Automatic Transmission (AT), Drive Programs - GF27.10-P-0001-06ANI
Transmission 725.0 in model 253
View of multifunction display (A1p13) transmission 725.004/008/011/041/044/048/054/058
View of multifunction display (A1p13) warm-up menu, transmission 725.096
Transmission mode display
The transmission mode display shows the driver the transmission mode:
- Transmission mode "C" (Comfort)
- Transmission mode "E" (Economy)
- Transmission mode "I" (Individual)
- Transmission mode "S" (Sport)
- Transmission mode "S+" (Sport Plus)
- Drive program "RACE" (model 253.389/989)
Gear indicator
The gear indicator shows the driver the selector lever position "D", "R", "N", "P" and the gear "D1", "D2", "D3", "D4", "D5", "D6", "D7", "D8", "D9".
Selector lever positions
- "P" Park position with park pawl
- "R" Reverse gear
- "N" Neutral
- "D" Drive position
Four different drive ranges can be selected using the DIRECT SELECT lever (S16/13) and five different drive programs can be selected using the DYNAMIC SELECT switch (N72/4s11).
View of center console (with code 430 (Off-road package)) transmission 725.004/008/011/041/044/045/048/054/058
View of lower control panel (with code 448 (Touchpad)) transmission 725.096
DYNAMIC SELECT switch
The following transmission modes can be selected:
Transmission mode "E" (Economy)
The "E" (Economy) drive program has the following properties:
- The vehicle demonstrates road performance that provides for particularly ideal fuel consumption.
- The vehicle starts off forward and backward much smoother (except when at full throttle).
- The vehicle exhibits improved driving stability e.g. on slippery road surfaces.
- Optimum fuel consumption due to earlier shift points of automatic transmission. The vehicle is driven in lower rpm ranges and wheel spinning does not occur as easily.
- When the accelerator is released, the internal combustion engine is decoupled from the drivetrain. The vehicle uses the kinetic energy and consumes less fuel (coasting function in drive range "D").
- The cooling and heating outputs in the A/C system are reduced.
Transmission mode "C" (Comfort)
Drive program "C" (Comfort) has the following properties:
- The vehicles demonstrates comfortable road performance that provides for optimum fuel consumption.
- The vehicle starts off forward and backward much smoother (except when at full throttle).
- The automatic transmission shifts up later.
Drive program "RACE" (model 253.389/989)
Drive program "RACE" has the following properties:
- The vehicle exhibits handling characteristics suitable for the race track.
- The vehicle systems are all designed for maximum sportiness.
- The vehicle drives off in 1st. gear.
- If the manual shifting mode is selected, each selected gear remains engaged until the vehicle is strongly accelerated or braked.
The RACE START function can be activated in the "S", "S+" or "Race" transmission modes.
The RACE START function may not be used in normal road operation. RACE START may only be activated and used on cordoned-off race circuits that are away from public road traffic.
Transmission mode "I" (Individual)
Drive program "I" (Individual) is used for the individual setting of several parameters. When the switch is moved to the "I*" position, the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8) shows a display from which the driver can access the customization menu. The following drive transmission modes are to be selected:
- Transmission mode "C" (Comfort)
- Transmission mode "E" (Economy)
- The vehicle exhibits improved driving stability e.g. on slippery road surfaces.
- Optimum fuel consumption due to earlier shift points of automatic transmission. The vehicle is driven in lower rpm ranges and wheel spinning does not occur as easily.
Transmission mode "S" (Sport)
Drive program "S" (Sport) has the following properties:
- The vehicle demonstrates a sporty road performance.
- The vehicle drives off in 1st. gear.
- The automatic transmission shifts up later.
Transmission mode "S+" (Sport Plus)
Drive program "S+" (Sport Plus) has the following properties:
- The vehicle demonstrates a sporty road performance.
- The vehicle drives off in 1st. gear.
- Transmission mode "S" (Sport)
- Transmission mode "S+" (Sport Plus)
- Drive program "RACE" (model 253.389/989)
Drive program "S" (Sport) or drive program "S+" (Sport Plus):
- Starting off in 1st gear for all driving situations. Upshifting takes place in a manner that provides for optimum acceleration in a higher rpm range ("S" sporty handling characteristics, "S+" particularly sporty handling characteristics).
Extend and limit shift range (transmission mode "E", "S" and "S+")
The shift range of transmission control is extended or limited by pressing the steering wheel upshift button (S111/1) or the steering wheel downshift button (S110/1) respectively.
If the steering wheel upshift button is pressed and held, the transmission control switches to gear range "D".
