benzoML350

Hey guys,

Recently my car broke the 1500 mile mark. So now I thought it was a good time to see how the paddle shifters work. And I am truly dumbfounded on what shifting points I shift at. Reason being is that, w/o using the paddle shifters. When I "get at it" the tach flies all the way to 6k RPM before switching gears. So I was wondering if I manually switch gears in the same matter. (NOTE: I havent done this, and I usually Upshift around 4.5k RPMs). So any help on this matter is truly appreciated.


Pete (Notes that he will get flamed for asking a stupid question. But personally doenst care since it concerns with the well-being of my car)

benzoML350

C'mon 67 views and no replies?? you guys could do better than that..

kchristos

I didn't know that ML"s came with paddle shifters. Not sure I fully understand your question. Do you mean at what rpm to shift for maximum acceleration? Well, the ML is not really the car for this purpose.

If you mean that, I believe you should shift at the rpm where the max HP of your motor. A G-tech Pro has the shift lights to tell you the optimum rpm for max acceleration. I haven't tried it but from the descriptions I read it sounds good.

Hope this answers your question.

New Features
Intelligent Shift Lights:

Coventional tachs have a set RPM shift point for all the gears. Yet, depending on the gear, many cars deliver different horsepower at given RPM due to RAM-air, Turbo spool-up time, etc. During a drag race, the new Compition provides optimal shift points based on actual delivered horsepower as you get close to redline. For everyday use you can choose regular set-RPM shiftlights.

http://www.gtechpro.com/ss.html

Dieter

Hi,

You use the paddle shifters any time YOU like (just like a manual, except you can't over rev engine as won't change down if revs too high i.e. it won't change down to first @ 120 mph!!!).

Cheers,

GMBALL

x2. I've got them too. Awesome thing!

benzoML350

Cool guys thanks for the info.

kchristos,
That thing looks cool, but Im skeptical on purchasing. Reason being that I believe is manily targeted for Sports cars, and Manual Transmission. ON the other hand, I my ML was an AMG, then I'd reconsider it.. But thanks for the input.

Pete

jdr1000

It is not an option, they come in every ML and they are usefull. If you have an ML500, it feels like a sports car only diiference is that an armor tank is surrounding you.

J

kchristos

No prob Pete. I know it is an overkill for a non-sports car especially automatic but I thought that they had a pretty good explanation on what rpm to change the gears. I wouldn't spend that much money for a couple of tests but I wouldn't mind using it once or twise just to get a feeling on the optimum rpm for shifting. Most automatic cars and MB's when you floor them with the kick down, they change the gears at the redline. I don't think that this is the optimum setting for max acceletation simply because the max HP in most cars is before reaching the redline. I believe that the only thing accomplished this way is to waste gas and abuse the car.

TNblkc230wz

I not a fan of having the car decide what gear is best. When driving through the mountains, they come in very handy. I hate having to wait for the transmission to downshift on its own. I also downshift automatics for engine braking. Most 4 or 5 speed automatics need to red line before upshifting to keep the engine in its powerband, but a 7 speed auto should stay in the powerband even with an early upshift.

Tejas

I found that I only use the paddles when driving in the mountains (saves my breaks)