MR CLK 55 AMG

I've searched the forums and I couldn't find the answer to my question. And my question was: I was wondering what's the effective and/or correct way in shifting gears when using the manual AMG speedshift? I don't like to use C (comfort) or S (sport), I always use M (manual).
When shifting up or down, do you just change gears while your still holding the throttle or do you let go of the throttle like a real manual car and then shift up? I personally, when I am in the city, I have a habit of changing gears around 2500-3500 rpm as if it was a real manual (letting go of the throttle and then shift). That's because all the cars I previously owned where manual. Will I damage my transmission from doing what I am currently doing?

Down shifting on the freeway and coming from off the ramp to the freeway at a high rpm is the only time I shift gears while still holding the throttle using the AMG speedshift. Speaking of downshifting, when I downshift to 3rd on the freeway to torque somebody who thinks they can dust me and acting with a big head in their car by calling me out (e.g. revving, jerking by accel., etc.)..... Oh...My...Freaking...God! Let's just put it this way, this is what they were probably thinking when I am was done with them: and/or .... I am so lucky and proud to own one of the few CLK 55 AMG cars that are out there. Sorry for the long thread, got kinda carried away.

cte430

I think the manual shifting and wheel mounted buttons is more show than go. In my opinion you'll probably end up letting the car do it's own thing. IMHO it's faster and more responsive. The manual shifting really doesn't give you total control. This, in my opinion is an area where AMG should concentrate instead of cramming more HP into whatever the next engine is. Along with the suspension, steering feel, etc. How cool would it be to have real F1 style paddle shifters that really let you do your thing!!

IdriveFast

i do not think you are supposed to lift off the throttle when you are shifting, unlike a manual car.

Also, the only time speedshift is actually useful is when you want to downshift, because the car does not always shift into the correct gear by itself.

i do not think it damages your car to use the manual mode.

ndabunka

No need to "lift" off the throttle when shifting using the speed shift as the tranny is designed to handle it. As many on here have pointed out, you really don't get much "straight ahead" benefit from using the shifter but when playing in the mountains (or around corners), you will really enjoy the flexibilty of holding a particular rev capacity (i.e. gear). The Benz auto tranny is one of the best and few that is DESIGNED to handle all that HP without any problems. Great eningeering if you ask me and a GREAT alternative to the only similar BMW performance option (100% manual). As you get used to it, I think you will agree. The tranny in my 2004 TL is similar but can't hold first. I miss my CLK55 speedshift all the time.

MR CLK 55 AMG

Thanks everyone, for all the info! Man.... It would have been pretty nice if they made 55's in manual transamission though.

ProjectC55

I found straight line performance better when car is left in D3 or D4,ESP off and throttle to the grnd vs shifting.

MR CLK 55 AMG

So you throttle it to the ground from a stop point starting from D3? Hmmm....that's interesting.

ProjectC55

Yes with the ESP off.I also watch the tach and shift it into D4 just b4 the limiter kicks in.The power gear on these cars definitely appears to be D3. There are a few guys on here who talk about launch techniques as well.I hope to take my car to the track very soon after I do another software upgrade.

MR CLK 55 AMG

Ok, I gonna give that a try and see how that goes. Just curious, what software upgrade are you doing?

ProjectC55

I have a friend that works for Superchips that has been doing custom chip tuning upgrades for me.That's how come I'm able to use my C43 computer with this E55 engine in my car.It's been reprogammed with a slightly modded E55 map(timing,fuel etc).He just recently did another more aggressive chip mod that I will be testing out today.Dyno will be later on during the week.Hoping to be putting out over 300 at the wheels and more TQ as well.

ProjectC55

Chip upgrade is a phenominal success! Annhilated my friends modded AudiS4. Dyno run will take place this week.