When do you shift?

jd320 · 09-06-2008

Two questions..... if you'd be so kind

1 - When do you shift? I do it about about 30.

2 - When is it OK to downshift? I want some speed, but I don't want to blow up my engine either... ie. for passing a car?

Thanks,
J

**Cruzer 8** · 09-06-2008

Do you have a stick or auto?

jd320 · 09-06-2008

6 speed stick, r170 slk 320 2004

**Cruzer 8** · 09-06-2008

Run the car through the gears and note the speed and the rpm keep this in your head and pretty soon you will have the up and down shifts figured out.
When I used to drive a stick I could tell by the sound of the engine when to shift.
Dan my even have a chart?
What do you think Eddy?

**etyu** · 09-06-2008

I used to drive a 5-speed manual 20+ years ago and was surprised I still remember how to shift on my son's friend's modified Subaru recently. I agree with Gene. I don't usually look at the speed or rpm but can tell when to upshift or downshift from the feel and sound of the engine and tranny. I may glance at the speed/rpm to make sure I'm not overspeeding

jd320 · 09-06-2008

I often do it by sound as well, but with the SLK being a nicer car, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't putting unnecessary stress on the engine...

**Headturner280** · 09-27-2008

Shift below 3,000 for fuel milage and and anything above for fun and acceleration. Stay below the red line and don't dog it so much that you over heat anything. Have lots of fun.

09-06-2008	#1 (permalink)
jd320 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Vehicle: 2004 SLK320 black on black Other Toys: Many customized radios and computers. Posts: 37 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When do you shift? Two questions..... if you'd be so kind 1 - When do you shift? I do it about about 30. 2 - When is it OK to downshift? I want some speed, but I don't want to blow up my engine either... ie. for passing a car? Thanks, J

09-06-2008	#2 (permalink)
Cruzer 8 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Vehicle: 07 SL 550 Mars Red Posts: 568 Country: Thanks: 31 Thanked 50 Times in 25 Posts	Do you have a stick or auto? __________________ GENE ---- See My Pic's To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* SL 550 Mars Red

09-06-2008	#4 (permalink)
Cruzer 8 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Vehicle: 07 SL 550 Mars Red Posts: 568 Country: Thanks: 31 Thanked 50 Times in 25 Posts	Run the car through the gears and note the speed and the rpm keep this in your head and pretty soon you will have the up and down shifts figured out. When I used to drive a stick I could tell by the sound of the engine when to shift. Dan my even have a chart? What do you think Eddy? __________________ GENE ---- See My Pic's To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.* SL 550 Mars Red

09-06-2008	#5 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,279 Country: Thanks: 375 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	I used to drive a 5-speed manual 20+ years ago and was surprised I still remember how to shift on my son's friend's modified Subaru recently. I agree with Gene. I don't usually look at the speed or rpm but can tell when to upshift or downshift from the feel and sound of the engine and tranny. I may glance at the speed/rpm to make sure I'm not overspeeding __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

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09-06-2008	#3 (permalink)
jd320 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Vehicle: 2004 SLK320 black on black Other Toys: Many customized radios and computers. Posts: 37 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	6 speed stick, r170 slk 320 2004

09-06-2008	#6 (permalink)
jd320 SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Vehicle: 2004 SLK320 black on black Other Toys: Many customized radios and computers. Posts: 37 Country: Thanks: 6 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I often do it by sound as well, but with the SLK being a nicer car, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't putting unnecessary stress on the engine...

09-27-2008	#7 (permalink)
Headturner280 SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: North Carolina Vehicle: 2006 Mars Red SLK280 Other Toys: 1972 Datsun 240Z, 1982 Nissan 280ZX, 2000 Monte Carlo SS Posts: 12 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Shift below 3,000 for fuel milage and and anything above for fun and acceleration. Stay below the red line and don't dog it so much that you over heat anything. Have lots of fun.

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