SL-Class (R231) 2013 on: Discussion on the SL550

SL/R231: Issues Keeping it in Sport Mode?

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Old Nov 25, 2024 | 09:01 PM
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2013 SL550
Issues Keeping it in Sport Mode?

For some reason I've been keeping my SL in sport mode lately, even when puttering around town. It just makes for a livelier, peppier drive. Not sure why I've started doing this now after owning the car for several years. My question is, how much, if any, extra stress does it put on the car/engine? Anyone else do this? I'm not talking about peeling out at every stoplight, just every day driving with a bit more zip. Hope this doesn't sound like a silly question...I have a 2013 with 28,000 miles.
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Old Nov 26, 2024 | 05:29 AM
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No issues whatsoever keeping the car in Sport mode.

They're meant to be driven.

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Old Nov 26, 2024 | 07:52 AM
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I've always considered Sport and Agility/Sport+ modes to actually be easier on the engine and transmission since there is less low-speed load on the engine. Kinda like riding a bicycle up hill in 1st gear versus 24th gear. The engine gets to operating temperature quicker in Sport mode than Economy/Comfort mode, another good thing for the engine. Low-speed Pre-ignition (LSPI) is also more likely at low speeds in taller gears as the engine may tend to lug a bit. You'll never feel it because knock sensors will try to prevent knocking, but operating at a higher engine speed will avoid the risk.

Last edited by JettaRed; Nov 27, 2024 at 08:58 AM.
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Old Nov 27, 2024 | 08:44 AM
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2014 R231 SL63 P30 package 2018 B7
The only time I use comfort mode is when I'm in traffic, evidently AMG P30 cars is not happy until sport or sport + is activated the pedal response is much more aggressive. It won't hurt the engine It's made to run strong; my MB mechanic all way says take the car out on an open highway at least once a month and air the engine out to keep her heathy, do not let the car sit in the garage for a long period of time.
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Old Nov 27, 2024 | 01:17 PM
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Anyone ever done a comparison of gas mileage using Sport vs Comfort? I'm not very concerned as I don't drive the SL daily, just curious.
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Old Nov 28, 2024 | 12:04 AM
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2014 sl550
i coded mine for everything to start in sport mode, no issues in 4 years 16k miles
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Old Nov 29, 2024 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by rmorin49
Anyone ever done a comparison of gas mileage using Sport vs Comfort? I'm not very concerned as I don't drive the SL daily, just curious.
A good indicator if there is any potential fuel economy benefit would be testing at a highway cruising speed.

At 75-80 mph, toggle from Sport to Comfort and observe if the engine speed is reduced.

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Old Nov 29, 2024 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by toi
i coded mine for everything to start in sport mode, no issues in 4 years 16k miles
I've been driving my SL550 2019 for about 5 years (leased it new and then bought it after the lease). Mostly in the Sport+ mode. While I don't have to commute, I drive it almost every day and as I live up in the mountains, 2 miles up and down on the steep winding mountain road. I usually use the 2nd gear driving down hill. Do you see any issues using Sport+ on that type of the road? And how exactly did you code the Sport mode by default? I have to switch to it every time
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Old Nov 29, 2024 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by yrabover
I've been driving my SL550 2019 for about 5 years (leased it new and then bought it after the lease). Mostly in the Sport+ mode. While I don't have to commute, I drive it almost every day and as I live up in the mountains, 2 miles up and down on the steep winding mountain road. I usually use the 2nd gear driving down hill. Do you see any issues using Sport+ on that type of the road? And how exactly did you code the Sport mode by default? I have to switch to it every time
@BenzNinja can code it for you. Reach out to him at info@benzninja.com
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Old Dec 5, 2024 | 10:52 PM
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2014 sl550
my 14 sl550 dont have s+ mode,

coding was to make the car start in S mode for transmission and eco mode off pretty much.

here is a link to my tread regarding to this

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...here-they.html
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