Read past posts!! This is a known problem with all early vehicles that have the new 7 speed trans. Easy fix though. In some cases a reflash of the software will correct and in others mit also requires a new updated valve body in the trans. I never experienced it but others have.

 

I have an '07 ML320 that has what I'd call "tentativeness" in it when shifting at slow speed. It also has a pronounced down shift I've felt when going about 30 MPH and slowing down to turn into a parking lot at a shopping center (as an example). It's not enough to worry me (yet) and the service rep at my last visit couldn't find a problem. I have read and been told the 7 speed is a "learning" transmission and will adjust to your driving. My wife and I share the car, she is the primary driver, so maybe it's just confused
-Chris

 

Thanks for your replies and advice. Maybe I didnt read back far enough on the board, but will go thru old posts and try to find discussions on transmission/shifting problems that others have experienced. I will also mention the solutions you suggest to my service rep. and hopefully they will attempt those fixes. My fear is that Mercedes willl say that there's not anymore that they can do, cause after performing the fixes, they test drove and said it was driving fine, which it still does not. But honestly, after spending so much money on this car, I'd expect that shifting would be much more smoother than what it is. Hopefully, Mercedes service will be willing to solve the problem.

 

There have been many service bulletins about the 7-speed transmission. If your dealer can't or won't fix the problem, then go somewhere else. It's a well-known problem with a known fix. Sosh is right, if the software won't fix it then a new valve body is required. It should all be covered under warranty.

 

Thanks again...I did find some old posts from 2005-2006 regarding the jerky/hard transmission others were experiencing when downshifting with possible solutions and your suggestions. I think I have enough information now to intelligently talk to Mercedes service regarding the problem and possible fixes they can perform.

 

Thanks again...I did find some old posts from 2005-2006 regarding the jerky/hard transmission others were experiencing when downshifting with possible solutions and your suggestions. I think I have enough information now to intelligently talk to Mercedes service regarding the problem and possible fixes they can perform.

Join the club with the the transmission jerking forward after you've stopped. I read the posts about this problem before purchasing the vehicle thinking it's probably just 1 in a 1000 kind of thing. Well guess what, I just picked up my ML this past Saturday, after driving it for a bit......stop at a light, THUMP, the car jerks forward like an old chevy engages into drive.

Let me know how things work out for you at the dealer, and see what they do to fix it, because I too would like to go in there with a clear picture of what's wrong before they tell me nothing's wrong and I really flip out.

Thanks.

 

Hey 3fifty,

Im taking the car back to MB service on Wednesday and will definately post what happens. Thats crazy that the problem still exists on the new cars; yeah you'd think that all the kinks would have been worked out.

I did read on older posts that the jerk problem had been resolved for some vehicles by installing the new software and replacing the valve control body. Some vehicles got new transmissions. Some people "learned" how to drive differently(whatever that means) Strange that if there's a fix for the older models, why not build the new ones with upgraded parts.

 

OK...I just dropped my ML350 off at Alexandria Mercedes and my rep had one of the mechanics go on a test drive with us. The tech had me drive first while he observed from the passenger seat and I'd mention each time the car jerked as it was downshifing. Of course he said he couldn't feel anything. Than he drove the car while I was sitting next to him and said he didn't feel the jerkiness at all, although I could even feel it from the passenger side. I told him the drive was not acceptable and insisted the service mgr be involved as well. I told the mechanic about the various fixes including replacing the valve control body and also for them to take a look at the service bulletins. He said he was not aware of any jerky tranny problems with the ML350 and they would not just replace any parts because we think we're experiencing a problem, but they'll further look into it and get the service mgr involved. So I left the vehicle and am just waiting on them to call me and let me know what they found, but it doesnt look good. I have the feeling that they're gonna tell me that they don't see a problem. Other than me ranting and raving, does anyone have any other suggestions short of taking the vehicle to every Mercedes dealer in my area? Has anyone living in the DC/MD/VA area experienced the jerky tranny problem and it had taken care of a dealer in this area?

Thanks!

 

that tech is lying out his ass if he said he doesnt know of any jerky tranny issues. or is he too new to mercedes.

anyway understand that with the 722.9 trannies, most things need approval from TAC before they can be replaced. valve bodies need approval and tranny replacements, but the b1 and b3 clips dont need approval.

they should be checking the adaptations of the tranny to see if any shift is at limit value of -20. if several are, the b1 and b3 clips have come out of place and need to be replaced. I just tore down a tranny yesterday in a e500 with jerking while braking. 5 gears were all at limit values.

now understand the 722.9 is not a "smooth shifting tranny". every car I drive with one either has small jerking, bumps now and then. they arent smooth. small bumps here and there with slight jerking to me is normal with these trannies.

