ML 320 (2002) – 722.6 (5G-Tronic)
I’ve always felt a lack of throttle response in this car, but I assumed it was just due to its weight. When accelerating, it rarely downshifts the way my other cars do, unless I press the throttle all the way to the floor.
Recently I started paying closer attention and noticed what feels like excessive transmission slip. After some research, I learned that it’s in the nature of the 722.6 to allow slip and only lock up at higher speeds with lighter throttle. Even two transmission specialists test-drove the car and reported no problems.
Still, it’s hard for me to believe this level of slip is acceptable. It kills the instant torque the engine can produce. Car does 0–100 km/h in 9.5-10 seconds, but it feels sluggish, especially in first gear. I’ve owned cars which made 0–100 in 12–13 seconds, yet none of them felt this slow to get moving (Especially First gear felt very responsive ).
Now i press the gas, the RPM climbs, but the car takes a moment to respond.
Since the same transmission is used in many Mercedes models, especially sedans, I don’t think sedans experience this issue that much. Could it be that the ML’s weight (2.2 tons) makes it slip more than in those lighter cars
The fluid has been changed with MB-approved TITAN ATF 4134. Would switching to a thicker fluid help?
Please see the video below. (This was with a sudden press on the gas; if I accelerate gradually, the slip is less noticeable.)
For comparison, I also test drove another W163 and felt the same behavior. I plan to test more W163s to be sure.
I’ve always felt a lack of throttle response in this car, but I assumed it was just due to its weight. When accelerating, it rarely downshifts the way my other cars do, unless I press the throttle all the way to the floor.
Recently I started paying closer attention and noticed what feels like excessive transmission slip. After some research, I learned that it’s in the nature of the 722.6 to allow slip and only lock up at higher speeds with lighter throttle. Even two transmission specialists test-drove the car and reported no problems.
Still, it’s hard for me to believe this level of slip is acceptable. It kills the instant torque the engine can produce. Car does 0–100 km/h in 9.5-10 seconds, but it feels sluggish, especially in first gear. I’ve owned cars which made 0–100 in 12–13 seconds, yet none of them felt this slow to get moving (Especially First gear felt very responsive ).
Now i press the gas, the RPM climbs, but the car takes a moment to respond.
Since the same transmission is used in many Mercedes models, especially sedans, I don’t think sedans experience this issue that much. Could it be that the ML’s weight (2.2 tons) makes it slip more than in those lighter cars
The fluid has been changed with MB-approved TITAN ATF 4134. Would switching to a thicker fluid help?
Please see the video below. (This was with a sudden press on the gas; if I accelerate gradually, the slip is less noticeable.)
For comparison, I also test drove another W163 and felt the same behavior. I plan to test more W163s to be sure.
