2nd Generation Mercedes-Benz A Class Automatic Gearbox Problem The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Second (W169) Generation was manufactured from 2004-2012 as three and five-door hatchbacks. This compact car featured traction control, anti-lock brakes, and front wheel drive.
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
turbocharged 221hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
127000 mi US $700 | Between 40-50 mph the transmission would hesitate shifting to a higher gear. |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
77000 mi | Replaced Axel. CV Boot Rip cause joint to wear because of lack of lubrication. |
73500 mi US $932 | Transmission oil cooler lines leaking. Replaced both lines |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic RWD
135500 mi | Axle seal / weep. So minimal decided not to repair it. |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
99000 mi US $1876 | Weaping FL axle. Replaced axle (recommendation versus just replacing the boot) |
2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door
4-cylinder automatic 2WD
87420 mi C $3000 | Both front wheel drive axle shafts had to be replaced |
100000 mi US $1100 | conductor plate reflash; a lot of labor to remove part in order to reflash it |
100000 mi US $1200 | valve body; no longer shifting |
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
turbocharged 215hp 3.0L V6 Diesel 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
47000 mi | Hard upshift from 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd. Requires a new valve body. SW upgrade did not help |
200 mi | Don't know where to start. Have had car since Feb. 2008 and it has been towed 6-7 times now, including off the interstate twice. Is currently in shop for completely new transmission. They've had it for over 2 weeks. Mult issues and problems. |
97000 mi US $108 | Rough shift |
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
60800 mi US $1800 | problem: Check engine light on & vehicle will not shift. solution: R&R Trans Pan. replaced valve body w/control unit. Perform control module programming and initial startup. perform reset of adaptation drive. |
169000 mi US $5600 | Rebuilt transmission |
211000 mi US $1000 | Transmission slipping. |
121000 mi | Front differential in need of repair. |
2007 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
48600 mi US $1400 | Replace valve body with Mercedes Benz manufacture help on parts. |
79360 mi C $800 | following the last trip where the front passenger (boot?) was replaced, they found the front axle to need replacing. they credited for the original work and repair, and only charged for the additional part and a small amount of labour |
81000 mi US $3577 | internal speed sensor defective |
75000 mi US $500 | Can't remember the details. But it had to do with adjusting some magnets |
57040 mi C $470 | Car bangs when engaging the transmission. stuck in first gear. Transmission valve control body and EGS control unit replaced. |
109000 mi US $10000 | Car went into limp mode |
2006.5 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Engine not specified
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
302-horsepower 5.0L V8 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
47023 mi US $6290 | Just a guess, but I'm certain that my vehicle has the dreaded 722.9 7G-Tronic transmission. I'm also pretty sure that it's the common transmission valve body & conductor plate issue, as I don't believe the TSB {S-B-27.00/120, S-B-27.00/120a} was ever taken care of on this vehicle. I'll be towing it to a mechanic 8/19/2018 and fielding the great news afterward, so, wish me luck. Also, for those that wish to know symptoms: - Transmission stuck in second gear. Limp Home Mode - Shifts from first to second gear then it stays in that gear. - Transmission, will not shift into higher gears. - Can not drive at speeds over 40 mph. - Check engine light is ON. - Erratic shifting of gears. - Jolting while changing gears. - Engine RPMs are high but car doesn’t move. Can't wait for this estimate ..... grand. more info ---- - https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/lawsuit-news/327554-mercedes-benz-hit-class-action-transmission-defects/ - http://www.mercedesmedic.com/must-read-722-9-7g-tronic-valve-body-conductor-plate/ |
49000 mi US $178 | transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem transfer case replaced fixing shifting problem; side mirror motor fixing loud clapping sound on closure; tighten steering column fixing looseness at high temp; covered by extended warranty. change brake fluid; replace bulbs; out of pocket |
59000 mi US $2600 | Front differential replaced. |
70000 mi | Transmission had hard shift from 2nd gear down to 1st gear when slowing to a stop. Dealer says normal, but I do not agree - this is not in other cars. |