 

OK...I just dropped my ML350 off at Alexandria Mercedes and my rep had one of the mechanics go on a test drive with us. The tech had me drive first while he observed from the passenger seat and I'd mention each time the car jerked as it was downshifing. Of course he said he couldn't feel anything. Than he drove the car while I was sitting next to him and said he didn't feel the jerkiness at all, although I could even feel it from the passenger side. I told him the drive was not acceptable and insisted the service mgr be involved as well. I told the mechanic about the various fixes including replacing the valve control body and also for them to take a look at the service bulletins. He said he was not aware of any jerky tranny problems with the ML350 and they would not just replace any parts because we think we're experiencing a problem, but they'll further look into it and get the service mgr involved. So I left the vehicle and am just waiting on them to call me and let me know what they found, but it doesnt look good. I have the feeling that they're gonna tell me that they don't see a problem. Other than me ranting and raving, does anyone have any other suggestions short of taking the vehicle to every Mercedes dealer in my area? Has anyone living in the DC/MD/VA area experienced the jerky tranny problem and it had taken care of a dealer in this area?

Thanks!

Nikki - I have an 06 ML350 and do not have this issue on my SUV. You should definately try a different dealer. You never know what the techs are aware of and what they are willing to accept. I personally live near Euromotorcars in Bethesda and Germantown. I have used Germantown and they have been good in identifying and working with the SRS issue that popped up on my truck.

Good Luck!

 

Hey Streetglower & Big Kutta, thank you for your replies and input. I didnt hear back from Mercedes service today but will give them a call in the morning to check on status of what they've determined, if anything. I'll relay the info you've provided and take it from there. Thanks again and I'll keep you guys posted.

 

Interestingly enough, the new C&D issue with the SUV comparo lauded the 7-speed tranny as a "silky-smooth shifter"...ironic since we all know it has its quirks.

However, i am confident that MB will continue to strive to perfect it. My new GL's version is pretty near perfect.

 

Great News! I just spoke with my Mercedes rep and the shop manager acknowledged that there definately is a jerk when downshifting in low speeds. When I took my vehicle in yesterday, I provided my rep with the following info from one of the boards and she said the info regarding the service bulletin was right on. My servicer is now in the process of obtaining authorization to replace the valve body.

I dont know which poster provided this info, but I am extrememly grateful.
Here's the post:
Last week I had a service appt. that included the MB tech rep regarding the sharp downshifts at low speeds. They replaced the valve control body and used new software that prevents a downshift to 1st gear until the car is at a complete stop. I have only put a few miles on since the repair but the problem seems to be solved (at least in the short term). This new software needs a valve control body produced after a certain date in order to work properly. I do not know what that date is. The old valve control body was 2202701406 and the new one is 220270130628. There is a DTB (Daimler technical bulletin?) out on this. Hope this helps if you have this problem

Here is what the service invoice says: 5880 1000 90 85 Cause DTB T-B-27.60/68A Road Test and verified complaint Performed short test Inspected EHS # and has part # 2202701406 Replaced with 220270130628 as per DTB and flashed Module after repair. I would assume that which I have put in bold is the DTB no.
I don't know what the service mgr or MB tech rep said to the mechanic after I had my discussions with them. The work order says "Owner states the transmission will down shift from 2-1 when slowing down, very rough. See service mgr." I just told them the downshifts were rough and not acceptable. They did not seem to have any problem understanding the situation. Sorry I can't be of more help.
After the installation of the new valve control body and software, I specifically asked the question whether the adaptive transmission would be required to "learn" again. The answer I got was no - there would be no additional learning time involved. The lack of hard downshift was noticeable immediately

 

some of that info is incorrect. the old valve body which has the part 1406 is an old number for that model, the 164 now takes a 2106, not 1306. also when you do replace the valve body, you have to adapt the tranny. techs are paid 1.00 hr to adapt it and it needs to be done or you will have a jerky tranny.

I feel for all of you with your tranny issues. I currently have a 07 203 with 668 miles on it and its in the second times for jerk when downshifting, first time software update was done and now I have it. I drove it and could feel the tranny was not right. it had a slight jerk when slowing down to a stop. adaptation values show 6-5 at -20 and 5-4 at -20, I reset the adaptations and drove it again, now 1-2 is at -15 and 6-5 at -20, yet the shop foreman says he feels the tranny is fine. I hate when this happens because they are the ones who have to call TAC for authorization for anything, yet I know there is an issue, yet they feel its fine. I feel for the customer because the car isnt even a month old.

