Saw another slk55 today - Page 2

412driver · 06-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbSLRwannabe

i see you guys talking about manuals. an AMG tuned benz is supposed to be a luxury vehicle that is supposed to be comfortable/easy to drive, while performing at a high level. i dont see how a manual transmission would be anything related to luxury or comfort. there is no point of having a manual transmission when a good automatic gearbox could achieve equal or better numbers. why go through the hassle? for an example the automatic on the porsche 997 turbo actually outperforms it's manual counterpart by 3/10 of second from 0 - 60 . (3.4 with auto, 3.7 with manual) and plus most ferraris and lambos sold thesedays have the paddle shift automatic (or they call them e-gear/f1 paddle shift). there would be no point to have a manual AMG benz. the whole point of AMG is to perform at a high level without sacrificing the comfort.

A manual gearbox gives some of us the old timey sports car control feeling. The auto's with bump shifting are simular and are better no doubt with the option shift manual or no let the trans do it. But unless you have driven a car thru the s turns and such with a clutch and stick and experienced the added effort and thought required, you will never understand. Not saying you haven't, but some of us just want that. Being older and having come up in the "Muscle Car" era(bull, cars today out perform those monsters hands down) when automatics were for Mama's car and rock cruncher 4 speeds were the only way to go, I want manual for my fun cars but auto for my work and other cars.

VitaminT · 06-06-2007

Keep in mind that Ferrari and other high end cars have automated manuals and not paddle shifter automatics. I do not disagree that a automatic, be it traditional or SMG/DSG is faster but there is something about driving a stick with the clutch pedal that in involving. The feel of driving the same car with an auto and a stick is totally different. Before I got the SLK I visited several M3 forums. Bunches of people on there were going the SMG shift in 0.000453 seconds but it just isn't a fun as a stick.

I should also note that SMG/DSG and good ole foot operated clutch cars have less drivetrain loss than cars with automatics and torque converters.

With all that said the AMG 7sp is designed/programmed to downshift when braking etc to mimic a old fashion manual gearbox which, for me, helps bridge the gap between the two.

**Ynot** · 06-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbSLRwannabe

i see you guys talking about manuals. an AMG tuned benz is supposed to be a luxury vehicle that is supposed to be comfortable/easy to drive, while performing at a high level. i dont see how a manual transmission would be anything related to luxury or comfort. there is no point of having a manual transmission when a good automatic gearbox could achieve equal or better numbers. why go through the hassle? for an example the automatic on the porsche 997 turbo actually outperforms it's manual counterpart by 3/10 of second from 0 - 60 . (3.4 with auto, 3.7 with manual) and plus most ferraris and lambos sold thesedays have the paddle shift automatic (or they call them e-gear/f1 paddle shift). there would be no point to have a manual AMG benz. the whole point of AMG is to perform at a high level without sacrificing the comfort.

Driving an auto and manual is a totally different feeling, no matter how good and fast the auto's are, it's still not as involving, not as fun, there should had been an option for a manual. I know it's never going to happen, I've already accept that. I know every exotic is going to semi-auto's, but most of them still offer manuals.

mbSLRwannabe · 06-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

Keep in mind that Ferrari and other high end cars have automated manuals and not paddle shifter automatics. I do not disagree that a automatic, be it traditional or SMG/DSG is faster but there is something about driving a stick with the clutch pedal that in involving. The feel of driving the same car with an auto and a stick is totally different. Before I got the SLK I visited several M3 forums. Bunches of people on there were going the SMG shift in 0.000453 seconds but it just isn't a fun as a stick.

I should also note that SMG/DSG and good ole foot operated clutch cars have less drivetrain loss than cars with automatics and torque converters.

