Help - Changing gears using the M mode

scocios · 01-06-2008

Hi all!

I've driven manual transmissions all my life. I bought my SLK 55 two months ago and I'm still getting used to the auto transmission. Here's a question for you guys. It's pretty basic so bare with me.

When using the M mode and thus changing gears using the steering wheel buttons, is one supposed to depress the accelerator before pressing the + button to go one gear up or is one just keeps accelerating (i.e. without depressing the accelerator) while cliking the + button? In other words, is changing one gear up just like the manual transmission, one depresses de accelerator before going one gear up?

Thanks for your help.

**bradmg** · 01-07-2008

Since it's an auto, there is not really a disconnect then reconnect from the engine when shifting so you can just keep the throttle where it is. Some people like to blip the throttle when downshifting though, when timed correctly, this will make for smoother downshifts but still not necessary.

I'm sure that you'll get more replies with different personal preferences. I find that I like manually shifting in S mode more than M, it tends to be quicker shifting and it offers other benefits like functioning as a normal auto below the gear you selected and shifting at redline above the gear you selected.

**-1-** · 01-07-2008

I'm not an automatic transmission fan. I love my SLK 55 and accept that it's available with the auto only. I only use the steering wheel shift buttons and shifter for periodic down shifting to aid braking and then up shifting as required. With that said, I let the auto trans do it's thing.

scocios · 01-07-2008

Thanks guys, this clears my doubt.

**dsb** · 01-07-2008

Just to chime in. When I use M mode (hardly ever btw), I do not concern myself with reving up or down while shifting gears. The fact is, there will be times that you'll want to keep the accelerator pressed down while upshifting (to accelerate) and there are times you will release the accelerator and upshift (wishing to cruise on the highway). So, I just drive like normal and let the tranny figure the rest out. I'm sure the MB techs researched all the variables.

01-06-2008	#1 (permalink)
scocios SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Quito, Ecuador Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 AMG - Iridium Silver Other Toys: 1995 Ford Bronco Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Help - Changing gears using the M mode Hi all! I've driven manual transmissions all my life. I bought my SLK 55 two months ago and I'm still getting used to the auto transmission. Here's a question for you guys. It's pretty basic so bare with me. When using the M mode and thus changing gears using the steering wheel buttons, is one supposed to depress the accelerator before pressing the + button to go one gear up or is one just keeps accelerating (i.e. without depressing the accelerator) while cliking the + button? In other words, is changing one gear up just like the manual transmission, one depresses de accelerator before going one gear up? Thanks for your help.

01-07-2008	#3 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	I'm not an automatic transmission fan. I love my SLK 55 and accept that it's available with the auto only. I only use the steering wheel shift buttons and shifter for periodic down shifting to aid braking and then up shifting as required. With that said, I let the auto trans do it's thing. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

01-07-2008	#5 (permalink)
dsb Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NorCal Vehicle: '06 slk55 Posts: 1,176 Country: Thanks: 67 Thanked 120 Times in 42 Posts	Just to chime in. When I use M mode (hardly ever btw), I do not concern myself with reving up or down while shifting gears. The fact is, there will be times that you'll want to keep the accelerator pressed down while upshifting (to accelerate) and there are times you will release the accelerator and upshift (wishing to cruise on the highway). So, I just drive like normal and let the tranny figure the rest out. I'm sure the MB techs researched all the variables. __________________ SOLD! 06 Mercedes Benz SLK55 Caspian Blue / Black & Ash *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.*

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01-07-2008	#2 (permalink)
bradmg SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Germany Vehicle: '06 SLK55 Posts: 68 Country: Thanks: 8 Thanked 10 Times in 4 Posts	Since it's an auto, there is not really a disconnect then reconnect from the engine when shifting so you can just keep the throttle where it is. Some people like to blip the throttle when downshifting though, when timed correctly, this will make for smoother downshifts but still not necessary. I'm sure that you'll get more replies with different personal preferences. I find that I like manually shifting in S mode more than M, it tends to be quicker shifting and it offers other benefits like functioning as a normal auto below the gear you selected and shifting at redline above the gear you selected.

01-07-2008	#4 (permalink)
scocios SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Quito, Ecuador Vehicle: 2006 SLK 55 AMG - Iridium Silver Other Toys: 1995 Ford Bronco Posts: 7 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks guys, this clears my doubt.

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