W211 e63 gearbox issue

[StringfellowHawke]

Hi all

Wondering if anyone has any experience of a 7g gearbox on an w211 e63.

It has always been a bit jerky when cold between 1st and 2nd but now has it has got worse and feels like 2nd goes in with a noticeable thud. Although once warm it is fine.
I have also have once had an issue where after coming to a stop it locked itself into 6th and wouldn’t change up or down and was also irresponsive to the paddles. However once turning the car on and off it’s fine again.

With the current issues going on in the world I would rather not have to go into a garage at present but is this something that is likely to get worse and leave me stranded?

 

[AMGeed]

Have you had an ATF change or checked the fluid level?
Thats where I'd start.

 

[StringfellowHawke]

It had a fluid change 12 months ago but it’s a good shout to check it. Thanks

 

[ManofKent]

It could be the torque converter lockup solenoid. It is a relatively common problem.
On my car the torque converter locks at about 1700 rpm. Before I changed the solenoid it would go with a thump for about 3 miles before the car was warmed up. The gear changes and Tc locking can be very close events, hard to know which event causes the thump. I think I held my car in 2nd, then measured the thump and the changes, and worked out it wasn't a gear change.

Good luck. If it is the solenoid these are not too hard to change.

John

 

[merc85]

As all above just done mine,? my box is now super smooth 5g though not 7g like yours.

 

[ManofKent]

I should add that I drove my car for a year, 10k miles with this problem. Just be gentle when it is cold.

 

[merc85]

Yep you can I did too well tbh not 10k but I think the previous owner had. Tbh this does seem a common issue, 2 out of 3 211’s I’ve had have done it to a certain degree. Get it changed you will be glad you did.

 

[StringfellowHawke]

Thanks for the replies. I am going to baby it for the time being. Not that using it much at the moment anyway. Hopefully once we get back to normal I’ll get it booked it and looked at.

 

[StringfellowHawke]

It does sound like a common problem as well from the research I've done.

 

[ManofKent]

My local indy quoted £375 inclusive of all parts, oils, and vat to fix it.
Not a bad quote really, but I did it myself eventually cost about £100.
It took about 3 hours

John

 

[Petrol Pete]

It will only pull away in 1st if you drive in 'S' all of the time , use 'C' instead, the clunk from 2nd to 3rd may be a little less noticeable.

 

[BlackC55]

If it stuck in a gear then the codes need to be read firstly. Then I would check the fluid level.