Shifting problem - "S" mode
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 5
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From: FL
2014 GLK350
Shifting problem - "S" mode
All, I have a GLK350 with approximately 7500 miles. I have a question with regards to the shifting while in "S" mode. When I drive in “S” mode 
the transmission seems very reluctant to up-shift, often staying in a lower gear and never up-shifting to 7th. For example: I can take off from a stop, reach my final cruising speed say 55 mph and it will not shift above 5th (no traffic, light pedal, level road) it just stays in 5th (sometimes 4th). If i hit the “E” button it immediately up-shifts to 7th. This will even happen while driving on the interstate, kick it down (5th) to do a quick pass and it’ll stay in 6th gear - Hit the “E” button and it shifts to 7th. I understand that the shift points are calibrated differently between “E” and “S” and that “S” allows for for longer/higher RPM’s between shifts.
So before I go to the hassle of a visit to the shop - I wanted to see if this is typical for the operation of the “S” mode. Appreciate everyones feedback/input.
the transmission seems very reluctant to up-shift, often staying in a lower gear and never up-shifting to 7th. For example: I can take off from a stop, reach my final cruising speed say 55 mph and it will not shift above 5th (no traffic, light pedal, level road) it just stays in 5th (sometimes 4th). If i hit the “E” button it immediately up-shifts to 7th. This will even happen while driving on the interstate, kick it down (5th) to do a quick pass and it’ll stay in 6th gear - Hit the “E” button and it shifts to 7th. I understand that the shift points are calibrated differently between “E” and “S” and that “S” allows for for longer/higher RPM’s between shifts.So before I go to the hassle of a visit to the shop - I wanted to see if this is typical for the operation of the “S” mode. Appreciate everyones feedback/input.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
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Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
If this helps - "E" is actually designed under "Economy" which is intended for highway driving, getting the MB up to 7th/overdrive as efficiently as possible.
"S" I often term "Standard" meaning intended for driving around town with multiple stops/starts, etc - and yes "S" eliminates 7th for sure...
See what youyr dealer service adviser has to say..
"S" I often term "Standard" meaning intended for driving around town with multiple stops/starts, etc - and yes "S" eliminates 7th for sure...
See what youyr dealer service adviser has to say..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
The transmission is adaptive. If you want it to shift up just use the shift lever. I think it will eventually learn how you want it to shift. Why bother to use S mode if you don't like it? Just drive in E mode which is the default anyway.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 323
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From: Ottawa ON Canada
2015 ML350 Bluetec
In traffic, S mode works quite effectively! With E mode starting in 2nd, with stop & go traffic, you just get moving then reaching for the brake. In S mode, your foot hardly touches the brake, because of effective engine compression! Try it, much less pedal changing, and a much smoother drive.
