[Semi] Permanent M-Mode Transmission
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
[Semi] Permanent M-Mode Transmission
Apologies if this has been asked before, but who has a tune for these cars that enables permanent M Mode transmission operation? Or at least for the car to remain in M until it's turned off? I get sick of this thing reverting to D mode after a few seconds.
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
maw
Thanks in advance.
Cheers,
maw
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'19 E300 w/ activated Multibeam
You can set up your individual "I" configuration in the car to be in manual and it won't switch back to D. No coding necessary, but will revert back to Comfort once the engine is shut off.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I'm in Individual mode, and while it stays in M longer, if I want to just leave it in 4, sooner or later it's going to "decide" for reasons that are opaque to me that it needs to "take over" and go to 5th or 6th.
I'm used to my old AMG and BMW M cars where manual shifting means you own it for better or for worse, pretty much no intervention. If you want to run around in 2nd gear doing 50mph, the car isn't going to stop you. What you've described is how those work (revert back when car is turned off ONLY). I wish this was like that -- I wouldn't have a question.
This car wants to stop you and move to do D mode during the current drive cycle. That is the problem I'm after.
maw
I'm used to my old AMG and BMW M cars where manual shifting means you own it for better or for worse, pretty much no intervention. If you want to run around in 2nd gear doing 50mph, the car isn't going to stop you. What you've described is how those work (revert back when car is turned off ONLY). I wish this was like that -- I wouldn't have a question.
This car wants to stop you and move to do D mode during the current drive cycle. That is the problem I'm after.
maw
Last edited by maw1124; Oct 23, 2025 at 05:50 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I'm in Individual mode, and while it stays in M longer, if I want to just leave it in 4, sooner or later it's going to "decide" for reasons that are opaque to me that it needs to "take over" and go to 5th or 6th.
I'm used to my old AMG and BMW M cars where manual shifting means you own it for better or for worse, pretty much no intervention. If you want to run around in 2nd gear doing 50mph, the car isn't going to stop you. What you've described is how those work (revert back when car is turned off ONLY). I wish this was like that -- I wouldn't have a question.
This car wants to stop you and move to do D mode during the current drive cycle. That is the problem I'm after.
maw
I'm used to my old AMG and BMW M cars where manual shifting means you own it for better or for worse, pretty much no intervention. If you want to run around in 2nd gear doing 50mph, the car isn't going to stop you. What you've described is how those work (revert back when car is turned off ONLY). I wish this was like that -- I wouldn't have a question.
This car wants to stop you and move to do D mode during the current drive cycle. That is the problem I'm after.
maw
Even so, non-AMGs don't have a true manual mode. Even in permanent manual mode, they still automatically upshift near redline. AMGs on the other hand bounce off the rev limiter in permanent manual mode if you don't shift up manually. That's the difference between a normal model and a performance model. Non-AMGs aren't really tuned to shift manually on a regular basis. The paddles are mainly there to temporarily downshift to a lower gear and hold it there for when you drive downhill for example, whereas an AMG can be driven in manual mode all day long. The MCT transmission shifts crisp and quick, because it uses a clutch instead of a torque converter, so it's like a manual transmission with an automated clutch pedal, rather than a torque converter automatic that allows for occasional manual gear selection.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I think I'm on Sport+, Sport, Sport
The middle parameter (steering I think) doesn't permit Sport+... of course the suspension is teeth chattering as it is so I'm not looking for anything more aggressive there, just to control shifts a bit better.
I didn't see anything to select M mode but I could have overlooked it
Yes, my S55 will redline upshift and not let you select 3rd below 30mph -- so it's not 100% M but it doesn't intervene like this one. That would
be acceptable here. The M3 will also upshift at redline. This one acts more like a nanny control but I'll hold my thoughts until I look a bit closer.
Thanks, this is helpful.
maw
PS ... this is my wife's 450 not an AMG, so if the answer is it can't be done I wouldn't be surprised. As I use the car the software seems pretty impenetrable so unless there was something simple that everyone had, I'd assume the answer was "No, you can't do that on those cars."
The middle parameter (steering I think) doesn't permit Sport+... of course the suspension is teeth chattering as it is so I'm not looking for anything more aggressive there, just to control shifts a bit better.
I didn't see anything to select M mode but I could have overlooked it
Yes, my S55 will redline upshift and not let you select 3rd below 30mph -- so it's not 100% M but it doesn't intervene like this one. That would
be acceptable here. The M3 will also upshift at redline. This one acts more like a nanny control but I'll hold my thoughts until I look a bit closer.
Thanks, this is helpful.
maw
PS ... this is my wife's 450 not an AMG, so if the answer is it can't be done I wouldn't be surprised. As I use the car the software seems pretty impenetrable so unless there was something simple that everyone had, I'd assume the answer was "No, you can't do that on those cars."
Last edited by maw1124; Oct 23, 2025 at 09:28 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Not sure what all the options are in the Individual mode for the 450 as they can vary by model, but the short answer is pretty much if you are looking for an engaging manual shifting experience that gives you control and feel approaching a true manual transmission, then this car isn't gonna be it. That's just not what it was built for. Even your S55 is of a much older generation and not comparable to today's 9-speed multi clutch transmission that AMG uses in the 55 and 63 models. Your M3 is also a different animal. The single clutch SMG was kind of a disaster.
FWIW, I've been driving manual transmissions for over 25 years, and I drive my AMG with the 9-speed MCT mostly in manual mode, but whenever I drive a regular Mercedes loaner I just leave it in D. The manual mode in those is just not good and more frustrating than anything else. That's just how it is. They are designed to be commuter cars with little engagement required from the driver. The paddle shifters are more of a gimmick than a useful feature in a non-AMG.
FWIW, I've been driving manual transmissions for over 25 years, and I drive my AMG with the 9-speed MCT mostly in manual mode, but whenever I drive a regular Mercedes loaner I just leave it in D. The manual mode in those is just not good and more frustrating than anything else. That's just how it is. They are designed to be commuter cars with little engagement required from the driver. The paddle shifters are more of a gimmick than a useful feature in a non-AMG.
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
Again, as terrible as anyone thinks the older transmissions were, if this was like those I’d be happier. But I take your point.
I grew up driving manuals and don’t really care for them, so that’s not the standard for me. I just need the computers more out of my way. Thanks for your input.
maw
EDIT… the SMG is just like MB’s ABC system… some idiot sold the companies on not having to change the hydraulic fluid…. It’s just that simple… I’ve always changed my Pentosin so I’ve not had any problems.
I grew up driving manuals and don’t really care for them, so that’s not the standard for me. I just need the computers more out of my way. Thanks for your input.
maw
EDIT… the SMG is just like MB’s ABC system… some idiot sold the companies on not having to change the hydraulic fluid…. It’s just that simple… I’ve always changed my Pentosin so I’ve not had any problems.
Last edited by maw1124; Oct 24, 2025 at 03:23 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
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'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
I looked at this again today when I was in the car. No transmission control in the Individual settings. Oh well, nice try. No worries.
maw
maw
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,463
Likes: 5,354
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Might be only the C Class that has the option in the Individual mode, and of course the AMG models, but once you get to the E and S Class, few people really ever use the paddles. It strikes me how even owners of the E63 and S63 rarely shift manually. TBH, these days when I take my AMG in for service, I tend to ask for an EQE or EQS loaner, because if I'm not going to be involved in the shifting, might as well not have a transmission at all. The electric powertrain is always responsive and I never have to wait for the laggy TCU to make up its mind and get into the right gear.