With all that said the AMG 7sp is designed/programmed to downshift when braking etc to mimic a old fashion manual gearbox which, for me, helps bridge the gap between the two.

i kind of disagree with you on the automated manual / paddle shift auto part. i know they are two different things, but the way i think is that if there isn't a clutch, its an auto, if there's a clutch, its a manual. i'm sure most people don't refer to SMG's or DSG's as a manual transmission.

mbSLRwannabe · 06-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

Driving an auto and manual is a totally different feeling, no matter how good and fast the auto's are, it's still not as involving, not as fun, there should had been an option for a manual. I know it's never going to happen, I've already accept that. I know every exotic is going to semi-auto's, but most of them still offer manuals.

obviously, i'm not a manual guy, so i may think differently from you. maybe i'm just too lazy for one.

i just want my cars to be as fast as they can be with all the easiness and comfort of a luxury car. some people just like having more control of their driving. a couple of my friends drive stick and they love it. they said they would never go back to an auto again.

mtiede · 06-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbSLRwannabe

obviously, i'm not a manual guy, so i may think differently from you. maybe i'm just too lazy for one.

i just want my cars to be as fast as they can be with all the easiness and comfort of a luxury car. some people just like having more control of their driving. a couple of my friends drive stick and they love it. they said they would never go back to an auto again.

I would never buy a stick shift again, ever...

The mechanics is a distraction from driving.

Different strokes for different folks.

DansSlk · 06-08-2007

I agree the feeling of a manual car cannot be simulated by either a sequential or automatic box but as its been said already the higher the performance of the car the less likely it is to have a traditional manual option.

Its true your not as in control of the car if you don't have a clutch pedal and thats a big negative for people who enjoy the control that comes with a manual box but you then have the benefits of the computer controlled sequential and auto's that the big toys have now.

They all have auto modes and while a SMG cannot get the smooth shifts an auto can it can get very close and the SMG is always going to shift faster than the auto but only ever so slightly so they are kinda even on those points.

They are both faster shifters than any fully manual car ever can be (no offense manual drivers) and the small differences all add up in a world where the performance figures of so many new engines are so close gains in the drivetrain are a god send for companies looking for a little extra gain to impress the 0-60 gang.

They never miss a shift and when operating in the manual modes will not allow the driver to damage his engine or transmission via a bad shift, they are fully interfaced with traction control systems to allow them gear control when they require it something a manual cannot do they are also self preserving if they sense a problem they will protect themselves potentially saving loads of cash for the owner.

You also have the hands on wheel benefit not provided by a normal manual gearbox and i could go into more detail about the various different control modes they can be programmed with from cruise control comfort settings to catalytic converter warm up programs the list is endless.

I am an avvid manual fan having learnt to drive on a manual car you really feel connected to them don't get me wrong but ultimately the standard clutch pedal manual is rapidly becoming obsolete, i can see AMG bringing out DSG's / SMG's and keeping the auto's going but not manual gearboxes just not worth it .

**Ynot** · 06-08-2007

^^ thanks for that great explanation, I know no manuals will ever be as fast as F1 paddles or DSG, most of my enjoyment is just rolling thru the gears. I got it right when most companies are going to auto's b/c, it's safer for the driver and cost effiicient, with that type of power it's easy to ruin the clutch and transmission and that happens quite frequently, by allowing the computer to do all the work, things break less often. Different strokes for different folks, but it seems the older crowd prefer autos, the younger ones prefer manuals, I'm not ready for an auto yet.

**-1-** · 06-08-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

^^ thanks for that great explanation, I know no manuals will ever be as fast as F1 paddles or DSG, most of my enjoyment is just rolling thru the gears. I got it right when most companies are going to auto's b/c, it's safer for the driver and cost effiicient, with that type of power it's easy to ruin the clutch and transmission and that happens quite frequently, by allowing the computer to do all the work, things break less often. Different strokes for different folks, but it seems the older crowd prefer autos, the younger ones prefer manuals, I'm not ready for an auto yet.

Ynot and I are in "lock step" with the manual transmission. Obviously I didn't hold out for a manual transmission SLK 55. With the information that Dan provided, I won't hold my breath for a manual AMG in the future. I can be transformed, I can be transformed......

412driver · 06-09-2007

Guess I'll be young forever, I want to shift my fun toys, the auto is for long boring and routine driving. The new autos with selective shifting on automatics are much better than regular automatics. Heck when I drive the Passat with the bump shift, its fun and then on a longer trip I can sit back and let the engineers shift for me.

quaidorsay · 06-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ynot

Driving an auto and manual is a totally different feeling, no matter how good and fast the auto's are, it's still not as involving, not as fun, there should had been an option for a manual. I know it's never going to happen, I've already accept that. I know every exotic is going to semi-auto's, but most of them still offer manuals.

This is so true.

Damn 7G tronic, you lack a clutch pedal.

