Wow...I think there's a learning curve in driving this car!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 389
Likes: 8
From: Louisville, Kentucky
Formerly: 2007 e63; 2012 GL450
Wow...I think there's a learning curve in driving this car!
Today is day 6 with this magnificent beast. I realized today (after the car caught itself during a wheelspin between 2nd and 3rd) that I'm still not feeling entirely proficient driving the car to be getting the maximum out of the car. I'm not talking about shaving tenths of a second off a drag time...I'm talking about just feeling like I'm driving her properly when shifting gears, etc. LOL.
I havent read the owners manual yet (LOL) but am still trying to figure out the car's shift points in the various settings, as well how to use the paddle shifters most effectively. I'm also learning how she handles...its definitely different than a BMW 5 series. Not worse...just a bit different.
One question...if i missed a shift, would the transmission shift up when it hit redline (like those ****ty BMW steptronic trannys) or would it cut the gas...or would it let me burn the engine? Just curious...
Did anyone else have a learning curve to really feel like they're at one with the car?
I havent read the owners manual yet (LOL) but am still trying to figure out the car's shift points in the various settings, as well how to use the paddle shifters most effectively. I'm also learning how she handles...its definitely different than a BMW 5 series. Not worse...just a bit different.
One question...if i missed a shift, would the transmission shift up when it hit redline (like those ****ty BMW steptronic trannys) or would it cut the gas...or would it let me burn the engine? Just curious...
Did anyone else have a learning curve to really feel like they're at one with the car?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 17
From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
If you are in S or C, the tranny will up shift regardless of the gear you have selected. The fastest way to 60MPH is in S with 1st gear manually selected so it will not up shift early.
If you are in M it will let you hit the rev limiter. The Rev limiter is like a brick wall.
It is also possible, depending on the software version, that if you select 1 or 2 in S or C, hold the revs at say 4000 and then floor it, the tranny will not shift fast enough to catch it before the rev limiter. I had this problem and now it is mostly gone.
If you are in M it will let you hit the rev limiter. The Rev limiter is like a brick wall.
It is also possible, depending on the software version, that if you select 1 or 2 in S or C, hold the revs at say 4000 and then floor it, the tranny will not shift fast enough to catch it before the rev limiter. I had this problem and now it is mostly gone.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 796
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh NC
2007 E63, 2006 C55
RE: E63 Driving
The best way to get acclimated is seat time driving.
IMO this car, mine at any rate, is happiest in S mode letting the transmission do it's shifting. I have found the paddles to be cool but more work than they are worth for WOT 1-2 and 2-3 shifts as it is hard to avoid hitting the limiter and getting consistent runs. The limiter will kick in at around 7000, you won't hurt anything if you hit it as it shuts fuel off.
The transmission will adapt to your driving style, mine is well trained to shift 1-2 at 6500 RPM or better and 2-3 at 7000. When I get caught in traffic, I always put it in C mode.
I generally run my suspension in sport 1 mode, II is great for cornering but rides a little harsh, comfort is for when I take the wife out for dinner.
Mine is also quite sensative to tire pressure, I run 37 psi front/36 rear cold this time of year, dropping to 36 all around in Winter. Also, WOT 1st gear traction may be a bit of a challenge below 50 degrees outside, I've learned to feather 1st to compensate.
Enjoy the car, it only gets better as you get to know each other better.
IMO this car, mine at any rate, is happiest in S mode letting the transmission do it's shifting. I have found the paddles to be cool but more work than they are worth for WOT 1-2 and 2-3 shifts as it is hard to avoid hitting the limiter and getting consistent runs. The limiter will kick in at around 7000, you won't hurt anything if you hit it as it shuts fuel off.
The transmission will adapt to your driving style, mine is well trained to shift 1-2 at 6500 RPM or better and 2-3 at 7000. When I get caught in traffic, I always put it in C mode.
I generally run my suspension in sport 1 mode, II is great for cornering but rides a little harsh, comfort is for when I take the wife out for dinner.
Mine is also quite sensative to tire pressure, I run 37 psi front/36 rear cold this time of year, dropping to 36 all around in Winter. Also, WOT 1st gear traction may be a bit of a challenge below 50 degrees outside, I've learned to feather 1st to compensate.
Enjoy the car, it only gets better as you get to know each other better.
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Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 270
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From: Far Northern Chicago 'burbs
2011 Ford Raptor, 2003 FX35, 2008 E63 AMG (Gone but not forgotten)
So I've had my '08 E63 for a couple months now and I had the same issue as lawguy. I had to learn where it would downshift compared to my skinny peddle position and so one. I was having the problem that I would mash the gas to pass, and it would down shift 3-4 gears and snap my head back. So a simple highway pass turned into a 3MPG screamer to 100 MPH! I've since learned that I just need a little and this thing passes with little to no effort, and no one has neck stiffness the next day.
I can honestly say, I have NO regrets buying this car. The AC is a little weak IMHO, but besides that, I love this car. Let's see if I have the same opinion when it's all done with it's warranties!
I can honestly say, I have NO regrets buying this car. The AC is a little weak IMHO, but besides that, I love this car. Let's see if I have the same opinion when it's all done with it's warranties!
