Updating gearbox software

[Philip1972]

I have an E350 CDI 2011.

I dont think the car has ever seen a Merc dealer, although has been serviced.

I would like to check that the gearbox software is up to date, and if not, get it updated.

Now, does that HAVE to be a main dealer, or can some indys do it? (I know Mercland cant, as I asked when I was there).

Any idea of cost to do that?

 

[D-18]

If you are not experiencing any problems with current gearbox software, I would leave well alone. I had two 211's (5G and 7G) which had the gearbox software updated by the main dealer and it turned previously smooth-shifting units into a complete bag of spanners. It should of course be OK, but wouldn't risk it based on my own experience.

 

[jon.english68]

In my experience (in the transmission trade) there is absolutely no point on updating the transmission software by itself, you need to update the hole car, chances are your cars played up due to every other control unit not matching the transmissions level of software.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

If it aint broke...

 

[Philip1972]

Thanks all.

No real issues, just not the smoothest g'box I have ever had, and having had the ATF changed a couple of weeks ago, thought I may as well get everything up to date.

But I hear what you are saying, so I will leave it alone!

 

[TheFoX]

After the fiasco surrounding VW and their emissions update, I'd stay well clear if the car is behaving itself.

 

[wivenhoe]

Thanks all.

No real issues, just not the smoothest g'box I have ever had, and having had the ATF changed a couple of weeks ago, thought I may as well get everything up to date.

But I hear what you are saying, so I will leave it alone!

Allegedly the gearbox 'learns' from driving styles and changes to reflect this. This can be reset by :-
Turn ignition on. Do not start
Press accelerator to the floor
Wait at least 10 seconds
Turn ignition off
Release pedal
Wait 2 mins

Apologies if this was known and of no help !

 

[Petrol Pete]

Allegedly the gearbox 'learns' from driving styles and changes to reflect this. This can be reset by :-
Turn ignition on. Do not start
Press accelerator to the floor
Wait at least 10 seconds
Turn ignition off
Release pedal
Wait 2 mins

Apologies if this was known and of no help !

Wait 2 minutes..then drive for at least 20 minutes as you would normally or like a nutter, depending on how you want the transmission to remember you ! . The box should learn and store the shifts made during this drive.

 

[thebook]

I should have read the instructions more carefully... DO NOT START...

Has anyone tried this? Does it work or is it an urban myth? I have (now) followed the instructions up until starting up, which I will do when I leave the office. Will I notice a difference? The initial lag when pulling away I have always found annoying.

 

[Crustyclam]

I had the software updated on my last ML. It had a harsh shifting when cold.

It cost from memory about £56 pound and they also did a slight top up of the transmission fluid. That was main dealer.

When warm though the gear changes did not feel the same.

 

[markjay]

MB Brooklands updated the software on my 7g+ transmission for £56. I was pleasantly surprised when they offered to update also the engine ECU at the same time.

I did not notice any difference but I am happy I did it anyway. The transmission is still a bit harsh when cold.

BTW, some MB specialists (though not all) can do this as well.

 

[slade1]

I should have read the instructions more carefully... DO NOT START...

Has anyone tried this? Does it work or is it an urban myth? I have (now) followed the instructions up until starting up, which I will do when I leave the office. Will I notice a difference? The initial lag when pulling away I have always found annoying.

I drive according to road conditions, I have eyes not the gearbox, urban myth?

 

[moog999]

initial lag when pulling away I have always found annoying.

It's kind of a feature of ''E" mode isn't it? Due to it setting off in 2nd gear. In "S" mode it sets off in 1st and should be a bit more snappy.

Mine is also a bit harsh on occasion, until warmed up but then lovely and smooth once it gets going. The 7g boxes need a bit of foreplay

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I should have read the instructions more carefully... DO NOT START...

Has anyone tried this? Does it work or is it an urban myth? I have (now) followed the instructions up until starting up, which I will do when I leave the office. Will I notice a difference? The initial lag when pulling away I have always found annoying.

The sequence above does not "reset" the gearbox. As suggested the transmission "learns" or adapts to your driving style, so drive smoothly and gently and the transmission will adapt to your driving style. Similarly, drive fast with aggressive inputs and your gearbox will adapt to that.

When you hold the accelerator to the floor you fool the car into thinking you are in "turbo nutter" mode, and so it adapts accordingly by sharpening it's reactions. Finding a clear stretch of dual carriageway and accelerating from a dead start with your foot to the floor for 10 seconds will have the same effect.

 

[Petrol Pete]

The sequence above does not "reset" the gearbox. As suggested the transmission "learns" or adapts to your driving style, so drive smoothly and gently and the transmission will adapt to your driving style. Similarly, drive fast with aggressive inputs and your gearbox will adapt to that.

When you hold the accelerator to the floor you fool the car into thinking you are in "turbo nutter" mode, and so it adapts accordingly by sharpening it's reactions. Finding a clear stretch of dual carriageway and accelerating from a dead start with your foot to the floor for 10 seconds will have the same effect.

Holding foot flat to the floor on a public highway might be OK in an A class diesel but not recommended if in a V8 AMG or similar !