2016 Mercedes-Benz C450 AMG

Hello!

I've got this weird issue with my car where it jerks HARD, at any speed and in any gear. As I pull up to stop signs or stoplights, it will stall out. It's very agressive, NOT a small shudder or hiccup with the vehicle. It's a strong enough "jerk" to physically unsettle all occupants - making it very noticeable.

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Here are all the details:

7 speed automatic transmission.

Rear-biased 4 wheel drive (67/33 split).

It began after I hit a pothole w/my passenger side tires.

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN WHEN ACTIVELY RAINING.

It does NOT happen when the car or roads are still wet.

It drives/rides without issue post rain, or when it's dry.

There are NO lights on (ABS, CEL, etc.)

It makes no difference if traction control is on or off.

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My best guesses:

Exposed crankshaft position sensor wire that very briefly trips when wet, causing the car to attempt to stall itself while rolling at speed before damage is done - only for it to begin reading correctly again and the car resumes normal behavior. This would also explain why it fully stalls itself when at a stop sign or stoplight.

Bad wheel speed sensor. Usually an ABS light is triggered by this, so I'm skeptical - but it's still possible.

Bad transmission speed sensor. Same thing - usually a check engine light is triggered by this - but this is still possible.

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What on earth could this be? I took it to the shop but it stopped raining 5 minutes before I got there, so I couldn't replicate the issue during the ride along.

Posted Feb 23, 2026, 5:55 AM UTC

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