SL/R231: Transmission Program Mod
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Transmission Program Mod
Earlier this week, I got the transmission program modification from @BenzNinja . This modification added the Agility/Sport+ modes to a non-AMG car. It also set the tranny to "remember" the last selected mode of either E or S so when I start the car it will be in E only if that was the mode when I turned it off. Otherwise, it will start in S if I turn off in S, A (Agility), or blank (manual) mode. Here is the description from the BenzNinja website:
"Sport+" or "Agility" as well as Manual modes can be added to the selection cycle for the transmission (in addition to just E/C and S). Sport+ is even more sporty than the well-known S-Mode. Agility is a happy medium between E and S. Manual will hold the gear until you are ready to shift. Also, in all modes, the accelerator pedal characteristics are changed resulting in more driving pleasure.
Honestly, the description is inaccurate in my experience. I find the A mode to be more aggressive (sporty) than the S mode. Throttle response is greatly improved, where the car no longer feels "heavy". While the "SL" is a abbreviation for "Sport Light" (Sport-Leicht), the SL-Class is far from light. This tranny mod, however, makes the car feel quicker and lighter. (I know I'm dealing with an SL400, but it is tuned to around 400hp.) The throttle response reminds me of when I put Pedal Commander on my 2004 SL500. This has been the best performance mod since my engine tune.
While my C350 has always felt a little more agile with 302hp, I'm considering this mod for it, as well.
"Sport+" or "Agility" as well as Manual modes can be added to the selection cycle for the transmission (in addition to just E/C and S). Sport+ is even more sporty than the well-known S-Mode. Agility is a happy medium between E and S. Manual will hold the gear until you are ready to shift. Also, in all modes, the accelerator pedal characteristics are changed resulting in more driving pleasure.
Honestly, the description is inaccurate in my experience. I find the A mode to be more aggressive (sporty) than the S mode. Throttle response is greatly improved, where the car no longer feels "heavy". While the "SL" is a abbreviation for "Sport Light" (Sport-Leicht), the SL-Class is far from light. This tranny mod, however, makes the car feel quicker and lighter. (I know I'm dealing with an SL400, but it is tuned to around 400hp.) The throttle response reminds me of when I put Pedal Commander on my 2004 SL500. This has been the best performance mod since my engine tune.
While my C350 has always felt a little more agile with 302hp, I'm considering this mod for it, as well.
Last edited by JettaRed; Dec 8, 2023 at 07:09 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I'm really loving this mod. For a non-AMG car, it's like you've added an engine performance tune. Shifts are smoother and quicker. I highly recommend it.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
OK, something is weird here. My '17 has Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ already. While I haven't been able to discern much difference between Eco and Comfort, both Sport and Sport+ are very obviously different from the other settings, as well as from each other...even with transmission behavior. Sport+ is more aggressive than I have any use for in most situations...possibly useful in track-only situations. I don't understand the need for "more" in this case...JMO.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Maybe those modes were standard for the SL450. You have a 9-speed tranny, correct?
For the 7-speed trannies, the Sport+/Agility mode that @BenzNinja enables makes the tranny and pedal feel more responsive. Because of the accelerator pedal characteristics tweaks, all gears feel more responsive, even E. Because the tranny will start in S mode (unless you turn the car off when in E), I stay in S most of the time though I am glad I have Agility (A) mode available. The throttle response reminds me of when I put a Pedal Commander on my 2004 SL500.
For the 7-speed trannies, the Sport+/Agility mode that @BenzNinja enables makes the tranny and pedal feel more responsive. Because of the accelerator pedal characteristics tweaks, all gears feel more responsive, even E. Because the tranny will start in S mode (unless you turn the car off when in E), I stay in S most of the time though I am glad I have Agility (A) mode available. The throttle response reminds me of when I put a Pedal Commander on my 2004 SL500.
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Added this mod to my 2014 C350 today and it breathes life into the engine (actually, just the transmission). It's "kinda" like the responsiveness you get from something like Pedal Commander, but without the reliability issues. And, because it is exposing a factory mode that is "hidden", all of the benefits of a "factory" configuration is there. The other nice part is that you can select Manual mode from the mode selection button. Overall, I highly recommend this mod.
Last edited by JettaRed; Dec 13, 2023 at 01:21 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 563
Likes: 171
From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
