What causes gear shifting jerking in Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

[FrankLee]

Every vehicle will have some degree of gear shifting jerkiness, it's just a matter of intensity difference. Here are the specific reasons: Driver's poor control technique: The intensity of gear shifting jerkiness is closely related to the driver's control skills. If the timing of gear shifting isn't properly grasped, natural jerkiness will occur. Mismatch between RPM and gear position: Generally speaking, at low speeds when engine RPM and vehicle speed just meet the shifting standard, upshifting will produce stronger jerkiness; if the throttle is slightly larger and both engine RPM and vehicle speed are significantly higher than the shifting standard, the shifting jerkiness will be relatively smaller.

[McAubree]

After driving for so many years, even a Mercedes S-Class can experience gear shift jerks, with the main issues often stemming from transmission fluid. Aged or insufficient fluid can cause the hydraulic system to malfunction, leading to jerky shifts and an uncomfortable driving experience where the car lurches forward. Faulty sensors, like the input shaft speed sensor, can also mislead the computer into misjudging shift timing. Additionally, outdated software or hardware failures in the transmission control module may require updates. This situation is particularly noticeable during traffic jams with frequent gear shifts, accelerating component wear and making repairs expensive. The first step is a simple self-check: pop the hood and inspect the transmission dipstick fluid level—if it's too low, top it up or replace the fluid. If that doesn’t work, be sure to visit a Mercedes dealership to scan for error codes with professional diagnostic tools for a thorough fix, avoiding safety risks.

[ChaseAnn]

I just bought a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and soon encountered gear shift jerks, which is really disappointing. During acceleration, sudden power interruptions cause the car to shake, ruining the driving experience—likely due to transmission oil issues, either needing a change or being clogged with impurities. It could also be abnormal sensor signals causing the system to send erratic commands. Such jerks are especially dangerous during lane changes or overtaking, affecting control. I recommend going directly to the authorized dealership to have them check the fluid condition and use diagnostic equipment to inspect the sensors and control modules. Mercedes-Benz cars are precision-engineered; delaying repairs can lead to rapid transmission failure and skyrocketing costs. Driving safety comes first—don’t put it off.

[WalkerRose]

When DIYing with your Mercedes S, if you experience gear shift jerking, start by checking the oil. Locate the engine oil dipstick to see if the fluid level is normal. If the oil is too dirty, replace it with fresh oil—this often solves the issue. Next, inspect sensors like the speed probe. Check for loose connections or poor contact at the plug. Reading fault codes with a basic scanner can provide initial clues. However, Mercedes electronics are complex and prone to errors, so it's best to have a professional shop diagnose and precisely address the jerking. Ignoring it could quickly lead to transmission failure—don't take the risk.