Who actually uses the autostick?....Come on now.

[vvv90]

The autoshift is absolutely pointless.....I've driven manual cars my whole life and I seriously don't see the point. There's still the auto hesitation and you can't select the exact gear you want at the exact time you want...There's also no sidestepping for keeping revs up etc. Again, NO POINT!

Not only that, you get more torque due to higher ratios and less drive train loss with a manual.

Anyone else feel the same?

[jjs]

Originally Posted by vvv90

The autoshift is absolutely pointless.....I've driven manual cars my whole life and I seriously don't see the point. There's still the auto hesitation and you can't select the exact gear you want at the exact time you want...There's also no sidestepping for keeping revs up etc. Again, NO POINT!

Not only that, you get more torque due to higher ratios and less drive train loss with a manual.

Anyone else feel the same?

I have driven manuals and autos for decades adn yes, the autostick is not as 'responsive' as a true manual, but I DO see the use in highway passing, etc. situations. It DOES make something of a difference.

[vvv90]

Originally Posted by jjs

I have driven manuals and autos for decades adn yes, the autostick is not as 'responsive' as a true manual, but I DO see the use in highway passing, etc. situations. It DOES make something of a difference.

How so? All you have to do is put your foot to the floor and you'll downshift to the appropriate gear.

[rdmac]

I have had cars with a more crisp auto stick that were kinda fun on twisty roads. This one is not that good. Occationally I use it for a little fun but I quickly stop. I agree I suppose with you but would rather have it than not.

Bob

[cmego]

For the most part, I just use it as if it were an O/D-off button for those highway maneuvers where you just need a little squeeze at the right moment. However, it was also useful for getting started (and stopped) on winter-slick hills.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by vvv90

The autoshift is absolutely pointless.....I've driven manual cars my whole life and I seriously don't see the point. There's still the auto hesitation and you can't select the exact gear you want at the exact time you want...There's also no sidestepping for keeping revs up etc. Again, NO POINT!

Not only that, you get more torque due to higher ratios and less drive train loss with a manual.

Anyone else feel the same?

All my racing and rallying career has been with manuals, except for some product development with clutchless column paddles.

Having said that, I drive my 300C in the autostick mode most of the time. Here's why:

The entire drivetrain package in the 300C is one of the smoothest, quietest system on any car at any price. This wonderful Mercedes transmission is used in other cars like the high end Jag XJR, for example.

I prefer a more aggressive transmission torque response to the drive by wire throttle. When I go in autostick, the computer that controls this part (there are 9 computers on board), immediately goes to a crisper pattern, It is adaptive to the driver's style.

Another reason is to avoid the harmonic vibration at 55 mph. In autostick, it stays in 4th gear and the vibration does not occur. For highway cruising above 60 mph, I shift into drive.

[jcsganga34]

Originally Posted by vvv90

How so? All you have to do is put your foot to the floor and you'll downshift to the appropriate gear.

The car has software on it that adjusts to your driving tendancies. If you are less aggressive then the shiftpoints are different than if you are more aggressive from the get go. The car adapts to how it is driven. If you want to control your down/upshifts and not depend on how the computer thinks you want to drive then it is helpful. I've noticed the difference in shift points on a daily basis, and I know I am not imagining things. I don't use it often but I have to found it useful for winter driving.

John

Damn Northern, you beat me to the punch

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by jcsganga34

The car has software on it that adjusts to your driving tendancies. If you are less aggressive then the shiftpoints are different than if you are more aggressive from the get go. The car adapts to how it is driven. If you want to control your down/upshifts and not depend on how the computer thinks you want to drive then it is helpful. I've noticed the difference in shift points on a daily basis, and I know I am not imagining things. I don't use it often but I have to found it useful for winter driving.

John

Damn Northern, you beat me to the punch

John... great minds think alike!

(or is it - fools seldom differ?)

[II kings 9:20]

I use mine occasionally mainly to downshift when passing. It is no better or worse than the steptronic in the X5. I really wonder if all that gobeltygook about the adaptive tranny is all marketing, I am highly skeptical that it works as claimed, they can't even get the car to track straight down the freeway why would this work any better.

[rogue]

I drive with my autostick every day. Its priceless in rush hour traffic. I could brake using my engine, or hurt my foot braking for 2 hours straight. The transmission learns from your shift points the more you drive with autostick. When I drive in fully auto, it holds shifts much longer than it used to. It definitely adjusts...