mark1962
New Member
Anyone got any preference? Which is better or more reliable?
Michael G
Active Member
An auto is a lot better than a manual as they're notchy, both are very reliable.
Test drive both and see which you prefer.
nickcc101
Active Member
Most of the cars i've owned over the last 40 odd years have been automatic. I have also driven both manual and auto HGV's and PSV's during these years. Without a doubt all the vehicles with auto boxes have been in a far superior condition mechanically than similar vehicles of the same age with manual boxes. Vehicles with auto boxes generally get less driver abuse than those with manual boxes (in my opinion). Maintenance and repair costs for HGV's and PSV's with auto boxes are also lower than vehicles with manual boxes covering the same schedules.
bennesspipers
MB Enthusiast
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- Jun 3, 2009
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- boston,lincs
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- '95 W202 C220 Elegance saloon & 2001 C240 V6 Sport Estate
Auto
Auto,
In the real world faster, smoother, more relaxing to drive, you will also get cruise as standard. Non autos tend to be a tad cheaper like for like and possibly harder to sell, more so with E class and above range. More and more manual SLK's around
best to drive both though and make your mind up.
In the real world faster, smoother, more relaxing to drive, you will also get cruise as standard. Non autos tend to be a tad cheaper like for like and possibly harder to sell, more so with E class and above range. More and more manual SLK's around
best to drive both though and make your mind up.
gary350
Active Member
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- Jan 20, 2004
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- 809
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- south wales
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- slk 230 & slk 350 (sold) Jag XF 2.7 Premium Luxury
horsesuitedfool
Active Member
I thought so too.....Thought only the 200 was manual......
geoffd
Active Member
Don't even consider a manual SLK R170. Agricultural doesn't even begin to describe the manual box. And the clutch...horrid.
And if you're thinking of buying one make sure it's metallic paint, has heated leather and air con. And check in the bottom of the boot for any trace of water - and if there is any walk away - or be prepared for a big bill for the PSE pump.
Otherwise they're fine cars.
Geoff
And if you're thinking of buying one make sure it's metallic paint, has heated leather and air con. And check in the bottom of the boot for any trace of water - and if there is any walk away - or be prepared for a big bill for the PSE pump.
Otherwise they're fine cars.
Geoff
I think the majority of people will be biased on here towards auto, most mercs are auto! I have a manual SLK 230, I have test driven an auto SLK 230 and I personally think the manual gives you much greater control of the car, and is alot better to drive. Dont get me wrong, the auto is still good, I just prefer the manual version. Its more of a "drivers" car I think.
steve333
MB Enthusiast
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- Oct 22, 2009
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- Cls350cdi in palladium,C200k in tenorite,Slk320 in red.
I would only get an auto(tiptronic=best of both worlds)mercedes,as other posters have said the manuals are a bit notchy,will be harder to sell when the time comes & the handbrake will take some getting used to with a manual imho
flango
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Totally agree with this, I'm not an Auto fan anyway but the MB auto box and the 230K engine just don't go together in any of the cars I have driven always feels like a mismatch to me and never in the correct gear.
As regards the manual being agricultural, don't forget Lamborghini make tractors. The Manual box in my CLK 230K is a smooth as silk and the clutch light as a feather it has to be or SWMBO who is a tiny thing wouldn't drive it. As regards resale manuals actually command a premium in the North so it's very Regional and not something I would worry about.
I would say just test drive both and choose the one that suits your driving style but manual everytime for me
mykulmerc
Active Member
I agree auto - more relaxed driving and seeing how so many drivers abuse a clutch/manual box this makes engineering sense. I spent many hours in a coach sleeper compartment just behind the rear axle - some guys could play all sorts of tunes on the transmission.
Rovinghawk
Active Member
Mine's manual too- I wouldn't have it any other way. Try both (as I did) and make your own mind up.Totally agree with this, I'm not an Auto fan anyway but the MB auto box and the 230K engine just don't go together in any of the cars I have driven always feels like a mismatch to me and never in the correct gear.
As regards the manual being agricultural, don't forget Lamborghini make tractors. The Manual box in my CLK 230K is a smooth as silk and the clutch light as a feather
I would say just test drive both and choose the one that suits your driving style but manual everytime for me
Just like the auto's, change the transmission oil; I did so at 100K and the box is beautifully smooth.
Just out of curiosity, how many of those here who've slated the manual box or made incorrect comments about the handbrake have actually driven one for more than a short distance?
RH
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Rovinghawk
Active Member
Michael G
Active Member
I'm just going on other peoples experiences, personally I don't think manuals are right in Mercs.
thedaddy007
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2006
- Messages
- 6
Main dealers will find the auto a far more attractive purchase when it comes to selling your car.
Rovinghawk
Active Member
I'll quote you something from Tolkein:
"Let him not vow to walk in the darkness, he who has not seen the night fall."
How can you give advice on something of which you have zero experience? Please participate, but your credibility will be enhanced if you stick to subjects you know something about rather than rehashing other folks' opinions.
Let the OP decide what he wants based on facts & maybe trying/comparing a manual & auto. I tried an auto SLK230 & wasn't impressed; I'd possibly feel differently on an S-class.
RH
