Auto v Manual transmission

[JustinUK]

I am considering trading in my current SLK320 (manual) for an SLK32 AMG (they've become noticeably cheaper since the R171 was launched). The only thing that worries me is the auto box on the SLK32.
I can understand why MB fit auto boxes on most models as they are easier to use around town and for motorway cruising, but I don't really understand why AMG only fit auto boxes in their current cars which are by nature performance cars.
I chose the manual for my SLK320 because I find it good fun being able to change gear myself. I don't want to stir up a hornet's nest here, but I would be interested to hear the views of any current AMG or auto owners as to whether they find the auto box as satisfying to use as a manual one on the open road. I'd also like to know how often/when people use the tipshift function as when I test drove an SLK32, the tipshift seemed slow to react.

 

[paulcallender]

I am very much pro- auto, but not necessarily for logical reasons. And I can understand the appeal of manual gear changing.

It makes sense that the car should look after which gear you should be in, as its a decision based on throttle position, speed and load, all of which the car can measure. Its also safer, because the small piece of time you spend deciding which gear a manual car should be in, and physically changing it, is available for concentrating on the road in an auto.

The only 2 occasions I can think of there the auto can't get it right is downhill; and approaching sharp corners. For these occasions, you can manually downshift.

 

[jberks]

Fair question. The standard auto with tipshift is ceratinly not 'fun'. I hardly ever use the tipshift as by the time it's woken up, the urgency has usualy passed. I generally only use it to hold it in 2/3rd whilst a gap comes along, so I have instant power, rather than waiting for kickdown which often comes in geological time, especially if its dropping more than one gear and I have been taking it easy up till then. This is a point though. The merc boxes adjust their changes to the driving style, so if its been gently cruised around previously it would be very lazy until it got used to you. I would take one out and thrash it for at least 30 minutes, then judge it. You may well find it a different animal.

I prefer an the auto personally but then it suits the leisurely cruising/limo style of the E, and as I spend more time in traffic, its great, and the changes are almost inperceptible.

I presume AMG have played with the auto box, I believe there are shift buttons on the wheel (are on the E and S AMG models) so I assume it's a different or at least tweaked box in the AMG.

 

[cruicky68]

I am very much pro- auto, but not necessarily for logical reasons. And I can understand the appeal of manual gear changing.

It makes sense that the car should look after which gear you should be in, as its a decision based on throttle position, speed and load, all of which the car can measure. Its also safer, because the small piece of time you spend deciding which gear a manual car should be in, and physically changing it, is available for concentrating on the road in an auto.

The only 2 occasions I can think of there the auto can't get it right is downhill; and approaching sharp corners. For these occasions, you can manually downshift.

I'm with paul here. I couldn't/wouldn't go back to a manual box.

 

[peterchurch]

Auto boxes need the right engine to give a good performance, otherwise they give the gopping drive that gets them their bad name. You also need to know how they work to get the best from them, as just stamping on the throttle does not work.

A few years ago I had a Honda Accord 2.0 SE Auto as a company car. It was the best car in the fleet it was poised and smooth but it could still kick arse if you wanted to thrash it. There was one other Accord in the fleet and it was a manual. in comparison it was a tin can. All the senior consultants were peeved that they picked manual A4s with no options over my Honda (fully loaded) That said, our CRV Auto that we bought last year, feels so under powered sometimes I think I could walk faster

I traded a manual MR2 Roadster for my Auto SL320. It has the V6 320 engine with a 5 speed auto box that can be manually selected. I hardly ever need to worry about kick down or gear changes because the car is always in the right gear and giving torque. The fun that I used to have changing gears is now gained learning to use the throttle to control the gearbox I would now say after 4 months with the car, I have the same level of control as a manual box with the added bonus that I am never without power to the wheels.

Given my cars weight I would think that the SLK AMG would fly with the same lump on board. But if you really want old skool driver performance why not opt for a TVR or Porsche?

 

[davidsl500]

I drive a manual car in the week and an auto at the weekend - the auto wins hands down no contest. Gear changing can be fun but in the more powerful end of the market I reckon the Merc auto boxes are simply superb - imperceptible gear changes and very quick change ups on the redline which is difficult to achieve with a stick shift without hitting the revlimiter for that brief moment. I enjoy watching vehicles in the rear view mirror at traffic islands as they hunt for the correct gear whilst I have squirted the gas pedal an am gone....

