2016 RS7 - Manual mode from S and D

**Shawn_K** · 04-19-2016 07:00 AM

So, this is an interesting discovery I just made the other day. It's probably in the owner's manual which I just skimmed.

I never realized that entering manual mode from regular drive mode is different than entering manual mode from sport mode. Too bad there isn't a quick way to switch manual modes (I switch back into auto and then pull down on the drive selector, then go back into manual).

That's it. Took me a couple months to realize this. Thought perhaps others might not know.

All the best!

**maloof66** · 04-20-2016 05:54 AM

Originally Posted by Shawn_K

So, this is an interesting discovery I just made the other day. It's probably in the owner's manual which I just skimmed.

I never realized that entering manual mode from regular drive mode is different than entering manual mode from sport mode. Too bad there isn't a quick way to switch manual modes (I switch back into auto and then pull down on the drive selector, then go back into manual).

That's it. Took me a couple months to realize this. Thought perhaps others might not know.

All the best!

Can you describe exactly what is the difference between the two choices? thx

**Unleaded20T** · 04-20-2016 06:39 AM

i think the difference is when you shift to S from the gear lever, you put the trans and changes the ECU mapping for the engine.

When you select from the MMI menu, not only it adjust the Trans and ECU but also the steering and suspension.

**Shawn_K** · 04-20-2016 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by maloof66

Can you describe exactly what is the difference between the two choices? thx

The obvious difference I've noticed is when going from regular D mode to manual, the exhaust is quiet and it doesn't do the burbling and popping when letting off the gas. When shifting to manual from S mode, the exhaust is loud and does the burbling and popping.

There may be other differences as well.

I always drive the car in Dynamic mode and shift to Sport mode from time-to-time (still in auto). The reason I discovered the difference was that at one point I was in Dynamic, but non-Sport mode and shifted into manual. The exhaust stayed quiet as it does in regular D mode and I never really thought anything of it (even though the car was in Dynamic). But, when I switched out of manual mode and went into S mode, the exhaust got loud and stayed loud even when switching to manual.

On the R8 forum, one member was saying that his S-Tronic R8 shows M1, M2, M3, etc. when he is in regular D mode in manual. When he shifts to manual from S mode his car shows M1S, M2S, M3S, etc. Too bad our cars don't do this (or is there a VAG-COM setting that perhaps enables this?).

**S4Per** · 04-20-2016 10:13 AM

@Superswiss dug into understanding the manual on this one and posted more details here. The core excerpt:

"Yes, there is. Manual mode just deactivates the automatic shift mode, but the throttle map and shift speeds are determined by whether you came from D or S. S = Dynamic as far as the transmission and engine is concerned. D/S overrides the engine/transmission setting in Drive Select. So for example if you have Drive Select in Dynamic, but the transmission is in D, then everything is Dynamic, except the transmission and engine are in Comfort/Auto. Or if Drive Select is in Comfort, but the transmission is in S, then everything is in Comfort, but the transmission and engine are in Dynamic. "

**Superdad** · 04-20-2016 08:28 PM

thank you for clearing that up. I usually leave mine in dynamic mode and switch to M when i want to fly like an eagle........... but when im on the highway i shift to comfort mode to improve gas mileage does it make a big difference? i personally dont think the ride is much smoother

**Superdad** · 04-20-2016 08:30 PM

you have an rs7 and r8?? which do you prefer driving? what color are they?

**Shawn_K** · 04-22-2016 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by Superdad

you have an rs7 and r8?? which do you prefer driving? what color are they?

The RS7 is Daytona Grey Pearl, the R8 is light silver, can't remember the name, Ice Silver Metallic perhaps?

It's hard to say which I prefer to drive. They are both so different. The R8 is more of an event, definitely more special. But, the RS7 is a pleasure to drive and in nearly every instance, faster than the R8. The R8 is not a light car, but compared to the RS7 it corners and handles so much better. I have the DRC suspension on the RS7 so it's about as good as it can get for a big car. I've only had the RS7 for a short time but I'm really enjoying it, and it's generally the car I pick to drive given the choice. And, that's the way I prefer it. I tend to drive the R8 very little in order to keep it feeling special.

**Superdad** · 04-24-2016 08:43 PM

You are a lucky man I used to have a 2000 911 conv prior to getting my RS7 which handled like a dream but it got old w problems so I sold that and my infiniti for the RS7 which I just got in December. I was talked out of the drc suspension as I was told that the ride would be too rough for a guy w a bad back but i now regret it. The car is still spectacular as i call it a muscle car wrapped in a tuxedo. If you ever come to NJ let me know and we can compare notes. all the best!!

**Kodachrome** · 12-01-2018 07:54 PM

Thanks for this, I did not realize you could do that and like the option.

I found this when searching for something else though and that is unlike my other cars, I found out that my RS7 does not auto upshift when hitting the rev limiter in manual. It was not intentional so it surprised me a bit when it bounced a few times, just want to make sure this is normal.

Not a big deal just a new thing for me to be aware of and if anything, it is good to know in order to play in the powerband.

**ewilliams1570** · 12-02-2018 05:23 PM

Originally Posted by Shawn_K

The RS7 is Daytona Grey Pearl, the R8 is light silver, can't remember the name, Ice Silver Metallic perhaps?

It's hard to say which I prefer to drive. They are both so different. The R8 is more of an event, definitely more special. But, the RS7 is a pleasure to drive and in nearly every instance, faster than the R8. The R8 is not a light car, but compared to the RS7 it corners and handles so much better. I have the DRC suspension on the RS7 so it's about as good as it can get for a big car. I've only had the RS7 for a short time but I'm really enjoying it, and it's generally the car I pick to drive given the choice. And, that's the way I prefer it. I tend to drive the R8 very little in order to keep it feeling special.

Nice combo! I’ve got a S7 and R8 as well. S7 is just such a great daily driver, then having the R8 option when I want to row gears and hear the V10 scream is a fun option.

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**Helios Black** · 12-02-2018 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by Kodachrome

Thanks for this, I did not realize you could do that and like the option.

I found this when searching for something else though and that is unlike my other cars, I found out that my RS7 does not auto upshift when hitting the rev limiter in manual. It was not intentional so it surprised me a bit when it bounced a few times, just want to make sure this is normal.

Not a big deal just a new thing for me to be aware of and if anything, it is good to know in order to play in the powerband.

Normal. The manual states that in RS cars the transmission will not auto upshift for you, only auto downshift. Same in the RS3, and RS5 also.

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