SLK 55 AMG C, S, and M mode question

[balie_bd]

Hello everyone,

First of all, I know this topic has been discussed here before, i'm sorry for the repost.

I just got my 2006 SLK 55 AMG a week ago. I'm still trying to figure out the C, S, and M modes (i did read the manual . I understand when to use the different modes, but what i'm confused about is shifting the gears my self in C and S mode (it is possible, correct?). Let's say i'm in S mode and I shift the gear myself, how do i know when to shift to the next gear? Also, how different does it feel to shift the gears manually in various modes (C, S, and M)? I know when the RPM reaches a certain level I have to shift of the higher gear, correct? When do i shift to a lower gear. Also, I do not understand what happens when you press and hold the stick to the left. If i'm not mistaken, when you press and hold the stick to the RIGHT, you return to "D" mode (automatic shifting).

Basically, I'm just confused as to when to shift the gears up/down and also, if i'm in M mode...I will HAVE to shift the gears manually, correct?

So far i've only driven in C mode, i'm just a bit nervous to experiment with S and M mode until I understand what i'm doing I've never driven a manual before (i'm sure u can tell).

Thanks for the help.

[Valkirk]

Welcome! If you add you location more people will be able to help as spec changes from one country to another.

Can't comment on the Manual mode for AMG as it differs from 350 but the C mode is the same as S mode except it will pull away in second gear and won't hold the revs as high (Basically S is sport mode and C is comfort mode designed for gentle cruising or slippery weather)

[balie_bd]

Hi,

That part I understand But am I able to Manually change gears in C and S mode? If so, what is the difference in manually shifting gears in C mode and S mode, if any? For example, will the performance be different if I am manually shifting gears in C and S mode?

OR, if I want to manually shift gears, should I just use the M mode instead? And not bother with manually shifting gears in C and S mode?

Thanks!

[Valkirk]

I've only done it a couple of times but know that you can manually click down and hold a gear, I think then when you click up it goes back to full auto. Best thing is just try it

[NickWill]

This may not answer your question directly, but this is how I sometimes use the system.

When I am driving on a country lane where I know there is a max speed that I will reach, say 40mph, and I want to keep a good dose of power available, I will keep the car in S or C mode but use the paddle shift to set, for example, 4th gear on the display. The car will then act as a full auto between gears 1-4 but never go to 5, 6 or 7. A lazy ass way of keeping the engine in a sweet zone!

If i want to save the planet and let it go to normal mode, using 5, 6 & 7th, just hold the right paddleshift for a second and the display will return to say S/C

[rb136]

C mode - starts off in 2nd and has an mild shift program. If you downshift while in C, you will drop to the next lower gear. You're not really in manual. If you floor it, the car will downshift. I've used this mode for about 10 miles of the 23,000 I have on the car. IMHO, it sux.

*S mode - Starts off in 1st with a more agressive shift program. Other than that, it operates like the C mode.* If you don't use the paddles, it will upshift automatically at a point determined by RPM and throttle position.* You can manually upshift it before this happens unless you are at almost full throttle in which case it will continue in the gear you were originally in until the programmed shift point was reached.* I use the S mode for 90% of the miles I put on the car. In town, you can accelerate quickly and relatively quietly by giving it about 3/4 throttle and upshifting it at about 4000 RPM.* This uses the torque the 55 has to best advantage.*

M mode - Fun to play with but absolutely necessary if you are going to track the car.* If you put in 1st at a standstill, it will stay there until you change it, no matter what the RPM.* It's the same in all other gears with the exception that it will drop to the next lower gear if the RPM drops below about 1500 RPM. If you are going to use M, you need to learn the sound of the engine to know when to upshift. You can't be watching the tach when you're pressing it hard. If you hit the RPM limiter, it hangs there for about 3/4 seconds even if you try to upshift out of it. Not good at the track.* M mode does give you excellent gear control when in the middle of transient manouvers, which makes it perfect if you are tracking the car. I've put over 2000 miles of track time on my 55 and this is the best transmission I've ever used. You've got to know how to use it though and that takes some practice. If you're going to the drags, use the S mode. It's not humanly possible to react quick enough for the 1-2 shift and for most people ,the 2-3 shifts when in the M mode. You'll spend all your time on the rev limiter. Use S, it can't be beat for the 1/4 or 0-60 times.

Watch this vid. I'm running in the M mode the entire heat.*

TWS Nov 16, 2008 Last half of first run.- Video

I'm running in the M mode. If you watch some of the earlier video's i've posted on the same site, you'll see what I'm talking about hitting the rev limiter. The M mode is the fastest on a road course IF you know how to use it. This is why several of the magazine "test" of the 55 complain about the auto 7 speed and say it a limiting flaw for the car. I disagree, .........a lot. You have to have practice using it. I prefer it over any manual I've ever used.

In any mode, hold the stick to the left for one sec and it will drop to the gear that will give it the max acceleration. Hold it to the right for about half a sec and it will scroll through the gears until it hits "D" (in the S or C mode) That's the quickest way out of a particular gear you may have manually entered if you want to return to drive.

This transmission is sooooooo much better than the Benz 5 speed I've got in my G55. It has no "mode" selection and you relinquish almost all control to the computer. But, the massive torque from the blown 55 makes it bearable.

[microlite]

Excellent video rb136. Not meaning to offend and I could be wrong but it looks like on some bends/corners you are hitting the apex a little too soon? This is something 99% of us tend to do according to the guy that took me on a test drive on a test track in a Porsche 911 Carrera4 997. It wasn't until he pointed this out to me that I had to readjust my corner entry line.

Btw, this guy, Jeremy Palmer, was the test driver for Porsche UK and man could he drive, we all tend to think of ourselves as Ayrton Sennas behind the wheel but then you sit next to a pro and then reality sets in

[mika911]

rb136

Amazing video! That picture with your G is amazing too. What a dream setup you have. Enjoy.

[balie_bd]

hey rb136,

thank for the explanation. A couple of more questions! In M mode, how does down shifting work? For example, if I am driving in the residence area (about 25 mph) and i come to a stop sign, do I downshift all the way to gear 1 and then come to a stop? What if I am on the highway going at about 60 mph and I want to come to a stop or slow down?

Is there a certain "rule of thumb" i can follow for shifting up and shifting down when in M mode. For example...when I am driving from 5 to 15 I should stay in gear 1, when i hit about 15, I shift to gear 2, etc.

I know you said you have to listen to sound of the engine when you upshift, what does it sound like?

If you could explain downshifting a bit more, I would really appreciate it!

I will definitely try driving in M mode soon, but I want to make sure I understand how it works before i try it!

Thanks you once again

[CDN-SLK55]

I never shift down into 1st when coming to a stop. I let the car do that on its own. One other thing about using M mode, you definatley will get a bigger rush (got to love the sound of the 55) and you will also burn a lot more gas!!