Apart from that I almost enjoy traffic jams ! no holding the car on the clutch, moving forward 3 feet and then the same again - so much more time to contemplate life and whether your bulbs are brighter enough...

 

[SLinKyjoe]

How much I have missed out on life while stuffing the clutch in traffic jams???...this is my first auto (i am forgetting the grand cherokee thanks) and i am dearly looking forward to the traffic jams to contemplate my bulbs.

I was flashed by the common or garden Air Stewardess in a lesser spotted Yaris t'other day and i did think to myself what a fine pair of bulbs. My life has just been so empty before now. thanks for waking me.

Now do I watch that Jerry Springer thing and complain or do I complain first and watch after to justify the complaint?


Oh and on the question of autos and manual I really do have the absolute answer.............Ready???

It personal...its your choice....you either like doing it yourself or you like it to be done for you...simple. someone called it free will. I would lock Will up myself but there you go.

 

[sgregory124]

I have to agree with the majority of posts on here, when I bought my C36 AMG in July 2003, I was dubious about the 5 speed auto...

But now I wonder how I ever coped I wouldn't go back to a manual, at least not unless it was a TVR. The box is fantastic for gruelling town/city driving, no worn out left leg etc. Conversely, when you want to press on and give it some abuse all the power and torque is there, ready and waiting.

I can't speak for a non-AMG car but I know my car kicks down very quickly, and I can always hold it in gear for the twisty's which is nice. Plus, it changes gear far quicker than most human beings AND you get to hold on with both hands in the event of an emergency

The only logical choice really :lol:

 

[jberks]

I may have given the impression that I was slagging off the auto. To be fair, to some extent my issues are my fault. I'm a bit of a jeckle and Hyde, trickling along most of the time and every now and again, getting ****ed off with the traffic, seeing a gap and booting it. Unfortunately I suspect the gearbox has assumed I am a grandad by this point and is a bit hesitant. On the few occasions I have kept the mpg in single figures for any period, it really livens up and becomes quite fun. I also suspect that some of my grumbles have to do with the relative lack of power of the 240 (170bhp is a 'lack' in merc territory!) combined with the cleverness of the 5 speed auto. it's just not quite as good as my previous 4 speed '95 C220 (petrol) which was faultless. I had a couple of friends who said they would never have an auto. Gave them the keys to my C and they came back converted. I also had a C200K auto for a few days and that was great fun too. So, I should make one thing clear - like the rest of you, my next car will be an Auto.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

There certainly seems something in it. Everyone I know that's owned an automatic, has gone on to own more. We're on our second. Wife now refuses to have a manual.

Both autos have been bolted to a torquey engine, and a great experience. I aprticularly like being able to waft along with a Massimo Latte in my hand, without needing to wedge it between my legs to change gear!!

I once drove a Honda Somethingorother with a 1.5l engine - it was about as pleasurable as a week in solitude with only the Jerry Springer Opera and a selection of dentist drills for company.

A good match with the engine is essential!!

 

[jberks]

Absolutely - engine is critical.
I always said I wouldn't have an auto on anything less than a 2 litre. I once drove an orion 1.6 auto. I seriously believe that that car was a death trap. Had no overtaking ability whatsoever. All kickdown did was to change the engine note from unpleasant to awful.

And yes, its a great pleasure in the summer, seat back, window down, arm hanging out, left hand on the wheel and effortlessly keeping up with all those poor muppets constantly changing up and down gear.

 

[Matty H]

Auto is the dogs - as you say.. :lol: :lol:

Have a manual 2Ltr Mondeo as well as the SLK, and OK, you can't compare the cars but I much prefer the way of driving with AUTO.

I drive the Mondeo all week and just used my beloved Merc for the weekends - bring on the summer...