Q

DansSlk · 06-10-2007

Its a shame nobody makes a simulated manual box because you could have a hydraulically operated manual gearbox no different to the ones currently in production for manufacturers and the shifter and clutch pedal from a normal manual.

When the driver wanted to use the stick he could just like normal except there would be a clutch pedal sensor that tells the computer to engage the clutch not a mechanical linkage then shift the stick into whatever gear he wanted and it could just be hooked up to a sensor that would inform the computer what gear to shift to.

So no mechanical linkage between the gearbox, shifter stick and clutch but the driver would not be able to tell the difference however there could be an auto mode maybe selected by a stick position that would have the computer control the shifts and because it would be an electronic system the computer would be able to step in for traction control and for the protection of the gearbox so there would be no bad shifts or anything like that.

**dsb** · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

Its a shame nobody makes a simulated manual box because you could have a hydraulically operated manual gearbox no different to the ones currently in production for manufacturers and the shifter and clutch pedal from a normal manual.

When the driver wanted to use the stick he could just like normal except there would be a clutch pedal sensor that tells the computer to engage the clutch not a mechanical linkage then shift the stick into whatever gear he wanted and it could just be hooked up to a sensor that would inform the computer what gear to shift to.

So no mechanical linkage between the gearbox, shifter stick and clutch but the driver would not be able to tell the difference however there could be an auto mode maybe selected by a stick position that would have the computer control the shifts and because it would be an electronic system the computer would be able to step in for traction control and for the protection of the gearbox so there would be no bad shifts or anything like that.

That would be a nice feature.

For one, you would maintain the fun of rowing thru gears. Also, you would be able skip gears easily. That is one thing I really dislike about the M mode. I can't simply go from 6th gear to 3rd gear without the 6,5,4,3 step. Also, since there's no HUD, I have to look down to identify the gear. With a manual, or simulated manual, you could FEEL which gear you're in and FEEL your way directly into the appropriate gear.

I wonder how DSG works. Can you simply skip gears or is it similiar to the SLK55 M mode?

ISS-AMG · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by VitaminT

First one I have ever seen other than mine. Didn't get a good look but it was silver and pretty.

I guess there aren't a ton of r171 out there but so far I think I have only seen 2-3 slk280/350 and this one slk55.

Fellow Alabamian, by chance do you live around the Huntsville area. If so you may have seen me. I've seen several 280s and a 350 in the area; however, no other 55s.

I bought my SLK55 in April so I'm new to this board. I've found it very informative and looking forward to sharing my experiences with my car.

VitaminT · 06-10-2007

Awesome. I live just north of Montgomery and was in Birmingham/Trussville yesterday but don't go north of there too much.

**webslinger** · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsb

... I can't simply go from 6th gear to 3rd gear without the 6,5,4,3 step.

I'm a fan of the 'box my self, but when you're driving and know you want to go from "6 to 3", can't you just tag the lever 3 times rapidly?

...can't wait to find out!

412driver · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISS-AMG

Fellow Alabamian, by chance do you live around the Huntsville area. If so you may have seen me. I've seen several 280s and a 350 in the area; however, no other 55s.

I bought my SLK55 in April so I'm new to this board. I've found it very informative and looking forward to sharing my experiences with my car.

Welcome aboard. You have our sincere sympathies for being forced to live in Alabama....

Jus kiddin..Are you incarcerated there or, God forbid, part of NASA?

(dang Im funny) You know of course the Blue Ridge Parkway is not that far from Huntsville and if you go North it will bring you into HEAVEN (NC)

Enuf laughs, have fun here.

DansSlk · 06-10-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by webslinger

I'm a fan of the 'box my self, but when you're driving and know you want to go from "6 to 3", can't you just tag the lever 3 times rapidly?

...can't wait to find out!

You could on the very early models but that was removed so to shift you have to wait for it to select another gear first.

