Using paddle Shifters Safely?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
2011 W212
Using paddle Shifters Safely?
Is it simply to put the car in SPORT mode, and press the plus or minus as needed?
To get back to the automatic I just tip my transmission selector down. (I have the selector on the opposite side of my windwiper).
Correct way to reengage the automatic?
To get back to the automatic I just tip my transmission selector down. (I have the selector on the opposite side of my windwiper).
Correct way to reengage the automatic?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
I've used paddles on a few occasions to downshift on a long downgrade. In every case, just popping the shift lever all the way down once returns the car to "normal" D mode --- no need to hit it more than once.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
2011 W212
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 507
Likes: 16
'11 E350BTC P2 Leather
I have a big hill near where I live, there is a 10% grade on either side for about two miles up or down each direction.
I tried the paddles today after reading this discussion: too much work.
I just set the cruise on 50mph (speed limit is 45) and the car does whatever it need to do to keep the car at 50mph, whether going UP or DOWN.
I can't imagine touching the paddles ever again.
I tried the paddles today after reading this discussion: too much work.
I just set the cruise on 50mph (speed limit is 45) and the car does whatever it need to do to keep the car at 50mph, whether going UP or DOWN.
I can't imagine touching the paddles ever again.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 639
Likes: 14
From: Suburban Phila., PA
2012 E350 Coupe
She uses them on me every night! Oh....the car....THE CAR!! 
I thought I'd never use them, didn't see the need for them at all. Then I tried them out and now it's routine. The coupe still has the console shifter and the paddles just eliminate reaching down, taking one hand off the steering wheel, etc. Like so many other things in these cars' designs, they just "feel right." However, I still let the trans. do most of the shifting for me on its own.
I said the same thing about Keyless Go - another useless frill. Now I wouldn't be without it.
You should give the paddles a go Hype. They may grow on you.
For those with column shifters, I can't say how it compares.
I thought I'd never use them, didn't see the need for them at all. Then I tried them out and now it's routine. The coupe still has the console shifter and the paddles just eliminate reaching down, taking one hand off the steering wheel, etc. Like so many other things in these cars' designs, they just "feel right." However, I still let the trans. do most of the shifting for me on its own.
I said the same thing about Keyless Go - another useless frill. Now I wouldn't be without it.
You should give the paddles a go Hype. They may grow on you.
For those with column shifters, I can't say how it compares.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 576
Likes: 8
From: Placitas, NM
E550
CC is not always enough --- does well in many situations, but in others needs help, either brakes or gearing, or a little of both. If it's a long haul, and needing a lot of brakes, I'll downshift to take some load off the pads and rotors. I drive all over the mountain west, maybe need it more than most folks.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 39
From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
The paddles on most sport/race cars are very useful to keep the car in the powerband(like a manual), but the paddles(transmission) on our cars are as resposive as a dead turtle...lol. But, our cars are more luxury than sport, so it is suitable.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 3,916
From: on my way
2012 CLS63
She uses them on me every night! Oh....the car....THE CAR!!
I thought I'd never use them, didn't see the need for them at all. Then I tried them out and now it's routine. The coupe still has the console shifter and the paddles just eliminate reaching down, taking one hand off the steering wheel, etc. Like so many other things in these cars' designs, they just "feel right." However, I still let the trans. do most of the shifting for me on its own.
I said the same thing about Keyless Go - another useless frill. Now I wouldn't be without it.
You should give the paddles a go Hype. They may grow on you.
For those with column shifters, I can't say how it compares.
I thought I'd never use them, didn't see the need for them at all. Then I tried them out and now it's routine. The coupe still has the console shifter and the paddles just eliminate reaching down, taking one hand off the steering wheel, etc. Like so many other things in these cars' designs, they just "feel right." However, I still let the trans. do most of the shifting for me on its own.
I said the same thing about Keyless Go - another useless frill. Now I wouldn't be without it.
You should give the paddles a go Hype. They may grow on you.
For those with column shifters, I can't say how it compares.
they just don't feel natural to me
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 967
Likes: 39
From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
Hype, You have to use them in the CLS. That thing has the dual clutch settup, and the shifts with the paddles on that will be instint. Also, if you come into a turn a little hot, and you downshift, the car will rev itself on the downshift to meet the gears proper RPM. Sounds awesome on some videos I have seen with your car on the track. I love that car...
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 50
From: New York City
Chevrolet Chevette, Ford Pinto, Pontiac Aztek, Trabant, Yugo GV (and all the worst cars ever built)
I use the paddle shifters on my car every single time I drive them. They function like the car is on manual transmission and they are perfect when you want to shift on your own and not have to wait for the auto transmission to shift. Am used to doing this in the BMW 335i which have paddle shifters too.
