k12-2k14 and they too have similar shifting issues (some of them)
the car shouldnt be shifting down hard, especially for a new car.
My a207 e500 doesnt do it.
may have to be an issue which they may put a recall on later?
My a207 e500 doesnt do it.
may have to be an issue which they may put a recall on later?
the frustrating part is that it's not consistent .. most of the time when warmed up, it doesn't do it, and it seems it does it when I'm slowly braking to a stop. In the more aggressive stops, everything is smooth.
But I would agree, I've never had a car with any perceived shifts like these ones, wondering too if there will be another software upgrade. I found a tsb from 2012 related to a "uncomfortable 4th/5th shift" and the dealer is instructed to upgrade software and reset adaptations. Both of those have already been done on my vehicle.
More to come
But I would agree, I've never had a car with any perceived shifts like these ones, wondering too if there will be another software upgrade. I found a tsb from 2012 related to a "uncomfortable 4th/5th shift" and the dealer is instructed to upgrade software and reset adaptations. Both of those have already been done on my vehicle.
More to come
...car at the dealership today, tech drove with me, reproduced the harsh shift while the tech was driving .. we'll see what they say, will update later.
Siemens and MB have been having issues from the beginning of the 7g valve body and electrical control plate are one combined unit on the 7g transmissions from the day the 7g transmissions have been released. So much so that in the US it is virtually impossible to get one other than having an MB dealer service department install it. It is not allowed to be sold over the counter to a customer or independent shop.
I have lost count of the dozens of replacements of the part.
They replace so many that the part is often in short supply. A well functioning 7g trans should be even smoother than the older 5 speed it replaced. The dealers try to push off the repair as long as possible. Some cars have had more than one replaced.
They are on at least the 6th or 7th revision of the part and still have not perfected it.
In MBs defense with some cars the owner does have to give the car several hundred miles for the adaptive software to set itself for the primary driver's style. After that any rough downshifting will usually get worse until they cave in and replace the part.
I have lost count of the dozens of replacements of the part.
They replace so many that the part is often in short supply. A well functioning 7g trans should be even smoother than the older 5 speed it replaced. The dealers try to push off the repair as long as possible. Some cars have had more than one replaced.
They are on at least the 6th or 7th revision of the part and still have not perfected it.
In MBs defense with some cars the owner does have to give the car several hundred miles for the adaptive software to set itself for the primary driver's style. After that any rough downshifting will usually get worse until they cave in and replace the part.
Thanks noodles and all for the input, interesting info.
I feel somewhat comforted with the fact that the rough shifting, if not resolved with the adaptation reset, will likely, as you said Noodles, get worse over time, and they'll be less able to discount it when I keep taking it in.
As I mentioned, it's interesting the other brand new 2k14 550 I drove had a similar problem, but rough up and down shifting between different transitions.
Production problem with a certain batch of transmissions?
I feel somewhat comforted with the fact that the rough shifting, if not resolved with the adaptation reset, will likely, as you said Noodles, get worse over time, and they'll be less able to discount it when I keep taking it in.
As I mentioned, it's interesting the other brand new 2k14 550 I drove had a similar problem, but rough up and down shifting between different transitions.
Production problem with a certain batch of transmissions?
Most of the shifting issue were due to the hydro/electronic control body made by Siemens.
Early on there were some actual transmission parts that got updated, but that was back in 2007 so all the newer ones are based on the Siemens part.
Early on there were some actual transmission parts that got updated, but that was back in 2007 so all the newer ones are based on the Siemens part.
I for one am wondering what things are going to be like when we get the 9G transmission. Even the new W222 is still being shipped with the 7G. However, having driven the the 2014 S550, I must say the shifting was silky smooth. No rough, or what feels like indecisive, downshifts or upshifts.
I had a C250 loaner yesterday, with the 7G box and it was shifting up and down relatively roughly. I got another loaner to replace that one today, and I'll see how it drives.
I had a C250 loaner yesterday, with the 7G box and it was shifting up and down relatively roughly. I got another loaner to replace that one today, and I'll see how it drives.
That 9g should prove to be interesting.
The one that really impressed me was the DSG setup on the AMG SLS I got to drive over the summer at a track. It was so quick to shift it felt nothing like any other MB trans.
Oddly enough the CLA is going to get a DSG setup. I wish MB would put it in all the cars.
The one that really impressed me was the DSG setup on the AMG SLS I got to drive over the summer at a track. It was so quick to shift it felt nothing like any other MB trans.
Oddly enough the CLA is going to get a DSG setup. I wish MB would put it in all the cars.
I haven't had the luck of testing it out yet!! But yeah, I too was told that the CLA has the DSG. It's too bad the one on the lot had sold already; I wanted to give it a shot.That 9g should prove to be interesting.
The one that really impressed me was the DSG setup on the AMG SLS I got to drive over the summer at a track. It was so quick to shift it felt nothing like any other MB trans.
Oddly enough the CLA is going to get a DSG setup. I wish MB would put it in all the cars.
-------------------------
Drove the second loaner C250, with casual driving, it shifted down and up so smooth, you couldn't even tell.
FWIW, my 2009 E350 has the 7g, and it's just as smooth. I guess it's really a game of chance.
While I still prefer to swap my own cogs (hence why I daily my 16v), I do applaud how far auto-boxes have come.
