CLS Paddle shifters - which models 2005-2010?

[hillwalker]

Can anyone give me a rundown of which models of the orginal CLS had proper manual mode and paddle shifters, and/or whether this was a factory option? What about the Grand Edition?

Looking at used car descriptions, this very rarely (if ever) gets a mention.

Also, can anyone give an overview of the different drive modes?

I'm seriously considering this car but am apprehensive about getting an automatic - it seems to me that full manual gear shift would be a must-have for driving pleasure..?

[kevinpsw]

AMG has them. 5 speed on 55 and 7 on 63. Don't know about the others. I have 63 but rarely play with them as auto is good enough in sport mode.

[muckymotor]

I've paid a deposit on a 2008 cls320 today which has them. No mention of the paddles in the advertisement so it was a nice bonus to see them, not sure if they will get much use though but certainly not complaining.

[jsmjsm]

I have a grand edition that has paddles. Use them for overtaking as pull and hold makes it drop multiple gears to find the best gear for acceleration on its own.

Nice option

[Nickellese]

Worth mentioning that the pre-face lift cars that had the steering wheel shifters had buttons on the back of the wheel as opposed to the facelift cars that had paddles.

I had the buttons on my cls 55 and always wanted to swap the wheel for paddles!

Edited to add - With the CLS and now my C63 I always use the paddles when I'm out for a quick drive because I can hold on to the gears through the twisties. Having the option to drop it into auto for the rest of the time whilst sat in traffic is a bonus!

Edited by Nickellese on Tuesday 10th December 09:25

[hillwalker]

Thanks for the answers! Sounds like it was an option on the basic models, and included in the higher spec levels.

Also sounds like it's definitely worth having, so I'll make a point of asking before viewing any cars.

Any other tips for a used purchase?

Thanks