Drive or neutral best?

[bob the builder]

Morning chaps, Just a small question that that all of you who are used to automatic mercs are bound to know the answer to. I was sat in traffic the other day and being used to a manual gearbox slipped my shift into neutral whilst stationary, it occurred to me that this may not be good practice. So thats it really - whats best when stationary for a while in traffic? drive or neutral? My car is a 98 E300 TD Elegance estate. As ever your thoughts are much appreciated. Bob

 

[television]

Oh dear we have had some hot debates over this, most hand books say leave it in D as do most people, as more wear takes place by taking it out of D, if you know that you are going to be stuck for some time, then use N or P, by using P you do not have to sit with the brake lights on

 

[MIW615]

Morning chaps, Just a small question that that all of you who are used to automatic mercs are bound to know the answer to. I was sat in traffic the other day and being used to a manual gearbox slipped my shift into neutral whilst stationary, it occurred to me that this may not be good practice. So thats it really - whats best when stationary for a while in traffic? drive or neutral? My car is a 98 E300 TD Elegance estate. As ever your thoughts are much appreciated. Bob

If you are going to be stationary for a while then put it in neutral or park, when in N or P the oil pressure in the box is approximately 65psi, when in 1st or reverse the pressure jumps to approximately 150 psi - so basically the system is under more "strain" when in 1st and reverse

 

[Blobcat]

Pls have a read of this thread.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

I have driven automatics for more years than I care to disclose :roll:

From leaving 'home' to arriving at destination (except when held up on motorways due to accidents etc) I leave it in 'D'. Keeping my foot on the brake when stopped, creeping etc., is no big deal.

 

[television]

I have driven automatics for more years than I care to disclose :roll:

From leaving 'home' to arriving at destination (except when held up on motorways due to accidents etc) I leave it in 'D'. Keeping my foot on the brake when stopped, creeping etc., is no big deal.

Thats what I have done for the last 50 years, there In am showing my age

 

[television]

Pls have a read of this thread.

Thanks blobcat I wonder how far this one will go, third time around for me

 

[MIW615]

I have driven automatics for more years than I care to disclose :roll:

From leaving 'home' to arriving at destination (except when held up on motorways due to accidents etc) I leave it in 'D'. Keeping my foot on the brake when stopped, creeping etc., is no big deal.

I agree for "creeping" it's okay, but it still puts undue pressure on the bands inside the box if stationary for a while.

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Thats what I have done for the last 50 years, there In am showing my age

20+ cars in succession - over 25 years - all auto's - and NEVER had a single car 'flake out', due to 'auto band pressure'..!!

Are you sure this isn't an 'urban myth' - or am I doing something wrong/right?

 

[television]

20+ cars in succession - over 25 years - all auto's - and NEVER had a single car 'flake out', due to 'auto band pressure'..!!

Are you sure this isn't an 'urban myth' - or am I doing something wrong/right?

The only auto that I had trouble with was a 1960 Humber Imperial, I bought it with a box fault, adjusted it the same day, and have never had a problem with the many hundreds of car that I have owned and have always left them in D

 

[MIW615]

20+ cars in succession - over 25 years - all auto's - and NEVER had a single car 'flake out', due to 'auto band pressure'..!!

Are you sure this isn't an 'urban myth' - or am I doing something wrong/right?

My feeling is it could be down to the gearbox manufacturer - I spent 6 years as technical manager supporting Ferrari which had the American GM400 box fitted and there were numerous problems, some were "highlighted" by excess pressure in the box when left in 1st gear for prolonged periods.

Having said that a lot of it is down to the suitability of the box in relation to the car. In my case the GM400 box was initially designed for long stroke, low revving US cars - then it is fitted to an Italian short stroke, high revving sports saloon :-(

 

[whitenemesis]

I agree for "creeping" it's okay, but it still puts undue pressure on the bands inside the box if stationary for a while.

How does that work? When stationary with the footbrake applied there is no restraint on the trans. The torque convertor is free, no physical conection to the spinning flywheel.

I'm sure we have been round and round this discussion time and time again......

 

[MIW615]

How does that work? When stationary with the footbrake applied there is no restraint on the trans. The torque convertor is free, no physical conection to the spinning flywheel.

I'm sure we have been round and round this discussion time and time again......

There is, because when in 1st or reverse, footbrake applied or not extra pressure is required in the box to apply the appropriate band to lock the outer hub inside the box, by selecting N the pressure is reduced as the band does not require locking.

This is a very subjective matter and everyone's opinions will vary depending on personal experience and skill levels.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello,

With the newer mercs can you not tap the brakes twice and it hold it, then apply the gas when you want to go.

Myself I don't have this feature....I just leave it in D and press the brakes )

 

[Blobcat]

Hello,

With the newer mercs can you not tap the brakes twice and it hold it, then apply the gas when you want to go.

Myself I don't have this feature....I just leave it in D and press the brakes )

Yes they do & I like it I think it only works the same as holding the brakes on with your foot though. Unless someone elch knows different?

 

[Bryann]

What happens if you accidentally put the car into neutral when driving at 50mph!

Could damage occur as a result?

Bryan

 

[bob the builder]

Blimey! and I thought it was a quick question over a cup of coffee! still none the wiser though - sifting through it all possibly leave in drive seems favourite unless for lengthy periods.
Thanks as ever
Bob

 

[whitenemesis]

Blimey! and I thought it was a quick question over a cup of coffee! still none the wiser though - sifting through it all possibly leave in drive seems favourite unless for lengthy periods.
Thanks as ever
Bob

As it says in the owner's handbook

 

[MIW615]

As it says in the owner's handbook

That's so you will then have to buy a box from Mercedes earlier than normal

 

[JEZ.S320L]

What happens if you accidentally put the car into neutral when driving at 50mph!

Could damage occur as a result?

Bryan

Let the Forum know when you've tried it -