Originally Posted by
ncarter
I just got a 2004 coupe,6speed manual...and just joined this forum. Am I just imaging this or does the car have an issue? The first gear seams way too low. Yes, I test drove the car at the dealership, with the salesman sitting in the passenger seat, so I drove sorta normal-like. After giving the car its first treatment with Militec I tried putting my foot into it and way before the redline it dropped RPM`s with my foot still on the gas. I assume there is some sort of rev-limiter..?..but shutting down..I just do not understand it ? First gear is like my old Dodge truck..it has a "granny" gear that is only good for pulling tree stumps. If I treat it real gentle, I`m still forced to shift in less than 2 seconds. Any thoughts, advice, or criticism is welcome.
Welcome to the forum.
It sounds like your rev limiter is kicking in early. Are you sure it's not actually at red line? It gets there in the wink of an eye.
I purchased my 04 brand new, and the "limp mode" would kick in every time the rear wheels would break traction the slightest little bit. I assumed my car had an overly sensitive TC, but after living with it for 3 years, I finally disconnected the TC at the main fuse box. On the 04's you can do that and it doesn't have any effect on your brake lights. But you do lose your traction control, and your antilock brakes.
I'm not suggesting ANYBODY do this, I'm only telling you what worked for me. I never drive my XF in the winter, and seldom in the rain. I've never been a big fan of antilock brakes, so I don't miss that feature. Since I don't have an SRT, traction has never been a problem either.
Don't sweat the low 1st. gear, you will get use to it.
Changing the gear ratio is a really big deal on these cars. Nobody makes aftermarket ring and pinions, and it's a reprograming nightmare.
Mercedes only installs "automatics" on it's most powerful engines.
Enjoy