FanofML350

I just go my 2012 ML350 4Matic CPO. Can anyone please tell me how to use the paddle shift? I was on a highway today on D mode and pressed the right (+) and left (-) but didn't notice that much of a difference. I forgot if I saw the changes on the RPM on the dashboard either. I think I was around 50 miles/hour speed. I would like to know exactly the tutorial before I try again please.

shotgun_banjo

It is best to read your manual but a reader's digest version is this:

1. If you want the lowest possible gear without damaging your engine just pull and HOLD the "-" lever for 1 second then mash the gas pedal and be see the 5000lb ML go from slow to fast.

2. If you want to go back to "auto" mode press and HOLD the "+" lever and it will shift back to the proper gear and you will see "D#" on your instrument cluster.

Every time you go manual mode you will see a "M#" on your instrument cluster and if it is on nanny mode it will show "D#".

Going down 1 gear at highway speed you won't really see a difference. It is when you go 2 or 3 gears down that the SUV will red line and that is when you will see the difference.

Hope this helps.

shortspark

I've owned my 2012 ML350 for three years now and I have never once touched the maual gear paddles. There has never been a reason for me to do so but Banjo's instructions seem simple enough to give it a try just for the heck of it!

shotgun_banjo

Same here as well. Somehow I find myself at peace when I drive the ML and only press those paddles once in a while to make sure it is still working. The idea of me seating up high and knowing I have a very heavy vehicle to control makes me think twice in making it too fast but when I am on my c300 it is a different story.

FanofML350

Yes, the idea was to experience how it feels like and make sure its working right. I guess on straight roads it just doesn't make any difference. Earlier I used to believe it can also be used to over take vehicles like big trucks on the interstates or highways with sudden acceleration or thrust. Is that not the case?

gkgeiger

Just press the GO peddle.

fabbrisd1

Let me correct some information here ... there are two ways to utilize the paddles:

1) 3-sec pull/hold procedure for Passing/Power gear - a 3 sec pull/hold on the left paddle will take you to the passing/power gear for that speed - smoother and faster than mash/kickdown. In that 1st sec the tranny will shift down one gear - then the tranny will calculate a 2nd "jump" from there to the correct passing/power gear..and jump 2-3 gears more.. a 3-sec pull/hold on right paddle takes you back to auto. That 3-sec pull/hold on left paddle to take to you to that power gear, also useful in deceleration coming down a exit ramp or downhill into a curve

2) 1-sec pull left paddle takes you down 1 gear - 1-sec pull on right paddle takes you up one gear - on the 7-speed gearbox, normally not much of a general effect.. except when coming off a stopsign/light where normal takeoff is in 2nd, and a 1-sec left paddle pull will put you in 1st...

Play with it a bit, adds more to your driving skill set...

Koenig1

Are you sure??? My ML always starts in 1st! Perhaps you're mixing up a GLK350, which, starts in 2nd by design.

vinceC

On my 2014, it takes a second or two at a complete stop to shift into 1st. If you are rolling, even slightly, it will start in 2nd gear.

Koenig1

OK... I get it then... A NEW YORK STOP! heheh!

skw

I occasionally use the right paddle to upshift when cruising and it's still in a lower gear. W/ the diesel, have never really had to use the left one to downshift, just ease into pedal a bit more and the truck moves enough for passing, many times w/o the tranny even downshifting on it's own.