What's the secret to driving smoothly?

[big_bill3]

Even after six months, I have still to perfect the technique of driving my B-220 smoothly, something I need to get right to reach UK ROSPA Gold. It's easier to do it with the box in Eco mode but very difficult in Sports mode. In particular I can't come to a smooth stop in sports mode as the car tries to pull when it's in gea unlike a manual gearbox.
What's the secret?


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[Headhurts]

I rarely use mine in Eco mode much preferring sport with very little difference in mpg.

Mine is an E class but is quite smooth with no jerkiness.

Mine has the 9g box which is great but so was the 7g box in previous car.

To get really good mpg in my diesel very very light foot is required.

I guess someone will be along shortly with better knowledge.

Robin


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[big_bill3]

Mine has the 7-speed. I guess yours has more weight which makes the drive smoother.


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[geraldrobins]

Have you tried flicking it into 1st as you come to a stop.

 

[Brizzle]

The trick to smooth driving is to always be looking as far ahead as you can see and anticipate what the situation will be when you approach the next hazard - what other road users will be around and where and doing what. Create a driving pan in your mind and keep changing it as the situation dictates.

I have the same problem as you in pulling up to a smooth stop in an automatic. My C220 always feels like it wants to keep pulling and I had the same issue with the several auto Discoveries I've had. The only thing I have found that works more often than not is to brake a little firmer that you feel is right and to ease off the brake very slightly just before coming to a stop. Don't let the brake off completely or you'll keep going

Having been an IAM member for 16 years, many of which have been spent helping others to pass the test, I admire your determination to achieve Gold. Good luck with your training and test

 

[big_bill3]

The trick to smooth driving is to always be looking as far ahead as you can see and anticipate what the situation will be when you approach the next hazard - what other road users will be around and where and doing what. Create a driving pan in your mind and keep changing it as the situation dictates.

I have the same problem as you in pulling up to a smooth stop in an automatic. My C220 always feels like it wants to keep pulling and I had the same issue with the several auto Discoveries I've had. The only thing I have found that works more often than not is to brake a little firmer that you feel is right and to ease off the brake very slightly just before coming to a stop. Don't let the brake off completely or you'll keep going

Having been an IAM member for 16 years, many of which have been spent helping others to pass the test, I admire your determination to achieve Gold. Good luck with your training and test

Thanks for this


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[mikestrivens]

Easing off the foot brake as you come to a stop is the best way to minimise a jerky stop in automatics.

 

[jp williams]

Even after six months, I have still to perfect the technique of driving my B-220 smoothly, something I need to get right to reach UK ROSPA Gold. It's easier to do it with the box in Eco mode but very difficult in Sports mode. In particular I can't come to a smooth stop in sports mode as the car tries to pull when it's in gea unlike a manual gearbox.
What's the secret?


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I do not think that A or B Class Mercs have conventional Torque Converter gearboxes, they have dual clutch mechanisms similar to VW`s DSG boxes and they have been troubelsome.
Change to an E class.

Regards
John

 

[geraldrobins]

I do not think that A or B Class Mercs have conventional Torque Converter gearboxes, they have dual clutch mechanisms similar to VW`s DSG boxes and they have been troubelsome.
Change to an E class.

Regards
John

On the contrary I would expect DSG gearboxes to be smoother. The one on our Ford certainly is.

 

[EmilysDad]

On the contrary I would expect DSG gearboxes to be smoother. The one on our Ford certainly is.

Torque converter auto gearboxes aren't called slushboxes for nothing

 

[big_bill3]

Please take your arguments about the merits of one gearbox over another to a separate thread. Thank you


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[EmilysDad]

Please take your arguments about the merits of one gearbox over another to a separate thread. Thank you


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The type of gearbox is relevant to your question ......

 

[Flyinspanner]

Anticipation, patience, .........and insisting all other road users remain at home that day.

 

[jp williams]

The type of gearbox is relevant to your question ......

It most certainly is !

Regards
John

 

[Naraic]

Please take your arguments about the merits of one gearbox over another to a separate thread. Thank you


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It's not your call as to where the thread goes. People are trying to be helpful ...precious.

A manual box would probably suit your needs f you can't figure it out for yourself.

 

[Submariner1]

Mine has the 7-speed. I guess yours has more weight which makes the drive smoother.


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You didnt say how many miles it has done?
If its over 37,500 miles a FULL gearbox oil change including torque converter flush and filter might work wonders.

Other than that, maybe you are expecting too much from it.
I personally dont classify A and B Class as a "true" Mercedes.
A £18,000 car wont drive like a £36,000 one :-/

 

[big_bill3]

04 plate with 20k on the clock


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[big_bill3]

It's not your call as to where the thread goes. People are trying to be helpful ...precious.

A manual box would probably suit your needs f you can't figure it out for yourself.

A discussion over the merits of different transmissions is not the question to which I was seeking advice. I was looking for advice in the context of the vehicle I have, not an intellectual debate over hardware. That can take place elsewhere.


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[macdoesit]

If the car wants to take off when you are stopped and in gear I would say idle is set to high. Next time it does that put it in neutral if the RPM goes up your idle is to high.

 

[L John]

I need to get right to reach UK ROSPA Gold. It's easier to do it with the box in Eco mode but very difficult in Sports mode. In particular I can't come to a smooth stop in sports mode as the car tries to pull when it's in gear

Why would you even consider using sports mode for smooth driving? Sports mode is for exactly the opposite of what you want.
Most modern Mercedes autos avoid using first gear in sports (unless manually selected).
Coming to a stop in second gear resists the cars tendency to push the car forwards when the brake is only very lightly applied such as when coming to a gentle stop.

When mine's in sports mode I found the car can sometimes move forward after a gentle stop but I learned to press the big pedal a little firmer as soon as it comes to a stop.

If you really want to be credited for smooth driving, why have an auto that does all the smooth gear changes?
Seems like cheating to me.
Get a manual box and show some skill. Smooth driving in an auto impresses no one as the car does more than half of the work in achieving a smooth ride for you.