ML Driver Adaptive Tranny - Revisited - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Darkmann · #1 12-15-2002, 12:53 AM

Gilly, you explained to me quite well the theory behind the Ml tranny - the driver adaptive thing. At 9K miles, I have started puching the truck. However, I find that its response to full throttle (when in D) is anemic. I find myself constantly using touch shiftwhen I put the throttle to the floor - pull shift lever to left while "flooring" it!!! Since I am the only one driving the truck, I expected that by now it would know that when I floor it, I mean downshift quickly (to 4 or even 3) then change to a higher gear. i'm obviously missing something. Gilly (or anyone), I would like to have a lot more information on the operational part of this touch shift tranny - I have read the manual and think it's written to let the user adventurize!!! Thanks.

Gilly · #2 12-15-2002, 03:17 PM

The shift points are continuosly adapted, there is no "memory", so don't expect the transmission to "know" what you want it to do by memory.
The adaptation takes into account the gear you have selected (target gear), accelerator position, and the present vehicle speed.
What I have notoiced is that it seems like it will be more willing to downshift if the pedal is moved quickly.
Ohterwise, you can try the "Shift into Optimal Gear" (SOG) function by putting the shifter into the "-" position and holding it there. This should be mentioned in the owners manual in the "driving" section.

Darkmann · #3 12-16-2002, 03:25 PM

Thanks Gilly. Like I mentioned, I use the SOG feature quite often. It just seems like the timeinterval between reac action (flooring) and adaptive action to change shift point is too large, hence a noticeable lag during non SOG shifting operation. Thanks.

Gilly · #4 12-16-2002, 04:52 PM

OK, just be aware that the SOG function involves HOLDING the shift to the minus position, not a normal "touch" shift operation, this is different.
What I have noticed also is that when you accelerate hard, it will react to a rapid pedal movement to the floor vs. a slightly gradual movement to the floor, even though it seems fast enough to you. You may want to try playing with that idea a little bit.

Gilly