How to Change Gears in Mercedes Automatic? Full Guide to Tranny Use

If you recently bought a new Mercedes Benz or are planning to buy one, then you will need a few lessons on how to operate it. Well, if you are a seasoned driver, you might say there is nothing to learn but wait until you meet the new Mercedes Benz paddle shifters.

Proper use of transmission highlights

• Level of importance:High
• Time interval:Always
• Needed expertise:Basic
• Needed tools:No tools
• Time taken:No time needed
• Possible issues:Transmission failing, parking pawl damage, overheating of the gearbox, issues with torque converter, problems with overloading.

Understanding paddle shifters in Mercedes automatic

In the 1990s, supercars and sports cars such as Ferrari were donned with paddle shifters which were located behind the steering wheel spokes. Over time, the technology and design of the paddle shifters changed, and this allowed the luxury car makers such as Mercedes, Audi, and BMW, among others, to enter into the fray.

The paddle shifters in the Mercedes Benz are located behind the steering wheel and allow the driver to change gears when driving. However, mastering how to use these paddles is not essential, as your car will still drive perfectly without you touching them.

Unlike the old manual transmission, the gear paddles in an automatic car do not require to be used alongside a clutch. This means there is no clutch to engage when shifting the gears. Another thing to note is that all the gear knobs and paddles are optional, and many drivers who are used to automatic cars will skip them and still enjoy their Mercedes Benz.

In the more premium models, such as the GLEs, SUVs, AMGs, and GLCs, a dedicated 'M' (manual) button is present. A driver who wishes to drive their Mercedes fully manually will only be required to push the 'M' button. In the other models, a driver can engage a gear as they wish, but the transmission will shift to automatic if they forget or delay in engaging the next gear. But you can put the car in full manual mode by selecting the M on the dashboard.

How to change gears in automatic Mercedes

The manual gear shifting in your Mercedes allows quick acceleration on demand, higher efficiency on the open road, and more engagement for the driver. Depending on the model, there are various gear selectors to be found on either the console or the steering wheel. In all models, you need to step on the brake to shift out of the park.

For the gear selector on the steering wheel, you will find two pedals on the left side of the steering wheel and one on the right. The right side pedal has a small plus sign, while the one on the left has a minus sign. As the signs suggest, the left pedal is for downshifting, and the one on the right is for upshifting.

Your Mercedes can have a direct select electronic lever on the steering wheel. With this lever to shift from park to drive, you will need to push the lever down and pass the point of resistance. To shift to reverse, push the lever up and pass the point of resistance. The reverse camera will also be activated. Putting the car to neutral from reverse or the drive mode requires you to push the lever down or up until you reach the point of resistance.

To park your car, press the silver button on the tip of the lever. If you open the door, the parking brake automatically engages. However, Mercedes advise on the manual engagement of the parking gear every time you park your car. The parking brake will automatically release when you enter the car and engage a gear, whether R or D.

For some AMG models, the shift selector on the console works the same way as the select lever on the steering. For the models with leather-trimmed gear selectors in the console, you will need to move the gear through a gated or guided path. To shift from P to R, move the selector slightly to the right and pull towards R. Pull the shifter as pull it to the left to engage N. Shifting to D only requires a pull towards D. When the shifter is in D, and you want to shift a gear up, tap the shifter to the right and to the left when downshifting.

Most Mercedes Benz models come with shift paddles located behind the steering wheel spokes. The location of these two paddles allows the driver to shift gears without moving their hands away from the steering wheel. When pulled, the paddle on the right side with a plus sign selects the next higher gear. The paddle on the left selects the next lower gear when pulled.

Whenever you select a gear using the paddles, the gear number you shift to appears on the dash, and the letter D will disappear. Because you have now told the transmission you want to select the gears yourself, a letter M (manual) will appear on the dash.

If the car is in manual mode and you delay selecting the next correct gear, the vehicle will automatically select the right gear but will still remain in manual mode. This happens when you move too slowly or quickly for a selected gear.

The manual mode is important to master when you want to accelerate quickly or when you want to use engine braking when going downhill. The manual mode also comes in handy in snow or muddy slippery roads.

The manual mode will disengage back to automatic mode when you fail to touch the paddles for several seconds. However, this shift will not happen when you are in a curve or going downhill and intend to use engine braking.

When you want to resume automatic mode, all you do is hold the plus paddle and squeeze for about a second, and the D will appear on the dash beside the gear number the car is in.

Important tips on how to use manual mode

• The car will remain in manual mode even if you fail to properly select gears if you have pushed the M button or selected the manual mode on the dashboard.
• The vehicle will not move if you select any other gear than the first and the second. For example, the transmission won't go into the third gear if the vehicle is stationary.
• The transmission will not respond when you pull both paddles simultaneously. There will be no response also when you pull one pedal and try to engage the other one.
• The transmission will also not respond when you try to downshift before the upper limit of RPMs of the lower gear is reached. The same case applied when upshifting.
• When driving on the highway and you want to pass, but the car is not in the right gear, press and squeeze the minus paddle for about a second, and the D will disappear from the dash. You can then upshift to the right gear using the plus paddle. You can then hold and squeeze the plus button for automatic mode to resume.
• When you pack the car, the next time you start the engine, the car will be in standard mode, which is denoted as either E (eco) or C (controlled efficiency). This model is designed for fuel economy and shift comfort. Whenever you step on the accelerator hand when the car is in Eco mode, the car shifts to Sport mode.
• When changing the gears, especially to higher gears, you shouldn't remove your foot on the accelerator. When downshifting, especially because you are likely slowing to a stop, you can remove your foot from the accelerator and ever depress the brake pedal.

Advantages of having the manual gear change in Mercedes

• As stated earlier, the ability to manually shift to the gear you want enhances your Mercedes Benz experience.
• The manual mode comes in handy when you are in tricky situations such as snow or mud.
• When you properly use the manual mode, you will save a lot on brake pads and other parts.
• When you want to pass, and the gear the car is in is not sufficient to allow you to do the maneuver, the manual mode will come in handy. This feature makes your car more capable and efficient.
• This feature adds to the elegance and allure of the Mercedes Benz.

Conclusion

The change of gear in Mercedes automatic cars is a great feature that strives to put the Mercedes-Benz brand ahead of the pack. Many drivers ignore the fun and effectiveness of applying these cool features adorned on their Mercedes. By reading this guide and tips, you learn how to enjoy your drive to the countryside in your Mercedes-Benz fully. The cool thing about the manual gear change in your automatic Mercedes is that there is no clutch to worry about.