So to go from 1st to 3rd you have to use 2nd you cant miss a gear

mtiede · 06-10-2007

Wow, I didn't realize that was removed. That would suck. I'm pretty sure mine still allows hitting it a couple of times. Now I will have to got test it out

06-08-2007	#27 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I agree the feeling of a manual car cannot be simulated by either a sequential or automatic box but as its been said already the higher the performance of the car the less likely it is to have a traditional manual option. Its true your not as in control of the car if you don't have a clutch pedal and thats a big negative for people who enjoy the control that comes with a manual box but you then have the benefits of the computer controlled sequential and auto's that the big toys have now. They all have auto modes and while a SMG cannot get the smooth shifts an auto can it can get very close and the SMG is always going to shift faster than the auto but only ever so slightly so they are kinda even on those points. They are both faster shifters than any fully manual car ever can be (no offense manual drivers) and the small differences all add up in a world where the performance figures of so many new engines are so close gains in the drivetrain are a god send for companies looking for a little extra gain to impress the 0-60 gang. They never miss a shift and when operating in the manual modes will not allow the driver to damage his engine or transmission via a bad shift, they are fully interfaced with traction control systems to allow them gear control when they require it something a manual cannot do they are also self preserving if they sense a problem they will protect themselves potentially saving loads of cash for the owner. You also have the hands on wheel benefit not provided by a normal manual gearbox and i could go into more detail about the various different control modes they can be programmed with from cruise control comfort settings to catalytic converter warm up programs the list is endless. I am an avvid manual fan having learnt to drive on a manual car you really feel connected to them don't get me wrong but ultimately the standard clutch pedal manual is rapidly becoming obsolete, i can see AMG bringing out DSG's / SMG's and keeping the auto's going but not manual gearboxes just not worth it . __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-08-2007	#28 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	^^ thanks for that great explanation, I know no manuals will ever be as fast as F1 paddles or DSG, most of my enjoyment is just rolling thru the gears. I got it right when most companies are going to auto's b/c, it's safer for the driver and cost effiicient, with that type of power it's easy to ruin the clutch and transmission and that happens quite frequently, by allowing the computer to do all the work, things break less often. Different strokes for different folks, but it seems the older crowd prefer autos, the younger ones prefer manuals, I'm not ready for an auto yet. __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

06-10-2007	#32 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,752 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Its a shame nobody makes a simulated manual box because you could have a hydraulically operated manual gearbox no different to the ones currently in production for manufacturers and the shifter and clutch pedal from a normal manual. When the driver wanted to use the stick he could just like normal except there would be a clutch pedal sensor that tells the computer to engage the clutch not a mechanical linkage then shift the stick into whatever gear he wanted and it could just be hooked up to a sensor that would inform the computer what gear to shift to. So no mechanical linkage between the gearbox, shifter stick and clutch but the driver would not be able to tell the difference however there could be an auto mode maybe selected by a stick position that would have the computer control the shifts and because it would be an electronic system the computer would be able to step in for traction control and for the protection of the gearbox so there would be no bad shifts or anything like that. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

06-06-2007	#22 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Keep in mind that Ferrari and other high end cars have automated manuals and not paddle shifter automatics. I do not disagree that a automatic, be it traditional or SMG/DSG is faster but there is something about driving a stick with the clutch pedal that in involving. The feel of driving the same car with an auto and a stick is totally different. Before I got the SLK I visited several M3 forums. Bunches of people on there were going the SMG shift in 0.000453 seconds but it just isn't a fun as a stick. I should also note that SMG/DSG and good ole foot operated clutch cars have less drivetrain loss than cars with automatics and torque converters. With all that said the AMG 7sp is designed/programmed to downshift when braking etc to mimic a old fashion manual gearbox which, for me, helps bridge the gap between the two.

06-09-2007	#30 (permalink)
412driver Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Salisbury North Carolina USA Vehicle: 99 SLK230 Other Toys: TOO MANY TOYS Posts: 1,010 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Guess I'll be young forever, I want to shift my fun toys, the auto is for long boring and routine driving. The new autos with selective shifting on automatics are much better than regular automatics. Heck when I drive the Passat with the bump shift, its fun and then on a longer trip I can sit back and let the engineers shift for me.

06-10-2007	#35 (permalink)
VitaminT Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Alabama Vehicle: 2005 SLK55 Posts: 361 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Awesome. I live just north of Montgomery and was in Birmingham/Trussville yesterday but don't go north of there too much.

06-10-2007	#39 (permalink)
mtiede Founding Member #7 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Western New York Vehicle: 2006 SLK 350 Posts: 1,642 Thanks: 100 Thanked 55 Times in 45 Posts	Wow, I didn't realize that was removed. That would suck. I'm pretty sure mine still allows hitting it a couple of times. Now I will have to got test it out