Shifting with manual AMG speedshift "newbie"
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03' CLK 55 AMG
Shifting with manual AMG speedshift "newbie"
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. 
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.
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'07 Porsche 997TT
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!!
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From: Irvine, California
C32 AMG
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.
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.
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No longer car shopping...
Your OK
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.
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C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I found straight line performance better when car is left in D3 or D4,ESP off and throttle to the grnd vs shifting. 
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03' CLK 55 AMG
Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
I found straight line performance better when car is left in D3 or D4,ESP off and throttle to the grnd vs shifting.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by MR CLK 55 AMG
So you throttle it to the ground from a stop point starting from D3? Hmmm....that's interesting.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by MR CLK 55 AMG
Ok, I gonna give that a try and see how that goes. Just curious, what software upgrade are you doing?
Last edited by ProjectC55; Jun 3, 2005 at 05:44 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Chip upgrade is a phenominal success! Annhilated my friends modded AudiS4. Dyno run will take place this week.
