How to Use the Paddle Shifters on the Mercedes-Benz C260L?
3 Answers
Mercedes-Benz C260L paddle shifters usage is as follows: First, press the brake pedal fully, shift into "D" gear, and then push the gear lever to the right. At this point, you can use the "+" and "-" paddle shifters on the steering wheel to shift up or down. Manual mode better suits the driver's habits, allowing gear changes at the appropriate moments. Additional Information: More details about paddle shifters are as follows: 1. The Mercedes-Benz C260L paddle shifters are located below the steering wheel, with one paddle on each side. 2. The left paddle is for downshifting, usually marked with a "-" sign, and the right paddle is for upshifting, usually marked with a "+" sign. 3. While driving, the paddle shifters rotate with the steering wheel, making it convenient to shift up or down.
When I first started driving the Mercedes-Benz C260L, I was curious about how to use those two small buttons behind the steering wheel. Actually, the left one is the downshift paddle, and the right one is the upshift paddle. To activate the manual mode, you need to shift the gear lever from D to M first. While driving, a light press on the paddle allows you to shift gears in real-time—for example, downshifting on an uphill climb gives you more power to ascend easily, and it also makes overtaking quicker. I practiced a few times in an empty lot at first, and after getting familiar with it, I found it offers more freedom than pure automatic transmission. However, don’t drive in manual mode all the time, as the engine will automatically upshift to protect the transmission if the RPM gets too high. Safety reminder: Beginners should practice at low speeds, stay aware of traffic conditions to avoid distractions, and avoid unnecessary paddle shifts in rainy conditions to prevent loss of control. With a bit more practice, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Now, I occasionally use it during long drives to add some extra driving fun.
The paddle shifters on the Mercedes-Benz C260L are very intuitive to operate. Having driven this model for years, I find them quite handy. There are paddles on both sides of the steering wheel - left for downshifting and right for upshifting. After switching to manual mode, you can flick them anytime when precise control is needed, like downshifting to maintain torque on mountain curves or upshifting for extra acceleration during highway overtaking. The system will automatically upshift when the engine RPM approaches the redline to prevent damage. Personally, I often use them during hill climbs/descents or in stop-and-go traffic to improve responsiveness. It's advisable not to rely on them too much in daily driving - occasional use enhances driving pleasure while saving fuel. Checking the connection wires for looseness after tire changes can prolong their lifespan.
