W211 gearbox problem??

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MORGANpl

Active Member
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Nov 9, 2014
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186
Car
Mercedes W212 E350 AMG Bluetec Night Edition Premium Plus
On my W211 the gears when going up its all ok nice,smooth etc. The problem occurs sometimes when slowing down or braking. Like I said it's not all the times but the felling is like the gearbox I'd dropping not on gear down but more causing the car to dont know how to described but like jump a bit, like it didn't go in the right gear. Should I start to worry? What could it be? Will servicing the gearbox replace this and if anyone know how much would Mercedes charge for that? Thanks
 
it makes it when cold or every time? ??
 
I have something similar - more pronounced when cold although when crawling in a motorway traffic jam you can feel it at low speeds - no problem when coming down from 7 to 3 but from 3 to 1 you can start to feel it more often than not. It's not terrible but can't imagine it was like it when new. With mine I'm guessing it's stuck/sticking valves or blocked/restricted passage ways in the valve body. Electronic plate "seems" ok, no errors or codes coming up on STAR. It's not bad enough yet to get sorted. A change of gearbox oil and filter made no difference but certainly did no harm. Software update had no effect either but every car is different of course.
 
it makes it when cold or every time? ??

Every time I mean not always. It works fine and than decides to dop it badly. I think maybe even more when it's warm. Not every braking or stop at the lights finish with bad drop if you know what I mean
 
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I have something similar - more pronounced when cold although when crawling in a motorway traffic jam you can feel it at low speeds - no problem when coming down from 7 to 3 but from 3 to 1 you can start to feel it more often than not. It's not terrible but can't imagine it was like it when new. With mine I'm guessing it's stuck/sticking valves or blocked/restricted passage ways in the valve body. Electronic plate "seems" ok, no errors or codes coming up on STAR. It's not bad enough yet to get sorted. A change of gearbox oil and filter made no difference but certainly did no harm. Software update had no effect either but every car is different of course.
The software update is it free? I mean if I go to MERC for the oil/filter change will they update it or you have to pay extra?
 
I'd use a good independent MB specialist for a software update, they'll normally only charge a nominal amount as it's pretty quick. Most independents can offer this but call before going anywhere of course. Anything from an MB dealer will cost no matter how small a job!

Do you find that that when you get this hard drop down that your kick down is also not working, your changes up are short shifted and you have no turbo performance? Sometimes the car can go into a "quite" limp mode (no warning lights) and you'll not get much performance out of it - can be caused by turbo or swirl flap or EGR issues which consequently make the shift a bit rougher than it should be. Again a good independent MB specialist will have experience to interpret any error codes and be able to give a reasonably accurate diagnosis for approximately half the price of an MB dealer.
 
I'd use a good independent MB specialist for a software update, they'll normally only charge a nominal amount as it's pretty quick. Most independents can offer this but call before going anywhere of course. Anything from an MB dealer will cost no matter how small a job!

Do you find that that when you get this hard drop down that your kick down is also not working, your changes up are short shifted and you have no turbo performance? Sometimes the car can go into a "quite" limp mode (no warning lights) and you'll not get much performance out of it - can be caused by turbo or swirl flap or EGR issues which consequently make the shift a bit rougher than it should be. Again a good independent MB specialist will have experience to interpret any error codes and be able to give a reasonably accurate diagnosis for approximately half the price of an MB dealer.
The car pulls like a train. No problem with that. The only time it shift down bit rough is when slowing down and goes from 3-2-1. Other than that its all ok. I will take it to MB as I'm going on holiday so MB in my country will charge me less than mb specialist that I just ring :D
 
My previous car was a W211 with 722.6g (regular 5 speed auto) and I owned it for well over 5 years and I knew it quite well.

Sometimes the changes down from 3rd to 2nd and 2nd to 1st were sloppy and very noticeable.

This despite being perfect in every other way and having ATF changes done every 40k.

I understand others have experienced the same.

I wonder if it could be this?

It's almost as if there has to be an Achilles heal somewhere and this is it.

If you have no knowledge or paperwork to support any ATF changes on the gearbox - I would get one done.
 
I don't have access to star but I've got snap on solus ultra. Run the scanner and not codes at all on gearbox. I will replace next week the oil and will see.
 
Is it a 722.9 gearbox?

Came across this text in a MB Club of America document:

"Some early transmissions had an issue with snap rings popping out of the machined groove on clutches B-1 and/or B-3. This was most likely felt as a clunk when easing to a slow stop. Confirmation with the Star Diagnostic System is easy and usually appears as a clutch fill time of 20 for all three temperature ranges."

Link to full article below:

https://starfest2016.mbca.org/star-article/july-august-2012/full-speed-ahead-%25E2%2580%25A6all-7-them-7229-7g-tronic-transmission
 
Mention it to garage. Servicing should sort this one out. It did for me...no charge too. I guess it was a routine check or gearbox adoptation.,, if there is such a thing!
 
I have something similar - more pronounced when cold although when crawling in a motorway traffic jam you can feel it at low speeds - no problem when coming down from 7 to 3 but from 3 to 1 you can start to feel it more often than not. It's not terrible but can't imagine it was like it when new. With mine I'm guessing it's stuck/sticking valves or blocked/restricted passage ways in the valve body. Electronic plate "seems" ok, no errors or codes coming up on STAR. It's not bad enough yet to get sorted. A change of gearbox oil and filter made no difference but certainly did no harm. Software update had no effect either but every car is different of course.

Have exactly the same on my 320cls. 82k now oil changed at Lexus Garage at 57k.
There is a downhill and speed bump next to my place, 80% of time when I drive that way and break before speed bump, I can feel gear reduction. In town on very slow trafic it happens as well.

My turbocharge gave up ghost before christams and I changed the exhaust sensor (found pretty goor replacement company £315 with vat + 2 year warranty) so will see if it makes a difference? Probably not but because turbo is more related with jerky acceleration as far I as I understand.

My question is: How long before valves will die? educated guess anyone? I went though lot of repairs being "common" but know that gearbox is quite a costy one.

@Aero: what year is yours cls ?
cheers
 
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