[atabibia]

Is there a consensus on whether MB actually resolves the jerky transmission problem in every case?

Unfortunately, the issue was widely reported for 2006s, and is again present in the 2007s so one has to wonder if MB has a reliable fix.

I've heard of a software flash and eventual replacement for the transmission, but some forum members report the problem even after these remedies.

 

[Streetglower]

the 722.9 transmission does have its share of issues. . depending on the problem depends on the solution. software updates are only done if the vehicle requires one. and alot of vehicles already have the latest software. Now i have done alot of valve bodies and I can say a majority of the time it fixes the problem, other times it makes it better. replacement of the tranny only comes when it slips or wont shift at all due to an internal failure. other times the replacement of the b1 and b3 clips resovles the harsh downshifts if adaptations are out of spec.

I too agree that if MB knew about these issues when the .9 starting coming out that some of them should have been resolved but they havent. now lately i havent seen alot of vehicles in the shop for tranny issues, maybe because we have fixed alot of them, who knows. but i believe these trannies are naturally jerky.

 

[Nikii]

Nope...I dont think the jerky transmission is resolved in every case. On our 2006 ML350 which we've now owned for about 6 weeks had the software flash and still experienced the problem then the valve body was replaced which lessened the problem, but was still not a smooth downshift albeit better.

At this point we've just accepted that this vehicle will never have a completely smooth downshift and have gotten used to the sporadic jerk cause we love the vehicle otherwise.

 

[Timster]

the 722.9 transmission does have its share of issues. . depending on the problem depends on the solution. software updates are only done if the vehicle requires one. and alot of vehicles already have the latest software. Now i have done alot of valve bodies and I can say a majority of the time it fixes the problem, other times it makes it better. replacement of the tranny only comes when it slips or wont shift at all due to an internal failure. other times the replacement of the b1 and b3 clips resovles the harsh downshifts if adaptations are out of spec.

I too agree that if MB knew about these issues when the .9 starting coming out that some of them should have been resolved but they havent. now lately i havent seen alot of vehicles in the shop for tranny issues, maybe because we have fixed alot of them, who knows. but i believe these trannies are naturally jerky.

Streetglower,
How can a new owner tell if you have the latest Transmission 722.9 ?
Thx,
Tim

 

[3FIFTY]

Is there a consensus on whether MB actually resolves the jerky transmission problem in every case?

Unfortunately, the issue was widely reported for 2006s, and is again present in the 2007s so one has to wonder if MB has a reliable fix.

I've heard of a software flash and eventual replacement for the transmission, but some forum members report the problem even after these remedies.

MB DID FUCK ALL TO FIX ANYTHING!! 2007 ML350, JERKING RIGHT OF THE LOT!!!

The software flash didn't work for me. They're talking valve body replacement, but are going to try it on another customer at my delaership that is having the same problem. So we'll see.

Does anyone know what kind of work is involved to replace/change the valve body? Just curious to know what they're gonna do to my ML. Pull out the transmission, take apart half the truck?

 

[atabibia]

the 722.9 transmission does have its share of issues. . depending on the problem depends on the solution. software updates are only done if the vehicle requires one. and alot of vehicles already have the latest software. Now i have done alot of valve bodies and I can say a majority of the time it fixes the problem, other times it makes it better. replacement of the tranny only comes when it slips or wont shift at all due to an internal failure. other times the replacement of the b1 and b3 clips resovles the harsh downshifts if adaptations are out of spec.

I too agree that if MB knew about these issues when the .9 starting coming out that some of them should have been resolved but they havent. now lately i havent seen alot of vehicles in the shop for tranny issues, maybe because we have fixed alot of them, who knows. but i believe these trannies are naturally jerky.

Thanks for the input. Worrisome, as we are about to take delivery and I guess crossing fingers and being prepared for multiple visits if that fails is the medicine here. We're repeat MB customers, but I have to say I don't remember my Dad's MB's of the 60's and 70's having these kind of problems compared to cars of their times.

 

[atabibia]

Nope...I dont think the jerky transmission is resolved in every case. On our 2006 ML350 which we've now owned for about 6 weeks had the software flash and still experienced the problem then the valve body was replaced which lessened the problem, but was still not a smooth downshift albeit better.

At this point we've just accepted that this vehicle will never have a completely smooth downshift and have gotten used to the sporadic jerk cause we love the vehicle otherwise.

Thanks, I'm assuming that in your case the problem is tolerable? We're taking delivery this week and wanted to see how cautious we should be if the car has this problem on the pre-signing test drive we've been recommended to take.

 

[sosh]

I have never suffered from this with my 06 ML500. Those that have to the best of my knowledge have had it corrected either by the reflash, valve body or the clips. Obviously there are some that have not. I believe that its a relativly rare occurance and getting rarer as time goes on. I also believe that those that do not have it corrected has to do with the competency of the mechanic doing the actual work, not so much the dealership. All techs are not created equal.

 

[Streetglower]

Streetglower,
How can a new owner tell if you have the latest Transmission 722.9 ?
Thx,
Tim

all newer cars have the 722.9 transmissions. i believe all 06-07 models and some 05 models have it

MB DID FUCK ALL TO FIX ANYTHING!! 2007 ML350, JERKING RIGHT OF THE LOT!!!


Does anyone know what kind of work is involved to replace/change the valve body? Just curious to know what they're gonna do to my ML. Pull out the transmission, take apart half the truck?

now to replace the valve body, its a straight forward process. you remove the trans pan remove the screws that hold the valve body to the trans then remove the valve body and reinstall. the trans doesnt come out. the job pays about 1.3 just to R&R valve body. now if your tranny requires the clips, they do remove the transmission and tear it down.

 

[3FIFTY]

I have never suffered from this with my 06 ML500. Those that have to the best of my knowledge have had it corrected either by the reflash, valve body or the clips. Obviously there are some that have not. I believe that its a relativly rare occurance and getting rarer as time goes on. I also believe that those that do not have it corrected has to do with the competency of the mechanic doing the actual work, not so much the dealership. All techs are not created equal.

Just because you don't have a problem with yours does not mean that it is rare. From my dealership alone, 2 cases that I know of are prelevant. Then there's the 2 MB foums, I'd bet that more than half of ML owners that are regular members of these forums alone are having or have gone through this issue.

I believe that that you are correct, competency and the dealers servce expertise play a major role in how the issue is corrected or fixed.

 

[Nikii]

Thanks, I'm assuming that in your case the problem is tolerable? We're taking delivery this week and wanted to see how cautious we should be if the car has this problem on the pre-signing test drive we've been recommended to take.

Yes...at this point it is tolerable..actually my daughter is the main driver and she said she really doesnt notice the jerking as much probably cause she's gotten accustomed to it.

 

[mlfun]

Its the adaptation.

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


Transmisions are a factory service only item. That's my advice
for you folks.