max acceleration (plus how to shift) question
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin, WI
ML 500
max acceleration (plus how to shift) question
Hi,
My dealer had told me the correct procedure for using manual shifting on my ML500, but I don't recall what he said. I know how to shift it left or right for up and down shifting of course, but I don't recall what he said about the gas, do I want to maintain pressure on the accelerator when I shift, let off of it completely, or something else?
Closely related to that, how do I get maximum acceleration from rest. In other words, how does one try to obtain the minimum 0-60 time with the ML 500? Do you need to involved the manual shifting, or do you rely on the automatic to do its job. Do you just floor it and hold it, or do you follow some sort of sequence with the gas, like perhaps pressing part way at first and then gradually flooring it until you get to the speed you were looking for. What does Mercedes do to get their quoted 0-60 time?
Thanks,
Mark
My dealer had told me the correct procedure for using manual shifting on my ML500, but I don't recall what he said. I know how to shift it left or right for up and down shifting of course, but I don't recall what he said about the gas, do I want to maintain pressure on the accelerator when I shift, let off of it completely, or something else?
Closely related to that, how do I get maximum acceleration from rest. In other words, how does one try to obtain the minimum 0-60 time with the ML 500? Do you need to involved the manual shifting, or do you rely on the automatic to do its job. Do you just floor it and hold it, or do you follow some sort of sequence with the gas, like perhaps pressing part way at first and then gradually flooring it until you get to the speed you were looking for. What does Mercedes do to get their quoted 0-60 time?
Thanks,
Mark
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
Shifting
I keep my foot on the gas when manual shifting, no need to release the acceelerator. For max acceleration from a stop just plant your foot to the floor and keep it there as long as you wish.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: New Berlin, WI
ML 500
I don't know if I would say that. That V8 is pretty powerful. Sure, a smaller vehicle with the same or larger engine will beat it, but 288 is a lot of horse power, at least compared to what I was used to (a 3.1 V6 is the biggest I had up until now). I seem to even recall a magazine article that said the V8 SUV's are becoming the "new muscle cars", or something like that.
I'm just trying to find out how to maximize the pressure of my back against the seat
I'm just trying to find out how to maximize the pressure of my back against the seat
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: TX
mkrueger,
I did an analysis using HP to the wheel to consider what the best shift points would be for the ML500, basically, you 'redline' it in auto with a lead foot.
Using this technique (see the link below), you may be able to achieve 6.7 seconds.
Car and Driver did in febraury of this year.
6.8 seconds, that was Road and Track in June 2002.
MB quotes a 7.7, but you can easily beat that!
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran..._benzml500.xml
I did an analysis using HP to the wheel to consider what the best shift points would be for the ML500, basically, you 'redline' it in auto with a lead foot.
Using this technique (see the link below), you may be able to achieve 6.7 seconds.
Car and Driver did in febraury of this year.
6.8 seconds, that was Road and Track in June 2002.
MB quotes a 7.7, but you can easily beat that!
http://www.caranddriver.com/xp/Caran..._benzml500.xml
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 581
Likes: 4
From: Dallas
C32 AMG
I have an ML320, which has adequate horsepower but is NOT fast.
I have found a trick, though, that helps with throttle response.
If you need to drop a gear, jab the pedal down to the floor, then back off a bit - the tranny will shift down quickly. Popping the pedal like that does a good job of shifting gears with out lunging the car.
Also, the ML transmission adapts to your driving style. The harder you drive it the quicker the shifting will be.
I have found a trick, though, that helps with throttle response.
If you need to drop a gear, jab the pedal down to the floor, then back off a bit - the tranny will shift down quickly. Popping the pedal like that does a good job of shifting gears with out lunging the car.
Also, the ML transmission adapts to your driving style. The harder you drive it the quicker the shifting will be.
