The Mercedes-Benz A220, a popular compact car, is known for its blend of luxury and performance. However, like any vehicle, it can experience its share of issues. Recently, our team at cardetailinguk.com encountered a concerning problem with our long-term 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220: noticeably rough gear changes. We took it to a Mercedes-Benz dealership to get to the bottom of it. Here’s what we discovered about the issue and the attempted fix.
The problem was hard to ignore. The A220’s shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, had become increasingly harsh. This wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; it was a pronounced jerkiness experienced in both Comfort and Sport driving modes, typically occurring around 15-20 mph. While dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) can sometimes exhibit minor quirks, this felt beyond the norm for a vehicle with relatively low mileage. We wanted to ensure this wasn’t indicative of a more serious underlying issue with the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 transmission.
Upon taking the A220 to the dealership, the service technicians were able to replicate the rough shifting issue in about half of their test drives. They performed a thorough diagnostic check, connecting the car to their diagnostic system and checking fluid levels. Interestingly, no fault codes were flagged, and the DCT fluid level was within the specified range. Following a recommendation, they proceeded to perform full basic transmission adaptations. This process essentially relearns the transmission’s shift characteristics and clutch engagement points. The dealership claimed that after these adaptations, the shifting was improved by “99%.”
However, when we collected the car, the service advisor seemed hesitant to acknowledge a genuine mechanical problem. Instead, the rough shifts were attributed to the inherent nature of DCT transmissions. While DCTs can have unique driving characteristics, we remained unconvinced that the severity of the issue was simply “normal” for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220, especially considering how smoothly it had shifted when newer. Despite the dealer’s somewhat ambiguous explanation and the fact that the service was carried out at no charge, the car was returned to us with the assurance that the issue was resolved.
The effectiveness of the dealership’s “fix” remained to be seen. While transmission adaptations can sometimes smooth out shifting in DCTs, we were still skeptical whether this was a permanent solution or merely a temporary masking of a potential underlying problem. Our experience also highlighted the importance of thorough communication with service advisors and clearly understanding the diagnosis and repairs performed. Furthermore, during the same service visit, the A220 was also due for its 10,000-mile service. This service, which included an oil change, tire rotation, and wheel alignment, resulted in a surprisingly hefty bill of over $600. The alignment alone cost nearly $230, and even a standard oil change was priced at over $280. This experience certainly prompted us to consider exploring independent service options for future maintenance on our 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220, particularly as it accumulates more mileage.
In conclusion, while the transmission adaptations performed by the Mercedes-Benz dealership appeared to improve the rough shifting in our 2019 A220, questions linger about the long-term resolution and the overall cost of servicing this vehicle. Owners of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220, especially those experiencing similar transmission issues, should be diligent in documenting the problem and seeking clear explanations from service providers. And as with any car, exploring service options beyond main dealerships can be a wise move to manage running costs effectively. We’ll continue to monitor our A220’s transmission performance and report back on any further developments.