If the steering wheel downshift button is pressed and held, the transmission control switches to a shift range from which the vehicle can best be accelerated or decelerated.
In case of a limited shift range, the transmission control performs upshifts close to the maximum governed engine speed.
Short-term M program
The short-term M mode is a temporary mode that is activated when the steering wheel gearshift buttons are operated. When one of the steering wheel gearshift buttons is operated, the transmission control switches up or down a gear, if it is allowed. If not, the current gear is maintained. After a specified time window, the short-term M mode is deactivated. The time window can be extended by undershooting a minimum speed (e.g. stopping), upon recognition of a lateral acceleration or if the vehicle is in overrun mode. After this time window has elapsed, a switch is made back to the initial shift program. The driver can prematurely end the short-term M program through specific actions, e.g. if he presses and holds the steering wheel upshift button, changes the drive range or changes the drive program. In this case, a switch is made to the initial shift program.
Permanent M-program setting
The M-program is activated when the manual shifting mode button is operated. Upon pressing the steering wheel gearshift buttons, the transmission control upshifts or downshifts if this is allowed. If not, the current gear is maintained.
If the permanent setting is activated, the automatic transmission does not automatically perform an upshift even when the engine's maximum governed rpm is reached.
Off-road programs (with code 430 (Off-road package))
If the On-road/Off-road menu button is operated, the Off-road menu is shown on the audio/COMAND display. Turning the audio/COMAND controller enables the following off-road programs to be selected in addition to the above-mentioned basic shift program:
View of "Smooth" off-road program in the audio/COMAND display
Optimized handling characteristics on firm, but slick surface (e.g. rain) or snow-covered roads.
Properties of "Smooth" off-road program:
- The automatic transmission is tuned to comfortable.
- Manual shift not available.
- The Downhill Speed Regulation function is not available.
- Suspension tuning set to "normal level" with Comfort "C" damper setting (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL))
- Drive control thresholds are lowered.
- Engine torque control with more sensitive setting.
- "Smooth" off-road program active when driving straight ahead and cornering.
View of "Off-road" off-road program in the audio/COMAND display
In this transmission mode, all the settings for use in light terrain (e.g. track) are adapted.
Properties of "Off-road" off-road program:
- Optimized handling characteristics for light terrain.
- Flat accelerator pedal curve is active.
- The automatic transmission is tuned to comfortable and off-road compatible.
- Manual shift not available.
- Maximum traction control
- The Downhill Speed Regulation function is not available.
- Suspension tuning, the vehicle is raised by 15 mm (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL)) or by 30 mm (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL) and code 494 (USA version)) compared with the normal level.
- Comfort "C" damper setting.
View of "Rock vehicle free" off-road program in audio/COMAND display (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL))
Particularly suited for off-road handling characteristics, e.g. for stuck vehicle. This transmission mode enables the vehicle to be freed with high slip and vehicle level.
Properties "Rock vehicle free" off-road program:
- Flat accelerator pedal curve is active.
- The automatic transmission is tuned to off-roadable.
- Manual shift not available.
- Suspension tuning, the vehicle is raised by 50 mm compared with the normal level.
- Comfort "C" damper setting.
View of "Gradient" off-road program in the audio/COMAND display
Handling characteristics designed particularly for steep terrain. The Gradient transmission mode is designed to enable steep gradients to be driven on.
Properties of "Gradient" off-road program:
- Flat accelerator pedal curve is active.
- The automatic transmission is tuned to comfortable and off-road compatible.
- Manual shifting through operation of manual shifting mode button (N72/4s12) available.
- The Downhill Speed Regulation function is available.
- Suspension tuning, the vehicle is raised by 15 mm (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL)) or by 30 mm (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL) and code 494 (USA version)) compared with the normal level.
- Comfort "C" damper setting.
- Automatic activation of DSR.
View of "Trailer" off-road program in the audio/COMAND display
For optimized handling characteristics when driving with a trailer, to enable a trailer to be maneuvered under more difficult conditions (e.g. wet meadow or slipway for boats).
Properties of "Trailer" off-road program:
- Flat accelerator pedal curve is active.
- The automatic transmission is tuned to off-roadable.
- Manual shift not available.
- The Downhill Speed Regulation function is not available.
- Suspension tuning at "normal level" (with code 489 (AIR BODY CONTROL)).
- Comfort "C" damper setting.
- Specially tuned ESP® activated for driving with a trailer.
Switch off off-road program in the audio/COMAND display
The "OFF" position can be used to switch off the previously selected off-road program. The standard drive program Comfort "C" is then active.