Comfy_Couch

The MB site describes the specs for the GL320 CDI transmission as follows:

Transmission 7-speed automatic. Steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons allow for Touch Shift gear selection. Electronically controlled shifting. Driver-adaptive programming adjusts shift points to the driver's current driving style. Driver-selectable Comfort mode starts the vehicle moving in 2nd gear or 2nd Reverse gear, and upshifts at lower rpm to help improve control on slippery surfaces.

Does anyone know what this last sentence is referring to? My GL doesn't have a selectable "comfort" switch that I'm aware of. Is is something else? The answer's probably a forehead-slapper, so thanks in advance for humoring me.

lkchris

You're correct, this feature is on cars with this transmission but not the GL (nor the ML, I suspect).

I'd think the GL might be a bit heavy for 2nd-gear starts (especially if pulling a trailer).

Germancar1

The GL/ML doesn't have the little S/C switch next to the shifter or on the center console? Most other Benzes have it next to the shifter.

M

StevethePilot

Nope! And we all have stalk shifters anyway (seven on the tree ... which doesn't rhyme, I know)

cablvr

IIRC - the S/C setting is on the GL550 (maybe the 450?). Is the tranny different on the 320 vs 450/550?

Germancar1

How in the world did I forget that. Oh well, if there is no shifter on the center console then who knows where that switch is.

M

MB Fanatic

I ahve the S/C setting. Does it come with ADS II? I think so but I never looked at the GL450 so I can't say.

StevethePilot

For me, it's a pressure-sensitive switch below the right foot.

Nevada Jack

Yes but only standard on the 550. If you have the ORP then the ADSII will be on the GL450.

MB Fanatic

I thought so. Thanks for confirming Jack.

Stoneseller

My 07 450 with ORP does not have the C/S trans switch, only the airmatic Comfort/Sport switch

Nevada Jack

The switch you have is the ADSII which changes the suspension but as I understand it, it also adjusts the shift point for each mode. Perhaps GL Fahrer or someone could clarify this for us?

AsianML

Perhaps the C/S mode changes the shift points, but I doubt it would start the SUV in 2nd gear like it would in the other models.

Stoneseller

My 2007 E class has both buttons. It strikes me as rather odd the GL doesn't have the trans switch.

I checked the manual, and the airmatic switch only controls the suspension, no reference to the trans at all.

David

lkchris

Not at all--you're E doesn't weigh as much and you're not going to pull a trailer (not with Mercedes' approval anyway).

MB Fanatic

Alright called the shop foreman up at MBLN and he said the C/S button controls both the tranny and ADS II now. C starts the car is 2nd gear and has a softer suspension setup. S starts the car in 1st and has a stiffer setup. There you go gents. Forgot to ask him about the Chirp, next week when he comes back from vacation.

AsianML

Holy crap, the 550 engine is powerful and all, but 2nd gear starts? What about the 450 (orp)?

Stoneseller

Here is what MB's User's Online site has to say about the tranny:

>>>Transmission Standard driver-adaptive 7-speed automatic with column shifter. Electronically controlled shifting. The column shifter provides convenient selection of Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. Steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons allow for Touch Shift gear selection. Touch Shift with fingertip shift controls allows driver to manually downshift and allow upshifts in Drive, via rocker buttons behind the upper steering-wheel spokes. Driver-adaptive programming adjusts shift points to the driver's current driving style. Selecting off-road driving program raises shift points automatically. Shift into Optimum Gear programming allows one-touch selection of the best gear for maximum acceleration or engine braking by holding a Touch Shift button in the downshift position for one second. Driver-selectable Comfort mode starts vehicle moving in 2nd gear or 2nd Reverse gear, and upshifts at lower rpm to help improve control on slippery surfaces.<<<

Thats pretty identical to the description of the C/S button on the E series.
Also copied from the MB site, regarding the air suspension:

>>>Adaptive Damping System (ADS) The Adaptive Damping System enables you to tailor your driving experience with three selectable driving modes – Sport, Comfort, and Auto – at the touch of the button. ADS continually optimizes ride and handling by individually adjusting each wheel's shock-absorber rate every time the wheel changes its direction of up-down travel.<<<

This is also about the same description as for my E550. Identical to my GL450 as well.
This all reads to me like two entirely unrelated and independant control systems. I think the Shop Foreman at MBLN may be confused.

Stoneseller

Not available on the 450's as I understand it.

Nevada Jack

It is with ORP.

BTW...the GL with ADSII does not have a C/S switch. It has a three position rocker switch which when in the middle is a Normal or Standard mode. It has a softer ride than S mode and a stiffer ride than C mode.

My S550 had a C/S switch on the center console.

Stoneseller

^^Actually, it is not.

edit "It" being
quote from above (me) Not available on the 450's as I understand it.
quote from above (Jack) It is with ORP.

Sorry I neglected to quote you
end of edit

I have the ORP. It includes:
1:Off-road driving program.
2:Airmatic control for Sport, Normal, or Comfort.
3:Ride Height controls for 3 increased height levels.
4:Locking differential controls.

This is all very well documented on pages 275 - 285 of the '07 GL450 manual.

Nevada Jack

"Actually, it is not." What does "it" define?

MB Fanatic

I need to go experiment in the wifes GL and get to the bottom of this. Its just so damn confusing I tell you. My lowly CLS and CL are far simpler than this.

Nevada Jack

I am also working on getting clarification...will post when I get something solid.

Nevada Jack

I was indicating that if you have the ORP option on the GL450, the ADSII is included. The question we are trying to settle is whether there are transmission adjustments also when the C or S mode is activated by the driver. The manual would not necessarily state in detail that the on-board computer controls more than just the air suspension mode. Hopefully I will have some answers today or tomorrow.