The C300 loaner I have today happens to have a very silky smooth 7-spd tranny .. nothing is perceived up or down shifting. A loaner I had a couple weeks ago, same model, had a rougher shifting pattern.
Would love a silky smooth shifting tranny like the W222 S-class...
When I watched a youtube video of the CLA45 -- the DSG tranny was loud -- you could hear a "pop" during every shift .. is that inherent to the DSG? I wouldn't like that for a daily driver.
Would love a silky smooth shifting tranny like the W222 S-class...
When I watched a youtube video of the CLA45 -- the DSG tranny was loud -- you could hear a "pop" during every shift .. is that inherent to the DSG? I wouldn't like that for a daily driver.
I'm trying to get in a test drive in a CLA250, which has the DSG, but there are none on the lot. Hopefully sometime this week I can get in and test it out.The C300 loaner I have today happens to have a very silky smooth 7-spd tranny .. nothing is perceived up or down shifting. A loaner I had a couple weeks ago, same model, had a rougher shifting pattern.
Would love a silky smooth shifting tranny like the W222 S-class...
When I watched a youtube video of the CLA45 -- the DSG tranny was loud -- you could hear a "pop" during every shift .. is that inherent to the DSG? I wouldn't like that for a daily driver.
I'll let you know if I hear a "pop" or not.
I find my 1985 2.3-16 5-speed to be the smoothest shifting car I own
That said, I've read up some more on the 9G that's supposed to making it's debut here in the US sometime next year, and I can't wait to try it out. So far the reviews from those who've tested vehicles fitted with this gearbox have been positive.
I believe the German market is getting them this year, while the UK will get them next year. Perhaps some of our members over in Germany will be able to enlighten us further after some period of time of ownership.
I did not hear any pops on the SLS under full throttle or just driving it around.
3 days and I have yet to hear from the dealership, will call them today to get an update.
At what point does a dealership call Mercedes "corporate" or the mechanics above the shop foreman to get advice on a problem?
At what point does a dealership call Mercedes "corporate" or the mechanics above the shop foreman to get advice on a problem?
Just keep pushing their buttons and showing that the problem is persisting; that's pretty much the only way to do it these days if you're dealing with a dealer who's doing the bare minimum.3 days and I have yet to hear from the dealership, will call them today to get an update.
At what point does a dealership call Mercedes "corporate" or the mechanics above the shop foreman to get advice on a problem?
I'm lucky enough to have a dealer that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Keep us posted on what happens.
Thanks Vai,
Waiting for dealer to return my voicemail, other 2k14 owners have been PMing me or posting they have a similar issue (not many, but some)
UPDATE:
shop foreman and I spoke: there is a NEW 2014 software update fresh off the presses for the 2k14 E350/550 for this particular transmission issue. I did not ask (but will later) about the TSB # or software item number -- will update you all with that once I receive my car in normal driving condition. They completely recognized that this is NOT normal and not typical of mb transmissions, and should NOT be happening. Contrary to what others have been told (per my PM conversations) by their dealerships. The transmission, as most of you have mentioned, should up and down shift buttery smooth, cold or warm start, every time.
Also, my steering column was making a creaking noise with minute degrees of rotation, but was very fluid and quiet with quick movements -- foreman said a part is on order for the steering rack and this is designed to solve this particular, known issue.
Waiting for dealer to return my voicemail, other 2k14 owners have been PMing me or posting they have a similar issue (not many, but some)
UPDATE:
shop foreman and I spoke: there is a NEW 2014 software update fresh off the presses for the 2k14 E350/550 for this particular transmission issue. I did not ask (but will later) about the TSB # or software item number -- will update you all with that once I receive my car in normal driving condition. They completely recognized that this is NOT normal and not typical of mb transmissions, and should NOT be happening. Contrary to what others have been told (per my PM conversations) by their dealerships. The transmission, as most of you have mentioned, should up and down shift buttery smooth, cold or warm start, every time.
Also, my steering column was making a creaking noise with minute degrees of rotation, but was very fluid and quiet with quick movements -- foreman said a part is on order for the steering rack and this is designed to solve this particular, known issue.
Let us know what happens with that software update. Kind of interesting it would end up being a software thing and not a mechanical thing (another reason why I really prefer my old cars, where it's JUST mechanical!! No software issues to take into account!).Thanks Vai,
Waiting for dealer to return my voicemail, other 2k14 owners have been PMing me or posting they have a similar issue (not many, but some)
UPDATE:
shop foreman and I spoke: there is a NEW 2014 software update fresh off the presses for the 2k14 E350/550 for this particular transmission issue. I did not ask (but will later) about the TSB # or software item number -- will update you all with that once I receive my car in normal driving condition. They completely recognized that this is NOT normal and not typical of mb transmissions, and should NOT be happening. Contrary to what others have been told (per my PM conversations) by their dealerships. The transmission, as most of you have mentioned, should up and down shift buttery smooth, cold or warm start, every time.
Also, my steering column was making a creaking noise with minute degrees of rotation, but was very fluid and quiet with quick movements -- foreman said a part is on order for the steering rack and this is designed to solve this particular, known issue.
Owning newer cars is starting to resemble custom computer building/owning; for those who've built their own systems, you'll know what I'm talking about when trying to diagnose software (drivers, programs, etc.) issues versus hardware (memory controller, CPU, GPU, memory, motherboard, etc.).
Thanks for the update...my 14 E350 only has 3000 miles o it but I'm gonna make the call to the dealer and ask...What's up???
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