SL350 Facelift Gear Change Irritation
#1
12-19-2008, 10:29 AM
SL350 Facelift Gear Change Irritation
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 (not my wife... she's not heavy!) 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
If carrying a heavy passenger (not my wife... she's not heavy!) 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
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