SL/R231: manual mode
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TT 512 BB Ferrari, Dinan Z8,997 GT3, 74 BMW 3.0CSI
manual mode
I just traded my 2017 Sl 63amg
I liked the manual mode with backfiring down shifts etc.
Does the 2013 SL550 offer the same drinving mode?
thanks
I liked the manual mode with backfiring down shifts etc.
Does the 2013 SL550 offer the same drinving mode?
thanks
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
I've edited this original post to correct it: Yes in later models ('14 an up?) there is either a rotary knob or switch on the center console that allows a Manual Mode in which shifting is done via the paddles on the steering wheel. In non-Manual mode on my '19 550 if you use the paddles to shift to a lower gear, eventually the transmission reverts to a higher gear, say 8th or 9th. A Manual Mode allows staying in a lower gear until an upshift via the paddle.
Last edited by slk55er; Feb 24, 2020 at 08:23 AM.
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
Sure, you can certainly shift via the paddles, but if you are cruising along (in a non-Manual Mode) at a nearly constant speed and shift, say into 6th via the paddles, after 20 seconds or so, the transmission will automatically upshift to the appropriate highest gear for the existing conditions. So if you are cruising on an Interstate at 70mph on level ground, the transmission will likely shift into 8th or 9th (or 7th if that is the highest gear in the transmission.) You can force the transmission to hold a lower gear in Manual Mode or for an extended period of time if you are using that gear to hold back the car while descending a grade, climbing a hill or gradually accelerating in the lower gear.Last edited by slk55er; Feb 24, 2020 at 08:25 AM.
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From: Seattle WA
AMG SL63
Sure, you can certainly shift via the paddles, but if you are cruising along at a nearly constant speed and shift, say into 6th via the paddles, after 20 seconds or so, the transmission will automatically upshift to the appropriate highest gear for the existing conditions. So if you are cruising on an Interstate at 70mph on level ground, the transmission will likely shift into 8th or 9th (or 7th if that is the highest gear in the transmission.) I don't believe there is any way to force the transmission to hold a lower gear for an extended period of time unless you are using that gear to hold back the car while descending a grade, climbing a hill or gradually accelerating in the lower gear.
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From: Rhode Island
2013 SL550, 2017 GLE350, 2018 Audi Q3
Respectfully - I don’t think that is correct. I will check for sure when I get home in a couple of days, but on my 2017 SL550 - I have an “M” button on the console, and when selected, the transmission locks in manual mode. The car does not auto upshift to a higher gear in that mode. I can put it in sport or sport+, paddle into 2nd or 3rd, and drive around all afternoon at high revs and louder exhausts sound at a higher rev. It will however auto downshift as you slow, to avoid stalling the engine.
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
Oops
Sorry, in my original posts, I forgot that there is an M button on the console. I do not have access to my 550 right now, but I will check and confirm. Sorry if I mislead members on this issue. What I originally stated is true in normal C, S and S+ modes but probably not so in M mode.
Last edited by slk55er; Feb 24, 2020 at 08:26 AM.
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No worries! I learn things every day on this forum and just glad to have such a deep and respectful group of peers!
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Super Member
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From: Frisco Colorado, USA
2024 GLB35 AMG, 2020 S560 Coupe
Yep ! Manual mode button in the console. Just had the SL for a few weeks and I am also on a learning curve. Just finished a break-in tour and tucked the SL away as we enjoy a couple of inches of snow here in the Denver area. Time for the studded snows on the GLA.
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From: Franklin, TN
2019 E450 wagon: 2019 BMW 430i: 2013 Chevy Traverse: (departed)2013 SL550 & 2019 E450 cab
My '13 SL550 has E, S and M transmission modes on the console. I drive mostly in E, but S is quite aggressive on RPM's and downshifting, and with the paddles in the M mode, you are fully manual. Although not exactly like the AMG! Drive on!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
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SL550
Okay so there's a lot of confusion on this but here is how it works on the 2013 SL550, according to the MB dealer
- There is a switch next to the P button that says E --> S --> M in a circle
- Press it once to put the transmission into sport mode (auto)
- Press it once more for full manual shifting with the paddles
There is no temporary M mode that lets you up or down shift, that was added for the 2014 MY.
Hope this helps!
- There is a switch next to the P button that says E --> S --> M in a circle
- Press it once to put the transmission into sport mode (auto)
- Press it once more for full manual shifting with the paddles
There is no temporary M mode that lets you up or down shift, that was added for the 2014 MY.
Hope this helps!
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From: Newbury Park, CA
2016 SL400 & 2021 C300
