What mode do you drive in most?
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
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Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Houston, TX
2009 C63 with Eurocharged tune and charcoal delete
At the risk of being flamed and ridiculed I am going to tell the truth......I have tried all the various shift modes over and over again, and I leave my car in C mode most of the time. I know it's not the hard-core sporty thing to do, but it works best for me. I use my car as a daily driver (over 60 miles a day commuting) but still drive pretty aggressively on the street. No track time or hard-core street racing, etc. I am sure that S mode has the quickest shifts and will let you go right to redline, but it also holds the lower gears for much longer than I really want it to on the street. When you back off for traffic (or a cop..) it assumes that you want to get right back on the power (like you would on the track or racing) and holds the selected gear, which most of the time is not really what I want. With C mode, wide open throttle still gets you max thrust, but when you back off it quickly shuffles back up to a taller gear. Perfect for passing, quick bursts of speed, etc. Also, in C mode you can launch from a light with much less fuss than in S mode since it starts in 2nd gear and you get less wheelspin, which is actually quicker in most real world conditions. No doubt S mode (or maybe M mode) is best on the track, but I actually prefer C mode for all around daily driving. Any other closet C mode guys out there?
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
See my tailpipes Mode: 80%
, Mean Mode: 19%, Calm Mode: 1%,
I agree with most that the M mode is not as quick as SMG/DCT but with a tune, it is pretty close (other than the inability to downshift quickly 2 gears
).
The S mode is actually the fastest mode if all of a sudden, you need instant power i.e. someone on the road dares to challenge us and we are not at a stoplight. Just mesh the pedal to the floor and enjoy the instant warp speed
.
For the fun of hearing the rev match downshift, tracking and drifting, the M is ideal.
M mode only used when taking non gear head humans.
, Mean Mode: 19%, Calm Mode: 1%,I agree with most that the M mode is not as quick as SMG/DCT but with a tune, it is pretty close (other than the inability to downshift quickly 2 gears
).The S mode is actually the fastest mode if all of a sudden, you need instant power i.e. someone on the road dares to challenge us and we are not at a stoplight. Just mesh the pedal to the floor and enjoy the instant warp speed
.For the fun of hearing the rev match downshift, tracking and drifting, the M is ideal.
M mode only used when taking non gear head humans.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 499
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
Mine is usually just a weekend driver.
C – Only until warmed up.
M – 99% of the time because I can control the engine speed and sound.
It is slow to shift but getting your timing right with practice will help it along.
S – Occasionally if I need to move off the line quickly.
.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
09 c63amg, 2010 E350, 08 Ford F-450 Powerstroke
Having a 120+ mile commute a day most of the drive is spent in C mode but the three toll booths each way is just to much temptation so both S & M modes 
get a workout each day.
get a workout each day.
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From: PNW
'15 VW GTI
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Seattle
CLK 500(Gone), C63 FTW!
At the risk of being flamed and ridiculed I am going to tell the truth......I have tried all the various shift modes over and over again, and I leave my car in C mode most of the time. I know it's not the hard-core sporty thing to do, but it works best for me. I use my car as a daily driver (over 60 miles a day commuting) but still drive pretty aggressively on the street. No track time or hard-core street racing, etc. I am sure that S mode has the quickest shifts and will let you go right to redline, but it also holds the lower gears for much longer than I really want it to on the street. When you back off for traffic (or a cop..) it assumes that you want to get right back on the power (like you would on the track or racing) and holds the selected gear, which most of the time is not really what I want. With C mode, wide open throttle still gets you max thrust, but when you back off it quickly shuffles back up to a taller gear. Perfect for passing, quick bursts of speed, etc. Also, in C mode you can launch from a light with much less fuss than in S mode since it starts in 2nd gear and you get less wheelspin, which is actually quicker in most real world conditions. No doubt S mode (or maybe M mode) is best on the track, but I actually prefer C mode for all around daily driving. Any other closet C mode guys out there?
I felt the same way too...but ofcourse, after 1am, M or S mode :p
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
This is like true confessions or something...how embarrassing...LOL 
I have never even tried S or M. Sure I will at some point but C mode gets me around just fine with the paddle shifter if it starts to lug too much. I do see red line most times out.
I have never even tried S or M. Sure I will at some point but C mode gets me around just fine with the paddle shifter if it starts to lug too much. I do see red line most times out.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: NA
Yes
S but I downshift at every single stop, works just fine.
"C for bumpy roads?" Wasnt this a myth that C had anything to do with suspension? Thought it just adjusted shift points and started in 2nd.
"C for bumpy roads?" Wasnt this a myth that C had anything to do with suspension? Thought it just adjusted shift points and started in 2nd.