144000 mi US $1280 | Wouldn't shift out of Park at airport, stranding family. Towed to dealer, diagnosed and replaced TCM. Earlier warning signs: stability control and cruise control would cut out occasionally, then function again after the car was turned off and restarted. |
52600 mi US $800 | Front driver outer drive shaft boot leaking. Replaced. |
34720 mi | Transmission hard shift 2nd into 1st. Put into comfort mode to start in 2nd. Likely requires transmission valve body. |
transmission failure |
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4dr SUV
268-horsepower 3.5L V6 7-speed shiftable automatic AWD
36000 mi | New gears in trans for rough shifting and comp sys reflash for trans. |
91900 mi US $1200 | Valve in transmission was replaced |
55000 mi | Front differential making noise and metal filings in oil |
58000 mi | Torque retaining clips/pin(s) & sensor(s). TSB issued week prior to owner noticing problem. |
70000 mi | Catastrophic failure of drive shaft. |
62000 mi US $2300 | Right front axle leaking, replaced complete axle assembly |
45000 mi | Front left axle replaced |
96000 mi US $1500 | Transmission ECM failing |
177320 mi €80 | Visit to previous shop due to transmission oil change caused transmission failure. Earlier automatic transfer oil change was done with automatic machine and not controlled properly. Oil level on transmission was left too low and during last 20 000km all transmission plates were worn out. Transmission was slipping all the time when any torque was needed. Finally transmission gave in. New visit to another shop as earlier shop denied all responsibility. Total rebuild needed. Transmission fixed to working order. Software update |
2006 Mercedes-Benz R-Class 4-door
turbocharged 6-cylinder diesel automatic AWD
102300 mi €2500 | Car blocked in 1st gear. Need to replace automatic transmission hydraulic block. Magnets wear identified as defect root cause. |
168640 mi €700 | Noise on transfer box during acceleration. Know problem on MERCEDES 4x4 cars due to transmission chain elongation. Due to elongation, shocks are coming on the pad creating pad support breakage. Chain manufacturer recommends replacement at 100,000 km, but Daimler does not include it in the maintenance manual, waiting for a more expensive repair. Daimler proposal was 4500 EUR for a new box or 3500 EUR for a renovated box. Real cost for me at a gearbox expert was 600 EUR, including chain replacement, pas support repair and removal / reassembly of the box on the car (total work 2.5h. This problem appears on most of the Daimler 4x4 cars (R class, ML, GL) having a similar design below 150,000 km, in spite of improvement of pad support on recent models. On my own car, this is the second failure. As this appears out of warranty, this is good money for the car industry! |
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class Second (W169) Generation was manufactured from 2004-2012 as three and five-door hatchbacks. This compact car featured traction control, anti-lock brakes, and front wheel drive. While this German import was admired for a variety of features from its parabolic rear axel to its active park assist, the model is also known for a few common issues, such as the automatic gearbox problem.
Some drivers have noted that their Mercedes tops out at 50mph, but that they experience no problem with the initial shift into gear. Most of these owners also report that their vehicles experience no issues in reverse. In the event of this malfunction, a transmission fault warning light might appear on the dash, but oftentimes this light is only displayed once the vehicle is put in to drive.
In an attempt to remedy the problem, some owners opt to change their oil and filter prior to seeking professional advice. While this routine maintenance is undoubtedly important to the wellbeing of your vehicle, these specific concerns are not typically directly related to dirty oil or filters. Necessary repairs might include replacing the speed sensor, or exchanging or rebuilding the entire gearbox. Some owners attempt to repair these issue on their own, but unsealing the ECU within the gearbox to reach the speed sensor is no small feat. Some mechanics are even hesitant to do this, and some technicians who are less familiar with this Mercedes might immediately recommend switching out the entire gearbox instead.
For an affordable yet professional opinion regarding this specific problem and its specialized repairs, we recommend calling an independent German import garage. Their knowledge of your make and model will allow them to address your concerns quickly and accurately, getting you back on the road as soon as possible.
Search for a local, independent Mercedes-Benz repair shop with Mercedes-Benz mechanics that have dealer-level expertise at a fraction of the expense.