Caught out by the auto today.

[chn68b]

yes daddy.

:d

 

[zoros]

renault: chill out sunshine, where is the offensive part - did something hit a raw nerve and what does 'new' have to do with it "daddy"?

 

[johns E350]

The main problem with autos (which is the main reason seasoned drivers don't like them) is because the box isn't exactly where you want it - when you want it....as you found out above. IF you have paddle shift then when the time arises where you need instantaneous response, you can manipulate the box thru these and not leave it to the auto to make a decision (banging foot down or not). With a manual/paddles you can always "lurk" just below the max peak of the torque curve and when you then floor it - the flood gates open fully! I would NEVER buy an auto that doesn't offer you the option of manual over-ride especially in a performance car....what a complete and utter waste of time and money!!

The above is the biggest load of crap I have ever read on this forum

 

[gunning]

The above is the biggest load of crap I have ever read on this forum

He actually makes some valid points but maybe didn't put it across quite right.

These days pretty much all manufacturers offer auto/ semi auto anyway so even the driving enthusiast is forced down that route. 911 gt3 rs being one of the biggest pointers as that is only pdk now.

You can certainly hold a car in the right power band if it's manual or has an override on the flappy paddles.

I remember getting furious with my cls55 at spa track when it wouldn't down change as I wanted it to.

 

[E55BOF]

The above is the biggest load of crap I have ever read on this forum

Stick around, buddy. You ain't seen nothin' yet...

And I like autos too, and I've been driving since 1969. I'm not seasoned, I'm fossilised...

 

[pipmk]

How can a "seasoned" driver not be familiar with auto boxes,which season did he miss? How does he know that there are no ex professional racing drivers on here?
I love the assumption of superiority, a real way to win friends and influence people.

 

[geraldrobins]

I suppose if a "seasoned" driver had driven manuals previously then he wouldn't be familiar with auto boxes to be fair. Everything is a compromise even a manual gearbox doesn't have the ratios for every situation at times.

 

[timskemp]

Kickdown is your friend. There's a detent at the end of the accellerator pedal travel that will request lowest appropriate gear. Hit it and watch the speedo go ballistic. Not recommended on wet corners

 

[zoros]

Show me a fully automatic box that has the right speed ready for you whenever you want it? The mere act of "kick down" takes a second alone??? With the revs being controlled manually, you have the torque curve EXACTLY where you want it, when you want it and for however long you want it. NO auto box will ever provide that - it is reactive not proactive. It doesn't take 17 year old to realise that.
PS: JohnsE350: How many track days have you done. More to the point, how many track day cars are fully automatic? Er..........NONE.

 

[wemorgan]

Which is why autos have a manual over-ride allowing you to be in the gear of your choice.

Most people consider an 'automatic' to be a car with only a brake and accelerator pedal. The whole torque converter and dual-clutch technicalities are only of interest to motoring forums. So in that respect F1 cars are automatic, which shows any gearbox type can be made to work if you want it to.

 

[Mrhanky]

Zoros, the masked diesel man

 

[renault12ts]

renault: chill out sunshine, where is the offensive part - did something hit a raw nerve and what does 'new' have to do with it "daddy"?

Well if you weren't new you'd know that I don't drive a Renault12ts, well not for more than 30 years anyway...and then you assumed you knew all about me and what I drive or have access to.

Your present MB may be quick...but you'll get to 60 maybe only 3 seconds before me (I'm being generous to you)...so why the stupid "daylight" comment.

You've done track days? And so feel you are a qualified, bona fide "seasoned" driver...well I think you know what I think now.

When one of our esteemed members blows you off the road in his big black estate car, remember how stupid you have sounded.

 

[TDE1]

To the OP.

The trick with mine (E55k) is not necessarily the length of the foot movement on the accelerator, it's the urgency of which you apply it. I'll ignore the 'kickdown button' and override buttons in trying to explain how I find how it works FWIW. I'm no expert, though.

If you're tootling along in, say, 4th gear, and slowly apply the accelerator by an inch and a half, then the car will likely hold the gear whilst accelerating.

If, at the same speed and gear, you give the pedal an urgent inch and a half prod, then the box should kick down on its own.

Some autos also 'learn' your driving style. Hoof yours around for 15 minutes and you may find a difference in how it holds gear and responds to throttle input.

Have fun learning your car and ignoring the occasional MBClub bunfight

And I read a post about being careful in corners. My understanding (on mine at least) is that there is a fail safe that prevents kickdown over certain lateral loads. Happy to be corrected though.

 

[johns E350]

Show me a fully automatic box that has the right speed ready for you whenever you want it? The mere act of "kick down" takes a second alone??? With the revs being controlled manually, you have the torque curve EXACTLY where you want it, when you want it and for however long you want it. NO auto box will ever provide that - it is reactive not proactive. It doesn't take 17 year old to realise that. PS: JohnsE350: How many track days have you done. More to the point, how many track day cars are fully automatic? Er..........NONE.

Loads and I have even built the tracks

 

[Howard]

Show me a fully automatic box that has the right speed ready for you whenever you want it? The mere act of "kick down" takes a second alone???.

Maybe if you have a wooden leg ?

 

[zoros]

Renault12 whatever and JohnsE350 - thanks for your constructive inputs - appreciated guys.
I've never stated that autos are rubbish. For many drivers they are a fantastic convenience and even I drive around (poodling) with the car in auto, but when you mean business either because you want to actually "drive" the car hard in say the Alps or winding A roads or at the other end of the spectrum if you are on ice or snow.....Manual is the only way to go. There really is no alternative. That's all I wanted to say. One can't be buying a performance car for its performance if that car has only a FULLY automatic gearbox - the performance is partially cancelled out. I have emphasised the word "fully" for the hard of hearing. I am NOT talking about semi-autos or DSG's - paddle shift etc.(here you have the option to come out of auto). Don't get so worked up in here - you wouldn't do it over a pint in a pub chat so don't get all shirty behind a pseudonym FFS. We are all passionate about driving our Merc's at the end of the day. Stay safe.

 

[timskemp]

So far I've not found any lateral load that'll prevent kickdown.

 

[JamesRan]

http://youtu.be/Vzo0iHrivVQ

 

[chn68b]

To the OP.

The trick with mine (E55k) is not necessarily the length of the foot movement on the accelerator, it's the urgency of which you apply it. I'll ignore the 'kickdown button' and override buttons in trying to explain how I find how it works FWIW. I'm no expert, though.

If you're tootling along in, say, 4th gear, and slowly apply the accelerator by an inch and a half, then the car will likely hold the gear whilst accelerating.

If, at the same speed and gear, you give the pedal an urgent inch and a half prod, then the box should kick down on its own.

Some autos also 'learn' your driving style. Hoof yours around for 15 minutes and you may find a difference in how it holds gear and responds to throttle input.

Have fun learning your car and ignoring the occasional MBClub bunfight

And I read a post about being careful in corners. My understanding (on mine at least) is that there is a fail safe that prevents kickdown over certain lateral loads. Happy to be corrected though.

Thanks for that, I'll have fun playing with it this weekend and try this out.