A-class clutchless manual

[lulu]

Dear All,

Just had the A170 MOT'd today and was discussing the clutchess gearbox with the guy doing the MOT (not an MB dealer). He informed me that the gearbox worked in the same way as an automatic gearbox in the way it transmitted power from the engine to the the propshafts, but (obviously) required you to select the gears. In other words, no clutch whatsoever.

I thought (assumed) it was a conventional manual gearbox with a somewhat different clutch, be it centrifugal, electronically/automatically controlled, or whatever.

Who's going to be the first to enlighten me with what I've actually got?

Thanks in advance
Lulu

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

You have a completely manual gearbox and clutch as normal

The clutch is controlled by a pump/actuator unit that operates the clutch instead of a pedal master cylinder.

You are right!!

 

[lulu]

Thanks Ellsy

The follow up question is, do you get a better life out of an automatic clutch?
(I've never worn a clutch out yet on a car (burnt plenty on bikes!))

Lulu

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Not 100% on that, but it wont allow you to really ride or slip the clutch so it cant be any worse that a manually operated clutch i suppose.

Hopefully some guys who own, drive them will give use there views.

 

[stumpy]

The clutch should last longer on the car you have. On our Smart (same idea) you can ride the clutch on a hill start but if it is going to harm it the car lets you know with a warning. However, on performance cars with these gearboxes, BMW SMG for example, the rest of the drivetrain takes such a thump with each change you gotta feel it to believe it. I worry for the rest of the mechanicals.

 

[MRL]

in working for merc for 20 years i have only seen 2 of these clutches go
i have seen hundres of the actuator pumps fail though

 

[lulu]

I hope you've seen thousands of A-classes, not merely hundreds!

 

[MRL]

I hope you've seen thousands of A-classes, not merely hundreds!

ye si have but i said seen hundreds of pumps fail