Experiencing rough shifts in your 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220? You’re not alone. We recently encountered some concerning transmission behavior with our long-term A 220, characterized by harsh gear changes that prompted a visit to the dealership. This article details our experience, the diagnosis, the attempted fix, and whether it actually resolved the issue. If you own a 2019 A220 or are considering one, understanding potential transmission quirks is crucial.
Our journey began when the A 220’s transmission started exhibiting seriously rough shifts. These weren’t just minor hiccups; they were noticeable jolts, especially during upshifts from 1st to 2nd gear at around 15-20 mph in both Sport and Comfort driving modes. Concerned, we scheduled a service appointment at our local Mercedes-Benz dealership. We wanted expert eyes on what felt like an increasingly prominent problem.
Upon arrival, we thoroughly explained the issue to the service advisor and technician. They asked pertinent questions about when the problem occurred – whether the car was cold or warm, and which drive mode we were using. Leaving the A 220 with them, we received a call the next day requesting an extended test drive, indicating they were taking our concerns seriously. The technician even took the car home overnight to get a comprehensive understanding of the shifting issues.
The following morning, the service advisor called with their findings. They had successfully replicated the rough shifts in 4 out of 8 attempts during their tests. Connecting the car to their diagnostic system (SDS) and a battery charger, they performed a quick test. Interestingly, no fault codes related to the transmission issue were present. After consulting tip documents and checking the DCT fluid level (which was within specification), the shop foreman recommended performing full basic transmission adaptations.
This adaptation process essentially relearns the transmission’s shift and wet clutch application characteristics. After performing these adaptations via SDS, the dealership conducted a QC road test. The service advisor reported a significant improvement, claiming a 99% reduction in the rough shift issue in both Comfort and Sport modes after the adaptations.
When we picked up the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220, the service advisor described the performed adaptations but hesitated to confirm any mechanical fault. He attributed some of the driving characteristics to the nature of a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). While DCTs can have occasional jerky moments, we were not convinced this explained the severity of the issue, especially considering the car’s smoother initial performance. Despite the claimed fix and no charge for the service, we remained slightly skeptical. The key question remained: did these “fixes” genuinely address the rough shift characteristics? The only way to know for sure was to put the A 220 back on the road and thoroughly test it ourselves.
Beyond the transmission issue, our 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 also reached its 10,000-mile service mark. Scheduling an appointment was easy, and the service was performed the next day. This standard service included an oil change, tire rotation, and brake inspection. While the brakes were fine and the oil change was routine, the tire inspection revealed uneven wear, leading to a recommended wheel alignment. The dealership addressed everything promptly – oil change, tire rotation, and alignment – along with a car wash. However, the total cost was a hefty $617.59.
Breaking down the 10,000-mile service cost, the alignment was $229.95, the oil change (including 6 quarts of Synthetic 5W40 and a filter) was $285.69, and the tire rotation and balance cost $101.95. While we prioritized speed and convenience by using the closest dealership, the high price has us considering independent shops for the upcoming 20,000-mile service.
In conclusion, our initial experience with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 transmission issue led to a dealership visit and a “fix” through transmission adaptations. Whether this adaptation truly resolves the long-term rough shifting remains to be seen with further driving. Furthermore, the 10,000-mile service highlighted the potentially high maintenance costs associated with Mercedes-Benz ownership. For prospective and current 2019 A220 owners, it’s worth being aware of both potential DCT quirks and service expenses. We will continue to monitor the transmission performance and explore more cost-effective service options in the future.
