Auto Stick Issue?

[MightyMax]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

Cruising under 60 mph. I prefer 4th gear as opposed to the automatic's 5th gear choice. This also eliminates that vibration at 55 mph as reported elsewhere in this forum.

And I thought I was the only person that did that.

[james jefferson]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

On my previous car, the Chrysler 300M Special, I used it all the time because the automatic was, IMO, very rough and very poor at selecting shift points.

The 300C has a fantastic auto tranny. It has 5 gears and a computer that learns your driving preference. However, I use the auto stick for the following situations:

1. Cruising under 60 mph. I prefer 4th gear as opposed to the automatic's 5th gear choice. This also eliminates that vibration at 55 mph as reported elsewhere in this forum.

2. Downshifting going down hills, rather than using the brakes.

3. Eating BMW's and other lesser life forms for breakfast.

hmmm. i think that replacing the brake pads is lot cheaper than replacing the transmission.

[Redman]

Originally Posted by james jefferson

hmmm. i think that replacing the brake pads is lot cheaper than replacing the transmission.

I used to think same, until I heard Phil Hill (famous racecar driver) say he always used engine compression(downshifting) to save his brakes going into turns.
Of course, he only wanted to "survive" for a day's racing.

[Billy94Z]

I used to like to cruise down hills in neutral dont try it in this car though. It did mess up once and I had an error light for a couple of days.

[rdmac]

The auto stick feature on this car is fun. I will say that on my old 300M Special the shifts were much more crisp.

Bob

[II kings 9:20]

For everyday use (non aggressive) I use as few rpm as possible and don't touch the stick. The ft/mile piston travel is directly related to engine wear, others have commented on trans wear and brakes being cheaper than an MB 5spd trans. Unless I am having fun, even my stick shift cars I use the brakes, save the engine and clutch. Brake pads are cheap and something I can do in half an hour per side.

[HEMEEE]

Originally Posted by james jefferson

hmmm. i think that replacing the brake pads is lot cheaper than replacing the transmission.

Not to make a mountain out of a molehill... there is a distinction. For mountains, long or steep downhill grades, selecting a lower gear helps to avoid brake overheating, which can lead to fade or failure. For a hill, slowing your speed prior to descent and light steady braking should be adequate.

My problem is I never want to slow down or brake!

[Blue]

Originally Posted by Chaseme973

I hare to ask this; but I have not really utilized auto shift....Can someone provide a quick overview of when/how to use it? I am sure a lot of us would appreciate it. Thx

Can someone address this question? I would like to know the parameters of the auto stick as well. Ive used it to drop down and increase acceleration but if I start out in 4th for example it seems to shift through 1,2,3 and stop after it hits 4th. How is this tranni supposed to function?

Thanks

[Redman]

Originally Posted by Billy94Z

I used to like to cruise down hills in neutral dont try it in this car though. It did mess up once and I had an error light for a couple of days.

This was the topic of a mighty big & interesting thread over at ALLPAR recently:

http://www.allpar.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=45467

BOTTOMLINE: Do NOT shift into neutral while driving.
OTHERWISE: The Mercedes 5-speed automatic transmission will NOT re-engage until speed goes down to 25mph.
QUESTION: Has anybody else experience this phenomenon? I know I have coasted along once or twice with pretty much the same results, but did not quantify it. :o

[Northern Rider]

I hit neutral in error when I first got the car, trying to go from autostick back to drive after my first WOT 0-60 run. What happened next was not pretty - engine high revved and the whole electronic shift system got quite confused.

Quite different from the 300M system. Bottom line according to Redman's thread - stay out of neutral while moving.

As to downshifting on hills, there is no way you are going to damage the motor or tranny. You are definitely going to maintain better control, especially on slippery surfaces.