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Harsh Shifting and Jerking in my 2020 E450 9G-Tronic

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Paul Z. · rep 0 · May 22, 4:13 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450

Hi all,

I've got a 2020 Mercedes-Benz E450 (W213) with the 9G-Tronic transmission, and I've noticed some concerning behavior lately. When the car is cold, especially in the mornings, the shifts from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd can be quite harsh, almost like a jolt. Sometimes, it even feels like it's jerking a bit when downshifting at low speeds.

Once the car warms up, it seems to smooth out a bit, but it's still not as seamless as it used to be. There's no check engine light or transmission warning light on, which is confusing. Is this normal for the 9G-Tronic, or should I be worried?

Any insights from other E450 owners or Mercedes experts would be great!

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 4:13 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Harsh shifting and jerking, especially when cold, are not typical for a properly functioning 9G-Tronic transmission in a 2020 E450. While some minor variations in shift feel can occur, consistent harshness indicates an underlying issue.

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and actions:

  1. Check Transmission Fluid Level and Condition: Low or degraded transmission fluid can cause shifting issues. The 9G-Tronic is a sealed unit, but leaks can occur, or the fluid can degrade over time, especially if the car has been driven hard or has high mileage. This requires specialized tools to check correctly.

  2. Software Updates: Mercedes-Benz frequently releases software updates for their transmissions to refine shift logic and address known issues. Your vehicle's transmission control unit (TCU) might benefit from an update.

  3. Valve Body Issues: The valve body is a critical component that directs transmission fluid to the clutches. Malfunctions within the valve body, such as sticking solenoids, can lead to erratic shifting.

  4. Adaptive Learning: The transmission has an adaptive learning process. Sometimes, resetting this or allowing it to re-learn driving patterns can help, but this is usually a temporary fix if a mechanical or software issue exists.

  5. When to See a Shop:

    • Promptly: Even without a warning light, persistent harsh shifting can indicate a problem that could worsen over time. It's best to have it inspected soon.
    • Mercedes-Benz Dealership or Specialist: Due to the complexity of the 9G-Tronic, it's highly recommended to take your E450 to a Mercedes-Benz dealership or a specialized independent shop with experience in these transmissions. They have the diagnostic tools (like XENTRY/DAS) to read specific transmission fault codes (even if no dashboard light is on) and perform necessary software updates or repairs.
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