 

There have been many service bulletins about the 7-speed transmission. If your dealer can't or won't fix the problem, then go somewhere else. It's a well-known problem with a known fix. Sosh is right, if the software won't fix it then a new valve body is required. It should all be covered under warranty.

I have the same jerky shifting on my 07 ML320 CDI with 400 miles on it. Am taking it in tomorrow to MB dealer. On the phone, the service rep told me that he wasn't aware of any customer complaints regarding how these transmissions shift. So I found the TSB listing posted by Wolfgang, and extracted this list of TSB's dealing with the 7-speed transmissions:

_______________________________________________________
Mercedes-Benz W164, W251 and X164 (new ML, R, GL) TSBs

Issue Date TSB Number Title

Mar 28, 2007 T-B-27.60/65a Revision: Applicable Models Updated (All Light Truck Models Equipped with 7G-Tronic (722.9) Transmission) -- Learning in Selection Range Sensor Not Possible After EHS Replacement: reinstall EHS

Feb 9, 2007 T-B-27.60/93 722.9 (7G-Tronic) Adaptation Values of the 6-5 Downshift Close to the Negative Limit

Feb 9, 2007 2007010008 Campaign - MY2007 Check/update 722.9 transmission software; Update M273 SW if required

Nov 27, 2006 T-27.60/89 Transmission - 722.9 - Fault Codes 2502, 2505, P0894 or P2711

Nov 27, 2006 T-27.60/62E Auto Trans - Rough Shift Quality

Nov 7, 2006 T-27.60/68E Auto Trans - Uncomfortable 2-1 Coastdown Downshift

Oct 27, 2006 T-27.60/68D Auto Trans - Uncomfortable 2-1 Downshift When Coasting and or Braking

Jul 14, 2006 T-27.60/62D Transmission - Harsh 1-2, 3-2 and 2-1 Shifts

Jun 1, 2006 T-27.60/62C Auto Trans - Rough 1-2, 3-2, 2-1 Gearshifts

Apr 10, 2006 T-27.60/68C Auto Trans - Harsh 2-1 Downshift When Braking or Coasting

Mar 13, 2006 T-27.60/68B Auto Trans Controls - Uncomfortable 2-1 Downshift on Coastdown

Jan 20, 2006 T-27.60/68 Auto Trans Controls - Uncomfortable and or Harsh 2-1 Coast Downshift
________________________________________________________________

If any other folks are dealing with service reps who are unenlightened (or living in denial), this list might come in handy. Will advise what happens next.


gawdfatha

 

hey gawdfatha, thanks for providing the TSB listings. Last week my mercedes dealer replaced the valve body under warranty. Unfortunately, there was still a slight jerk upon downshifting when we drove the car off. My daughter's driving the vehicle now and will let me know if by chance the jerkiness improves after driving it for a week or so, although I doubt it will improve. The invoice doesnt state whether they performed any additional service other than replacing valve body. They had previously updated software and reset adaptation codes which hadn't helped.

Good luck with your car and let us know what happens.

 

Got the car back -- the ticket states that they did the following:

384 SOFTWARE UPDATE
PERF TRANS SOFTWARE UPDATE
REPAIR PERF ACCORDING TO MB BULLETIN T-B-27.60/68E (Auto Trans - Uncomfortable 2-1 Coastdown Downshift, dated Nov 7, 2006)

Seems to downshift a little smoother but still too early to tell whether it's "cured". Will try driving it around for a while.

gawdfatha

 

Anyone have any news? I brought mine in last week Thursday and whatever they did, did nothing to fix the issue. If anything the transmission still jerks forward when stopped, and now the transmission shifts like shit from 1st to second gear and onwards.

They have at least acknowledged the problem and are sending their test results to MB for diagnosis. So I'm waiting to hear back from them on that, It's now 6 days later.



Because I just bought my ML, MB sends you a report card on the service received, dealer appearance, how the car is etc. Well I answered everything honestly and along with it I send them my complaint with the transmission issues I've been experiencing right off the lot. I'm waiting to hear what those assholes have to say for themselves. This kind of crap should have been resolved after the 2006 was released.

BTW, my salesperson and service department have been great and don't blame them for all this. I gave them high marks for everything cause they've been great. They don't make the car they just service it, and made sure the MB understood that.

