Paddle shift & steer
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 7
E350
Paddle shift & steer
Does anyone else find it hard to paddle shift while steering? (or is it just me?)
Many years ago I had an old VW Passat, which came w/ automatic transmission, but w/ a "manual mode" Tiptronic option.
W/ that car, I was able to steer w/ my left hand, while shifting gears up/down w/ my right hand.
Most modern cars nowadays don't seem to give you that option - most of them only come w/ shift paddles.
If I want to shift up/down in the middle of turning the steering wheel (specifically when making a right/left turn), I have a hard time doing that...
Many years ago I had an old VW Passat, which came w/ automatic transmission, but w/ a "manual mode" Tiptronic option.
W/ that car, I was able to steer w/ my left hand, while shifting gears up/down w/ my right hand.
Most modern cars nowadays don't seem to give you that option - most of them only come w/ shift paddles.
If I want to shift up/down in the middle of turning the steering wheel (specifically when making a right/left turn), I have a hard time doing that...
Last edited by cooky01; Mar 8, 2021 at 02:03 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,372
Likes: 945
W212 FL
The reason behind is that you should not shift up /down when making turns according to Ferrari Racing School . I had heard that while I was watching a car video . Because when you shift up or down the RPM changes and it would affect the handling of the car .I have not hit the racing track to push the cars beyond its limits so I can't confirm that
Member
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 158
Likes: 25
From: Marin County,California
2016 E350 Sedan
I learned to drive on a manual transmission. Actually a three speed with no syncromesh in first gear. Later on got a four speed on the floor. I was taught to downshift before turn or sharp curve and the to upshift after the turn.
Then again,we had carburetors that would flood on hard lefts, no power steering (needed two hands on sharp turns at speed) and no electronic stability controls.
So forget shifting in a turn.!
The old cars weren't great. Only the memory of them in youth.
Then again,we had carburetors that would flood on hard lefts, no power steering (needed two hands on sharp turns at speed) and no electronic stability controls.
So forget shifting in a turn.!
The old cars weren't great. Only the memory of them in youth.
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 151
Likes: 95
From: Connecticut
2013 E550 Sedan, 2005 E500 4matic Wagon
If these were racing inspired or racing cars the paddles would be fixed on the column like an Fcar leaving you free to steer without worrying where the up down paddles are. It's more of a gimmick for most cars on the planet.
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 151
Likes: 95
From: Connecticut
2013 E550 Sedan, 2005 E500 4matic Wagon
In any case you aren't shedding speed at the entrance or apex of a turn no matter what orientation the shift selection is. Hard braking and downshifting happen as a forethought to a turn. At that point the chassis should be neutral.
Last edited by Dane500; Mar 8, 2021 at 06:52 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
When in doubt, see ancient proverb above...
Last edited by DFWdude; Mar 8, 2021 at 07:24 AM.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,141
Likes: 1,293
From: Southern US
2010 E550, 273 Engine: 2012 S550, 278 Engine
Driving manual is like has been said, you set the gear before the turn and have car going on that gear thru the turn so before the turn you can be engine braking. Even on a true manual with manual clutch the clutch is up and control is with gas pedal (and brakes).
But, if you selected a wrong gear there might be a need to change it in the middle of the turn meaning all power off for the time of change. This happened with old race cars where gear shifter was the old fashioned stick that allowed you to change to any gear at any time. Modern racers have it like the pedals in a way that gears are selected in an order.
I have tried paddles a few times but don’t like them due to not hearing the engine. I end up over-revving so I give up with them. They are only useable for making a quick pass when holding the left paddle down for a couple of seconds will select the best gear for acceleration for the speed you are going.
Wish there was a way to play engine sound inside the car somehow other than opening the window, which doesn’t work that well for it either.
And I wish MB had done as good job as they did for engine noise with road noise too...
But, if you selected a wrong gear there might be a need to change it in the middle of the turn meaning all power off for the time of change. This happened with old race cars where gear shifter was the old fashioned stick that allowed you to change to any gear at any time. Modern racers have it like the pedals in a way that gears are selected in an order.
I have tried paddles a few times but don’t like them due to not hearing the engine. I end up over-revving so I give up with them. They are only useable for making a quick pass when holding the left paddle down for a couple of seconds will select the best gear for acceleration for the speed you are going.
Wish there was a way to play engine sound inside the car somehow other than opening the window, which doesn’t work that well for it either.
And I wish MB had done as good job as they did for engine noise with road noise too...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
The paddle shifters are "interesting" on a 2-ton sedan. I played with them for a hour one day, but haven't touched them since.
They are useful for hanging your face mask, though...
They are useful for hanging your face mask, though...
Banned
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,957
Likes: 1,640
The paddles are a novelty in these cars. I have used them a few times to downshift before passing on a 2-lane road. You can see the gear you are in and the transmission will revert back to auto on it's own with no more input.
I had the speedshift in my C32 AMG which was a noticeably faster manual mode shifter, but still slow by any of today's super cars.
My daughter's 2015 Honda Fit has paddles and it has a CVT transmission. ahahaha!
I had the speedshift in my C32 AMG which was a noticeably faster manual mode shifter, but still slow by any of today's super cars.
My daughter's 2015 Honda Fit has paddles and it has a CVT transmission. ahahaha!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,694
Likes: 1,829
From: Dallas-Ft.Worth,TX
2016 E350 Sport
The paddles are a novelty in these cars. I have used them a few times to downshift before passing on a 2-lane road. You can see the gear you are in and the transmission will revert back to auto on it's own with no more input.
I had the speedshift in my C32 AMG which was a noticeably faster manual mode shifter, but still slow by any of today's super cars.
My daughter's 2015 Honda Fit has paddles and it has a CVT transmission. ahahaha!
I had the speedshift in my C32 AMG which was a noticeably faster manual mode shifter, but still slow by any of today's super cars.
My daughter's 2015 Honda Fit has paddles and it has a CVT transmission. ahahaha!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 1,482
From: 122W, 37N
2016 E350 4Matic wagon, 2019 Ford Expedition, 2019 Chevy Bolt EV
indeed, you learn very quickly on a motorcycle, NEVER shift or brake in the middle of a turn. do all your braking and downshifting BEFORE you lean into the turn, gently accelerate til you hit the exit of the turn, then wind up through the gears til its time to brake again. on a bike, you've only got two tiny tire patches keeping you heading down the road, and only so much traction to split between turning and braking, so when you're turning hard DO NOT BRAKE (or downshift which is a sudden -G on the rear wheel)
