Our long-term 2019 Mercedes A220 has recently presented some concerning issues with its transmission. Experiencing rough and unsettling shifts, we decided it was necessary to take our A220 to the local Mercedes-Benz dealership for a professional inspection and diagnosis. After leaving the vehicle in their care for two days, we received a detailed printout outlining their findings and the actions taken.
The dealership’s report indicated that they were able to replicate the transmission issue in four out of eight attempts. This occurred in both Comfort and Sport driving modes during 1-2 upshifts, specifically at speeds between 15-20 mph. The technicians noted harsh clutch engagement and overall rough shift characteristics. To investigate further, they connected their SDS diagnostic system and a battery charger and performed a quick test. Interestingly, the diagnostic test revealed no current or relevant fault codes directly related to the customer’s reported concern. Furthermore, their search for related technical service bulletins or tips documents yielded no relevant information.
Following the shop foreman’s recommendation, a crucial step was taken to check the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) fluid level. This check confirmed that the DCT fluid level was within the specified range, registering at dipstick marking 5 at a temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Subsequently, the dealership proceeded to perform full basic transmission adaptations. This process is intended to relearn the shift and wet clutch application characteristics of the DCT. After completing these adaptations via the SDS system, a quality control road test was conducted. The dealership reported a significant improvement, claiming a 99% resolution in shift pattern and clutch application smoothness in both Comfort and Sport modes after the adaptations.
Upon collecting our 2019 Mercedes A220, the service advisor offered a somewhat ambiguous explanation. While detailing the services performed, they hesitated to definitively acknowledge a mechanical fault within the vehicle. Instead, the service advisor attributed the observed driving characteristics to the inherent nature of a DCT. While it’s true that DCTs can exhibit occasional jerky behavior, we find it hard to accept this explanation as normal for the A220, particularly considering its smooth performance when newer and the changes observed after accumulating mileage. Despite the service work performed, and the claim of a fix, we were not charged by the dealership, a point that adds to the puzzling nature of the situation. The 2019 Mercedes A220 is now back in our possession, and the crucial next step is to conduct our own road tests to thoroughly evaluate whether these “fixes” have genuinely addressed the rough shift characteristics we initially experienced.
Prior to this dealership visit, we had already confirmed the transmission issues in our 2019 A220 across multiple drivers. It’s worth noting that the A220’s transmission has never been known for exceptionally smooth starts from a standstill. However, after approximately 10,000 miles, our long-term vehicle’s transmission performance had notably deteriorated, becoming significantly worse.
When scheduling the service appointment, we made sure to thoroughly explain the issue to both the service advisor and the assigned technician. They asked pertinent questions regarding the issue’s timing, whether it occurred when the car was cold or warm, and the drive mode being used. After leaving the car overnight, we received a follow-up call requesting an extended test drive, which the technician undertook by driving the car home overnight. The following morning, the service advisor contacted us again, stating they had completed a comprehensive list of checks and implemented several fixes that they believed had resolved the problem. The key questions now are precisely what those fixes entailed and, more importantly, whether they have proven effective in real-world driving conditions.
In addition to the transmission concerns, our 2019 A220 also recently indicated the need for its 10,000-mile service. We promptly scheduled an appointment at our local Mercedes-Benz dealership and secured a slot for the next day. This scheduled maintenance included a standard oil change, tire rotation, and a brake inspection. The brake inspection revealed no issues, and the oil change was completed without incident. However, a tire wear inspection uncovered irregularities, leading to the dealer’s recommendation for a wheel alignment. Consequently, the Mercedes spent another day at the dealership to address this. Ultimately, the 10,000-mile service encompassed an oil change, tire rotation, and wheel alignment, along with a car wash. The total cost for this service amounted to a substantial $617.59.
Breaking down the 10,000-mile service costs, the wheel alignment accounted for $229.95, the oil change (including 6 quarts of Synthetic 5W40 and a filter) totaled $285.69, and the tire rotation and balance service cost $101.95. Due to time constraints in getting the service completed, we opted for the closest dealership and did not negotiate on pricing. However, given the surprisingly high cost of this 10,000-mile service, we are now seriously considering exploring independent service shops for the upcoming 20,000-mile service to potentially reduce maintenance expenses for our 2019 Mercedes A220.