 

This is what you will hear........................





I also ripped them a new ahole on the service report card about the tranny that is still jerky after 3 trips to the dealer. Heard nothing from MB, which is why my next car will not be a Benz. Too bad cuz the wife really wanted a E350.

 

So far so good on my '07 ML320. My wife is the primary driver but I drive it two or three times a week. We have experienced none of the jerking problems reported and have put about 4500 miles on it since the end of Feb. I'll post something if it does come up though.

 

Nikii and all,

I suggest listening to the mechanic because
the more the dealer mucks with the transmission,
you are running the risk of problems later.

The jerk should go away
after some adaptation. My ML jerked after a transmission flush
but after a few months, it went away.

 

ummmm yeah that's great and all but I'm in 5000+kms and it hasn't slowed one bit. So it hasn't exactly ironed itslef out.
My truck has finally gone in for the valve body replacement and is going to be there for a few days.

I'll let you guys know how it works out.

 

got my truck back AND IT'S FIXED!!!! The valve body repair corrected the problem. I left it there for almost a week and am assuming they did everything to make sure that it was fixed, cause the actual repair shouldn't take anymore than a day.

Have had it back for a few days now and all is well. We'll see if it stays that way, i'll post up if starts to act up again.

 

I have the same jerky shifting on my 07 ML320 CDI with 400 miles on it. Am taking it in tomorrow to MB dealer. On the phone, the service rep told me that he wasn't aware of any customer complaints regarding how these transmissions shift. So I found the TSB listing posted by Wolfgang, and extracted this list of TSB's dealing with the 7-speed transmissions:

_______________________________________________________
Mercedes-Benz W164, W251 and X164 (new ML, R, GL) TSBs

Issue Date TSB Number Title

Mar 28, 2007 T-B-27.60/65a Revision: Applicable Models Updated (All Light Truck Models Equipped with 7G-Tronic (722.9) Transmission) -- Learning in Selection Range Sensor Not Possible After EHS Replacement: reinstall EHS

Feb 9, 2007 T-B-27.60/93 722.9 (7G-Tronic) Adaptation Values of the 6-5 Downshift Close to the Negative Limit

Feb 9, 2007 2007010008 Campaign - MY2007 Check/update 722.9 transmission software; Update M273 SW if required

Nov 27, 2006 T-27.60/89 Transmission - 722.9 - Fault Codes 2502, 2505, P0894 or P2711

Nov 27, 2006 T-27.60/62E Auto Trans - Rough Shift Quality

Nov 7, 2006 T-27.60/68E Auto Trans - Uncomfortable 2-1 Coastdown Downshift

Oct 27, 2006 T-27.60/68D Auto Trans - Uncomfortable 2-1 Downshift When Coasting and or Braking

Jul 14, 2006 T-27.60/62D Transmission - Harsh 1-2, 3-2 and 2-1 Shifts

Jun 1, 2006 T-27.60/62C Auto Trans - Rough 1-2, 3-2, 2-1 Gearshifts

Apr 10, 2006 T-27.60/68C Auto Trans - Harsh 2-1 Downshift When Braking or Coasting

Mar 13, 2006 T-27.60/68B Auto Trans Controls - Uncomfortable 2-1 Downshift on Coastdown

Jan 20, 2006 T-27.60/68 Auto Trans Controls - Uncomfortable and or Harsh 2-1 Coast Downshift
________________________________________________________________

If any other folks are dealing with service reps who are unenlightened (or living in denial), this list might come in handy. Will advise what happens next.


gawdfatha

And here's two more recent TSBs dealing with the 722.9 transmissions:

Jun 7, 2007 S-B-27.19/82A MY-All, Model 164 / 171 / 203 / 209 / 211 / 215 / 216 / 219 / 220 / 221 / 230 / 251 with Transmission 722.9

Ordering New Transmission Electrohydraulic Control Units:
Document under revision, refer to EPC until further notice

Mar 29, 2007 T-B-27.00/96 All Light Truck Vehicles Equipped with Transmission 722.9 Trans.
in Limp-Home Mode or Harsh Engagement After Programming / SCN Coding:
Scan fault codes

Wonder if the June 7 TSB regarding control units has anything to do with the shifting issues ? Can anyone locate a copy of that one?


My ML 320 CDI is up to 1600 miles, 1000 miles after the flash software "remedy", and still jerks occassionally during downshifts.

 

Where I can get all this TSB

Best Regards