C220 Sequential gearbox

[zimmercrazy]

Hello again, sorry need to ask another question.

What are peoples thoughts on the sequential auto boxes on a C220 cdi coupe.
I have been getting mixed messages, the guy in the service department at Mercedes says they are not very nice to drive whilst other people have said they are great.
Also what are they like reliability wise, any known problems/issues?

Thanks again.

 

[harp1963]

C220CDI, Gearbox in W204, is at the best useless.

 

[stumpy]

Horrible and unreliable

 

[fabes]

I have one in my W203

Stumpys response is typical of most merc owners and yes, I would prefer a fully (proper) auto box

At the time I needed a new car and this was the only one around and the price reflected this option - it was cheaper than others and the only way I could afford the SC I wanted will all the other options I 'needed'.

Its not that bad and if you drive 'through' the box as Smart owners do, then its fine.

good for economy and actually it isn't an unreliable box based on tinternet and what the two indies have said.

I am actually a little attached to it now, but it isn't worth as much as a full auto box - value the car as you would a manual

Drive one, drive it as you would a manual (lift off when you / it changes) and make your mind up

Two years in mine and no issues yet.

 

[stumpy]

Our smart is on it's second gearbox in 3 years and this one is showing some worrying signs. Keep your warranty up is my advice

 

[zimmercrazy]

Thanks for the comments guys, test drove the sequential and actually didnt find it too bad of a box but there with other problems with the car so left it.

Have picked up a proper automatic one today though

 

[fabes]

Our smart is on it's second gearbox in 3 years and this one is showing some worrying signs. Keep your warranty up is my advice

I understand that whilst the system is the same, the boxes are different as they have different engines to both mount to and cars to fit into.

A 220 CDI is bound to have different needs to a 666 engine

A lot of stuff, gearboxes, engines, etc seem to go on Smarts - not a car I would own, which is a pity as the idea is sound

 

[psmart]

I bought mine new and the cost of the Auto to the Sequential was the same. The benefits of the Sequential were lower C02 (VED), greater economy and better performance - ie. same as a manual v auto, but you get auto mode thrown in.

From brand new it was very smooth but now the car is approaching 7 years and 43K, it has got a little jerky, but a B service saw it get smoother again.

As per fabes, once your used to it, its great. Ive posted pictures of top speed of this car before, and economy (60mpg (even got 70mpg over 8 miles!!!) - driven like a grandad) which you wont get from an auto. Horses for courses, but touch wood - so far, its not been unreliable - as opposed to the merc auto box on the 270, 3 boxes later!

As for the Smart, nothing like the C220 Sequentronic, you cant compare them! Driven a few round Stuttgart and they arent the same.