7G-tronic...drains bank accounts and creates tears?

[Rodda]

Hi everyone

I've decide to treat myself to a 320 cdi for Christmas. Just started doing my due diligence and after just a day of research it seems that the 7speed auto is as reliable as Joe Biden's memory. Did the 320 cdi ever come with a 5 speed auto and is the 7speed really as bad as the Internet would suggest?

Many thanks, Rodda

P.s.

I'm going to have loads of questions so please be gentle!

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Not sure who’s advice you’re listening to but I’d kick them to the kerb. My 7G is on 118K miles and running perfectly - this is the second one I’ve taken to over 100k miles without issue.

Change the ATF every ~37k miles and enjoy the ride

 

[DSK]

As above I have 2 cars that are well driven with the 7G box. It’s a robust unit that likes fluid changes.

The only thing wrong with the 7G is that it’s dim witted.


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[Wighty]

My 2009 7g on 122k no issues

 

[Benz17]

My previous 2007 w211 7g, had 128k miles before I sold it, never gave me a problem, but did change oil at specified intervals.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Not as good as the current 9g-tronic trans but certainly reliable and robust

 

[boxer 01]

Had my w211 e320cdi 10years, got it with 40,000 on the clock I have got 160,000 on it now. Had 3 ATF changes and runs absolutely fine. If I were buying a similar car I would be looking at the service history and checking if the ATF has been changed at the specified intervals, also check the oil cooler seals for oil leak, check the batwing air intake is not cracked where it fits on turbo as this will leak oil and eventually lead to inlet port shut off motor failure.
If well looked after these cars are bullet proof and a pleasure to drive.

 

[rifiki]

There was a problem with early 7 speed box, electroplate failure, how many actually failed, 5%?
Much like M272 V 6 motor with balancer shaft sprocket failure, actual failure rate %? nobody knows.
I had the electro plate changed on my CLK about 10 years ago, been OK since.

 

[Bay Leaf]

As above I have 2 cars that are well driven with the 7G box. It’s a robust unit that likes fluid changes.

The only thing wrong with the 7G is that it’s dim witted.


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I agree it seems a good box, but what do you mean by " dim witted "

 

[V6Matty]

I agree it seems a good box, but what do you mean by " dim witted "

The early 7G was a little slow when you asked it to change (often early or late, sort of did what it wanted), there as also the harder downshift for 3-2-1, but that was somewhat eased with a software update.
The 7G+ Was a much better box and the above issues sorted

 

[bembo449]

A well serviced 7G should serve you well , you may possibly get issues with the control unit but its not overly common ,just makes sure theres evidence of oil / filter change

 

[DSK]

I agree it seems a good box, but what do you mean by " dim witted "

It’s being picky and critical for me to say it’s dim witted. It just needs a second or so to work out what the driver is instructing. At critical moments it can be annoying. Most people won’t notice it or care.

Sport mode is more responsive but the box is too slow to work out if it needs to change up, down or hold a gear, a bit a like rabbit caught in head lights and thus making it clumsy. Again most folks probably won’t notice it or, think that’s what sporty should be.


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[hairydog]

Hi everyone

I've decide to treat myself to a 320 cdi for Christmas. Just started doing my due diligence and after just a day of research it seems that the 7speed auto is as reliable as Joe Biden's memory. Did the 320 cdi ever come with a 5 speed auto and is the 7speed really as bad as the Internet would suggest?

Many thanks, Rodda

P.s.

I'm going to have loads of questions so please be gentle!

My E320 sport 7-speed auto has only done about 120,000 miles so it's really too early to tell whether it will prove reliable. A trusted mechanic told me that they are fine as long as you let them work as automatics. People who insist on paddling up and down through the gears do tend to have problems.

It seems to work best in C mode. Switch so S and the engine speed is higher, but I don't detect much gain from doing it.

It's not a sports car, despite the silly name or ridiculous tyres.

As far as I am aware, Joe Biden is the nearest thing the US as a senior adult politician. Trump is a spoiled toddler at best. The attempt to label Biden as forgetful is a part of his anti-democratic scheme. Don't fall for it.

 

[Noddy 99]

As far as I am aware, Joe Biden is the nearest thing the US as a senior adult politician. Trump is a spoiled toddler at best. The attempt to label Biden as forgetful is a part of his anti-democratic scheme. Don't fall for it.

^
THIS x1000

 

[rifiki]

The early 7G was a little slow when you asked it to change (often early or late, sort of did what it wanted), there as also the harder downshift for 3-2-1, but that was somewhat eased with a software update.
The 7G+ Was a much better box and the above issues sorted

Agree, one of the best auto box I used was in a BMW E23, ZF 4 speed, very responsive with no fancy unreliable electronics.
I wish I kept the car.

 

[Rodda]

Guys thank you all so much for the replys...it was the only thing kind of putting me off. I wanted a diesel coupe and didn't want to buy a 330d/335d and the A5's doesn't do anything for me. Now the saving starts...God bless overtime!

Save driving guys.

Rodda

 

[Rodda]

My E320 sport 7-speed auto has only done about 120,000 miles so it's really too early to tell whether it will prove reliable. A trusted mechanic told me that they are fine as long as you let them work as automatics. People who insist on paddling up and down through the gears do tend to have problems.

It seems to work best in C mode. Switch so S and the engine speed is higher, but I don't detect much gain from doing it.

It's not a sports car, despite the silly name or ridiculous tyres.

As far as I am aware, Joe Biden is the nearest thing the US as a senior adult politician. Trump is a spoiled toddler at best. The attempt to label Biden as forgetful is a part of his anti-democratic scheme. Don't fall for it.

Although I disagree completely with the mental prowess of Mr Biden let's agree to disagree and let me thank you for the car info...much appreciated.

 

[harrye500]

An excellent and competent gearbox IMO. I'd agree with DSK it can be a bit slow to think esp. when cold but I think thats all auto boxes from cold. In sport mode in the 207 with M273 its positively brutal and a LOT of fun foot to floor!!