8.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,600
Average Mileage:
78,550 miles
Total Complaints:
7 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
  2. replace transmission valve body (1 reports)
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problem #7

Feb 172020

S550

  • Automatic transmission
  • 195,000 miles

Problem after problem after problem. I just want it fixed.

- psims, Madison, US

problem #6

Oct 062015

S550 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

This is a new one. Today as I was driving I noticed hefty jolts after stopping and significant jerks in the shifting of the transmission as I accelerated.. Then it happened. As I attempted to drive away after stopping at a red light, the transmission seemed to totally disengage and the car would not move. I shifted in to neutral and then shifted back into drive and still nothing. Not until I used the manual shift buttons on the steering wheel was I able to get the car moving. There was a lot of jerking and slipping in and out of gear for about a quarter mile and then the transmission reengaged.

- slj4543, Miami, US

problem #5

Aug 212014

S550 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,650 miles

2007 S550, 7-speed automatic transmission, 57,000 miles. Started about 6-8 months ago. Experiencing very rough jolting type shifting, most commonly occurs after being parked on an incline or decline. Occurs when driving up or down an incline. Also, occurs on the freeway or after using cruise control. Transmission shifts from first to second gear and stays there until it's restarted. Requires turning off the car waiting a few seconds and restarting to reset the gears. Check engine light now starting to come on. Very dangerous when driving in heavy traffic or on the freeway.

After researching this issue I cannot believe it simply hasn't been recalled. This is a very dangerous issue...I will not allow my wife to even drive the car unless I am with her.----Many forums are suggesting a valve body replacement. Appears to be a very common issue with these vehicle. Located a class action lawsuit that unfortunately was dismissed due to the complaint citing fraud. I don't believe Mercedes sold these vehicles knowing the transmission was faulty. I would just expect them after receiving numerous complaints to offer their clients a repair option via recall. To date I am not aware of one. I have owned 4 Mercedes in my lifetime, 38 years old and had a few minor issue here and there but never anything like this. Service has always been great but now that I am out of warranty I am left out in the cold. Not good for business in my opinion.

- csca, Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #4

Apr 062014

S550 4matic V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Many of the 2007 MB S550s will have a problem with the transmission shifting out of 1st from cold start. I had the problem, had to have the transmission valve body replaced, in addition to numerous repairs in the first 5 years of ownership.

- stjackjr, Bowie, MD, US

problem #3

Dec 012010

S550 5.5L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

No complaints with car once problem was fixed. Dealership took care of the problem the first time.

- Mike B., Northridge, CA, US

problem #2

Oct 112010

S550 V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles

I was coming off an express ramp to enter onto another highway, when to accelerate and nothing happen. Car seemed to be stuck in gear and not want to go. Pulled over to the side and turn off the car. It seem to reengage after it was restart and I continued on. Mercedes dealer changed a number of things in the transmission, ran for 3 to 4 week after approximately 800 mile same malfunction occurred. Dealer can't seem to find code problem wants me to come and get the car. Not fixed. Very scary.

- George L., Ewing, NJ, US

problem #1

Dec 132010

S550

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Mercedes dealer changes control valve...all electronics...ran for 3-4 weeks and started same malfunctions...would not shift 3-4 gear and no power...slippage.

sometimes can turn off ignition and restart...not always

took back to dealer ..said it was mechanical and need another re-manufactured transmission at a cost of additional $7500.

- Norman W., W Palm Beach, FL, US