SL/R231: Have you ever used the paddle shifters?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2016
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Have you ever used the paddle shifters?
I have always considered my 3 SL’s as comfortable touring cars not racers. I was wondering if anyone has ever used the paddle shifters on their SL? I consider them pretty useless considering the ECU and the car limits your shifting to a certain parameter which you cannot change. Seems to be an accessory that most people never really use. Also, it seems pretty awkward using the paddles on winding roads when the stearing wheel is turned at odd angles.
Last edited by Utopia Texas; Feb 4, 2022 at 01:20 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Gold Canyon, Az.
1988 560SL, 2017 SL 450, and a few Corvettes
I have always considered my 3 SL’s as comfortable touring cars not racers. I was wondering if anyone has ever used the paddle shifters on their SL? I consider them pretty useless considering the ECU and the car limits your shifting to a certain parameter which you cannot change. Seems to be an accessory that most people never really use. Also, it seems pretty awkward using the paddles on winding roads when the stearing wheel is turned at odd angles.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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R231 SL63 & R129 SL500
Nope, never use them in Houston. The only time I've ever used the "manumatic" feature in ANY car is when driving downhill so as to be in a lower gear.
That said, I do have 2 proper manual transmission cars in my hobby car fleet, so I do enjoy rowing my own gears frequently.
That said, I do have 2 proper manual transmission cars in my hobby car fleet, so I do enjoy rowing my own gears frequently.
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Joined: Jan 2017
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
I have always considered my 3 SL’s as comfortable touring cars not racers. I was wondering if anyone has ever used the paddle shifters on their SL? I consider them pretty useless considering the ECU and the car limits your shifting to a certain parameter which you cannot change. Seems to be an accessory that most people never really use. Also, it seems pretty awkward using the paddles on winding roads when the stearing wheel is turned at odd angles.
"Also, it seems pretty awkward using the paddles on winding roads when the stearing wheel is turned at odd angles”
Mostly I do not have a problem with finding the paddles and generally, when you enter the bend you should be in the correct gear and not need to change gear until you have / are exiting the bend.
Last edited by rorywquin; Feb 5, 2022 at 05:35 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,336
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From: Brookshire, Texas & Cat Spring, Texas
2019 SL550/2023 EQS 580 SUV
Nope, never use them in Houston. The only time I've ever used the "manumatic" feature in ANY car is when driving downhill so as to be in a lower gear.
That said, I do have 2 proper manual transmission cars in my hobby car fleet, so I do enjoy rowing my own gears frequently.
That said, I do have 2 proper manual transmission cars in my hobby car fleet, so I do enjoy rowing my own gears frequently.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 385
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From: Bognor Regis UK
Alfa 159
I used to have an Audi A8 4.2 V8 with paddle shifters....I was really excited to use them when I bought the car and collected it from the dealers.....I used them on the drive from the dealer in London to my home on the South coast....about 60 miles......and I don't think I ever used them again. I can completely see the point in a hard edged sports car......but in a luxury saloon or tourer?....cant really see the point. The cars knows when to change up and down!
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Huntington NY
S560
Not once. I don't see the point frankly. I have had them in at least 15-20 cars and I can't think of one time I needed them. Even when having fun, the stock programming is better than slow acting paddles. I especially find it funny when big SUVs have them (like my Lincoln)
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Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 152
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From: Central Florida
'13 SL550 Mars Red, Designo White interior, B and O sound
I frequently use them: anticipating the need for immediate power at the right RPM, I'll shift into (generally) 3rd and then, when needed, I launch and use the flappy-paddles to change up etc. Avoids the inevitable delay waiting around for the ECU(s) to talk and make a decision. Sometimes from a standing start, when I know I want to control the power more accurately and predictably and take out the red-neck next to me, that'll do the trick nicely but without going bloody nuts which will happen if I simply floor it (in S mode).
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 509
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From: Beech Mountain, NC
E63s SL550 GL450
We use them all the time. Living in a mountain communtiy with steep winding roads it's handy going downhill for engine braking and powering through the curves. We also have an E63s and GL450 and usethe paddle shifters every time we drive them,as well.
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: USA
m157 SL63
If I'm racing someone on the highway, I'll use them to downshift into the correct gear so it's ready to go immediately. I'll also occasionally use them on the highway to be in a lower gear to get ready to do a quick overtake around someone that won't move over.
Aside from that, I don't use them.
Aside from that, I don't use them.