 

[jon_harley]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Sequentronic gearbox - I think it's brilliant. You stick it in automatic mode for city driving and forget about gear changing. My other half uses it in automatic all the time. But I like my manual driving, especially on twisty country roads. Had fantastic fun in the Pyrennees last summer, bombing up mountainsides with constant changing between 2nd for the Z-bends and 4th for the straights - not something an auto could ever do well at. It's the best of both worlds and my next car will definitely have it (or some other manufacturer's equivalent).

 

[mlc]

I agree with lots already said - nearly all the time an auto is best. Best around town best for motorway driving, relaxing, no effort etc. But the limits are:

You need plenty of power. I never drove an Orion auto, but I did drive an early Capri auto -push bikes kept overtaking! Autos are crap at changing down more than one gear fast. This means that if you are cruising at say 40 on a country road in a manual you are in top - if you want maximum acceleration immediately you change directly to second and floor it. In the equivalent auto you go down through each gear with the gearbox giving it a try before changing down again. We have an SLK which replaced a Puma. The auto SLK is light years ahead of the Puma in performance, but would not be able to keep up with a Puma on a cross country run through the peak district because it cant judge gearchanges as well under unusual driving conditions.

In many ways I am amazed that manuals still exist in anything but the smallest of cars, but they do. Perhaps this just proves that, wonderful as they are, most people still think manual is best.

Mark.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

In many ways I am amazed that manuals still exist in anything but the smallest of cars, but they do. Perhaps this just proves that, wonderful as they are, most people still think manual is best.

Cost premium for an auto when new must play a part - usually £1000 or so for most cars. Can't see it getting cheaper either with the increased sophistication in modern auto boxes.

 

[niva441]

I'm pleased my C class is an auto. Apart from the traditional 'Mercedes don't make good manuals', it makes coping with the foot operated parking brake feasible.

Having bought one that's done a few miles it also means the engine / driveline is less likely to have been subjected to abuse by inept driving.

The only problem is the initial lag when accelerating.

 

[SLinKyjoe]

so what do you think of the foot/hand brake pushmepull you thing?

as I only drive a lowly slk that mercedes couldnt afford to fit that pushmepull thing on (am i glad!) so i dont have to live with it.

i did test drive an even lower c class coupe with a manual and that brake idea, it was a good job me and the salesman had a very good, and the same sense of humour, when i pulled out from a hill resembeleng a kangaroo. took a c class auto out afterwards and was rather impressed but didnt really like the idea.

I also noticed that the c-class coupe kept a better ride going around corners as it was flatter but i did prefer the c-class with its softer and smoother suspension. so i bought a slk with sports suspension like you do. i now have intimate knowledge of every imperfection of all the roads on my route to mundanesville, i.e work!

I was allowed out in an SL55 to stop me going on about things in the dealership and that had that brake idea. was too busy holding on to the wheel in fear to notice how it worked in that. the dealer insisted i switch off the esp. hmmmmmmm. those black marks have taken some wearing away.

when the slk had to go back for bits and bobs they gave me an invalid carriage, sorry a-class, and that had normal handbrake and gearbox too. was terrible....i took the bus.

they gave me an e-class next time it went it. now that was a good car but i never put the brake on.

 

[jberks]

Having an auto, I don't use the foot/handbrake, I can just about see how you'd do a hillstart in a manual, but climbing a steep hill in a traffic jam must be a nightmare. I wonder what the clutch life expectancy is as presumably holding it on the clutch is the only way of doing it.

 

[niva441]

Can't see how you can really use it properly in a manual without a 3rd leg. Or do MB propose a toe and heel like pedal action in order to hill start.

Interestingly a German friend of mine told me that handbrake use is discouraged on their driving test, so perhaps engineering don't see there is a problem.

 

[paulcallender]

I think it is possible, although not very elegant. I have an auto, so I don't have to worry about the hill start in a manual. But, the foot is only used to apply the handbrake, not release it. So, this is the procedure:

to release: balance the car using 2 feet: accelerator and clutch, release handbrake with right hand.

to apply (on a hill): stop the car using left foot on clutch and right foot on the brake. Use the left hand to go into neutral. Keeping the right foot on the brake, take the left foot off the clutch and apply the "handbrake" (but with your foot).

maybe someone with a manual Merc can confirm this? I definitely remember they did build one.....it was blue, right?