Facelift SL350 Gear Change Irritation

[Simon101]

I have a 2008 facelift SL350, which is an outstanding car but for the irritating behaviour of the gearbox. I am finding that it shifts up into 5th or 6th too early at urban speeds of 30-40mph. You then find as soon as you apply a bit of throttle it has to drop down, which is extremely irritating and unnecessary. If you don't give it enough throttle it feels sluggish.

If carrying a heavy passenger the car it becomes extremely noticeable, and it is necessary to constantly have to give the trottle a bit of a jab at these speeds to get in the right gear.

Outside this speed range the car is fine and driving it on the paddles alone confirms that you would never make the gear selections the car makes at the above speeds. This happens in either Sport or Comfort mode.

Mercedes have said the gearbox learns my style of driving... i know all this. Thrashing it for a while makes it better, but it soon reverts back to the current problem. I have had many Mercs before (incl a 2003 SL500) and a couple of V8 Jaguars. I am no mechanic, but I know my cars to drive, and this car is not set up right.

Can anyone confirm this experience? Any advice on what to do if Mercedes wash their hands of it?

Many thanks

Simon

 

[television]

Hello Simon,, the last software update solves all of the problems that you complain of, its a good update if done correctly and takes away all that harshness. Every one here who has had it done is very happy

 

[Simon101]

Malcolm
Thanks for your reply. Is this update available from the dealer? And why have they not mentioned it to me? Do you have anything more specific I can quote them? Simon

 

[television]

We have a member called SAM UNIT I will ask him to answer if he does not see the post,, we knows the details

This is a long standing thing with some 7G boxes OK and others not so good, the last 7G boxed car that I went out in was perfect, the dealer must know of the update

 

[Cole@MBS]

Ok, got your e,mail Malc,i would have thought that being a late model 230 it would have the latest software already installed, if not then there is a update for the 7g box, if that dont cure it then you have to go out in car and set up the different fill times for the up-shifts/ down-shifts using star, long job but works like a new box after!

 

[Simon101]

Who would carry out this work? Would the MB dealer do it? Would it affect warranty? Thanks for your help. Simon

 

[television]

This does not affect any warranty and can only be done by someone with STAR that knows what they are doing

 

[Simon101]

is this done by the MB dealer? What is STAR in any event? Sorry I'm not technical. thanks. simon

 

[television]

STAR is the name of the diagnostic test set used for all MB cars, with this equipment it will set up components, program the electronic control units, and find and restore faults stored in the memory in the cars. All MB dealers have them and the good indies as well. It helps if the user knows what he is doing

 

[Cole@MBS]

This is another up-date from MB, they are always up-dating the software, when you put the car in for service the EES, electornic service sheet will flag up the up-date for the software on the gearbox and engine up-date!!