ZF 8-Speed is Best Auto Trans.

My 2020 R/T in 'sport mode' eliminates the MDS from activating. I use it frequently, and 'manual' mode also eliminates it. I'm sure the 2022 is the same way. I rarely find myself driving when MDS activates. When I forget, I'll feel it immediately and switch to manual or sport mode. I'm really getting used to it as time passes. No big deal.

 

My 2015 RT Plus does the same, it eliminates MDS in Sport mode and manual. I'm doing the exact opposite. I've been trying to keep mine in MDS as much as possible to see how much better the gas mileage is in 4 cylinder mode. (not a real concern, but with the price of gas well over $5.00/gal, it should save me some bucks.)

And it has really paid off! For all the screwing around I did, the difference in gas mileage using MDS went up 0.2 MPG. WHOOPIE!! Back to Sport mode and having a smile on my face!

 

Well then that says it all. 0.2 MPG isn't worth it. Especially if it causes pre-mature engine wear..
I don't know what the default is when you turn off the car then turn it on again but if it's in that ECHO mode just change it to "Sport" or "manual" mode and it is as simple as that.

Now here is another question if you have it in the other modes like sport or track does this put extra strain on the A8 auto transmission since there is more demand on it and different/ harder shifts?
I am just wondering what mode would put the least amount of wear on affected components?

 

So this means if you are in that ECO mode you will hear and feel the difference running on 4 cylinders than all 8. I can see how this can become a problem in the long run in regards to engine wear. I have heard that it sounds horrible.

 

No......not all years will lose MDS when in sport mode......

 

It is HORRIBLE!! I really dislike it. It reminds me of 'lugging', a sound and feel I learned about when I had a 6 speed in my air cooled 911. You had to keep the RPM's up or the engine would 'lug'. This MDS feels and sounds the same. Lug = UGH!!

The thing that really gets me riled a bit is that I thought I did my homework before buying mine. I test drove two Challengers and did not notice it sufficiently as my test drives were short and in traffic. I also talked to several Challenger owners. It was unanimous that thy felt nothing and could not tell the difference when MDS was activated. My opinion of these Challenger owners is that they are NOT car people. I will admit that I am ultra sensitive to how my cars run and feel, probably to the point of being part of a very small crowd that feels this same way. I have really appreciated the feedback from members here that dislike the MDS as much as I do. I am not alone.

It's all OK though. Please don't get me wrong. I still would buy an A8 all over again. I have adapted and it's all fine. Dodge made it easy with the two options to opt out of MDS. I have a manual (5 speed) in my GT and just didn't want two manuals here in the mountains. The A8 is fantastic overall, and in 'sport mode' unreal with it's precision shifting. That exhaust note is to die for.

Like B5blueRT stated earlier, the gas savings is minimal. I tried it once when I first got the car on a 75 mile round trip. Maybe a little better, but not worth it at all.

 

Should record it and play it back on here to hear what it sounds like exactly. I am more concerned with the premature engine wear when that MDS ECO mode is engaged and the other problem of lifter valve failures.