Sport handling mode?

caug · Sep 17, 2019

Hello,
Do anyone know what exactly this button do?
its located to the left of hazards button red triangle.
when pressed sport in orange shows up and sport handling mode sign in white.
i noticed a little longer gears switches when driving in C.
Really just want to know actual purpose of this silliness.
THanks,
C

Whiterabbitt · Sep 17, 2019

Level 1 traction control off. Level 2 is if you hold the button down for 3 seconds. level three is dyno mode. If you just set Level 2, you still can't dyno reliably, ask me how I know.

stage 1 I believe softens ESP but not eliminate. reduces torque less when it senses instability and generally (I believe, check me) increases torque at the rear wheels. It is also needed to enable race start.

stage 2 should turn off ESP entirely. I know for a fact this does not leave the car in AWD-only.

In either case, pressing the brake re-enables all ESP functions while the brake is depressed. Even in SPORT mode.

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There may be follow-on effects to the ABS and BAS systems as well. Generally speaking, the systems it does or may affect are: ABS, BAS, torque vector, and ESP.

caug · Sep 17, 2019

THanks!
Is level1 is also stage 1 in your reply?
also, to get to dyno mode is totally different way i know.
How do you do level 3 the dyno mode your way?
THanks,C

Whiterabbitt · Sep 17, 2019

I used stage and level interchangeably, I probably shouldn’t have done that.

You can find instructions on how to get to dyno mode on youtube. I can’t remember the sequence. It’s one button on each side of the steering wheel though, and the timing is really tight. So keep at it until you get to the menu.

I have never driven on dyno mode.

I have never driven in level 2 ESP-off either. I’ve only just learned about it.

I have heard, though I wouldn’t know, that Mercedes ESP is the only ESP worth a darn when driving “spiritedly”, that it can actually keep you out of trouble, rather than the typical traction control systems for other manufacturers designed for normal driving conditions.

I found one online document that states Mercedes actually recommends sport mode for driving in snow. I also don’t know if that recommendation is really true.

Anyways, until I get more experience and training on a track, I personally am satisfied to simply use sport mode.

More details on all this are available via google search

32506 · Sep 20, 2019

Snow or any other slippery surface where you want max traction should be ESP OFF & Manual Mode. This doesn't actually affect the 4-wheel drive system. It shuts off all the digital trickery because MB gets it's traction by braking certain wheels under certain conditions. In snow, for example, we want all the wheels spinning equally all the times if it had a locking differential.

SPORT is a MUST for any type of track or canyon driving. I have tested it in the mountains, and I can tell you that driving fast with ESP in regular mode is a BAD PLAN.

Personally I find the MB set up a little counter intuitive. To me ESP full on should be the safest, most nannies, can't ever get into trouble mode. In reality the system can be intrusive to the point of decreasing handling dynamics and safety.

caug · Sep 17, 2019

I got the dyno mode under control.
all i care is about the function of that button to the left of red triangle.
C

Whiterabbitt · Sep 17, 2019

https://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/13/mercedes-benz-a45-amg-shows-up-to-fight-the-hottest-hatches/

Text search ESP

http://www.mercedesmedic.com/what-is-the-esp-light-on-a-mercedes-benz/

ESP overview

Harder to find specific links between esp and abs etc when deactivated. Looks like all systems reengage when you hit the brakes tho

David Jean · Sep 18, 2019

Sport Handling only allow a bit of slipping and a bit of drifting.

Doesn't give more power to the rear wheel or anything like that. It only change it when Race Start is activated.

Andy P · Sep 21, 2019

Yep as others have said , sport handling mode is especially great for the following:
a. allows slip of the wheels to allow the car to power slide for a few seconds. it is very gradual in allowing your car to slip out of it's natural cornering axis and then brings it back in line gradually. almost makes you look like a pro driver ! remember with all power slides though to counter steer into the slide and control it with throttle input and dont hit the brakes for a good quality slide
note also that sport handling may affect your steering weight, engine throttle response and holding revs higher so your car turbos are spooled and ready ! (it does on my c63s , cant remember on the gla 45)

b. on the newer 45 models from 2017 at least (the one I used to own) , no need to turn sport handling mode for launch control but if you want a more interesting launch (and faster launch) then press this button ! btw all you needed for launch control was the car to be in sport mode

c. as mentioned , for driving in snow , this does make the drive better as it allows controlled wheel spin , but prevents you spinning your car around.

d. I swapped my gla 45 for a c63s wagon and sport handling mode on that car is a completely different prospect! the 45 I could go around corners and all 4 wheels would spin and it was too easy to do power slides , on the 63 , the rear end slips out a **** of a lot with no effort at all on the gas pedal!

Sport handling mode?

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