Trying to find out as much as possible about the Smart and 95% of the things I read about it there is a comment about how strange the transmission shifts. Just what exactly is the problem with the way the transmission shifts? I remember reading about the Smart when the rumor was out there that they might be bringing it to the states and that article said they didn't know if people would like the way it shifts. It said it would take some time to get used to. How is it possible in this day and age that a motor company like MB(or any company) could make a transmission that would take time to get use to? It either shifts smooth or it don't. So what is the deal with the shifting?
I challange anyone to drive a standard transmisson any smoother than the manualmatic in the smart. No shudder at take-off, smooth transition through the gears, no grinding or lugging, just great, and without a clutch.
I challange anyone to drive a standard transmisson any smoother than the manualmatic in the smart. No shudder at take-off, smooth transition through the gears, no grinding or lugging, just great, and without a clutch.
How about the BMW SMG's on their "M" models?
I use to drive a 02' M3 with the sequential manual gearbox, and it shifts just a smooth but much faster (0.08sec @ S6). This is close to F1 fast.
However, the Smart's tranny is just as bad ass. I love my Smart.
Trying to find out as much as possible about the Smart and 95% of the things I read about it there is a comment about how strange the transmission shifts. Just what exactly is the problem with the way the transmission shifts? I remember reading about the Smart when the rumor was out there that they might be bringing it to the states and that article said they didn't know if people would like the way it shifts. It said it would take some time to get used to. How is it possible in this day and age that a motor company like MB(or any company) could make a transmission that would take time to get use to? It either shifts smooth or it don't. So what is the deal with the shifting?
I challange anyone to drive a standard transmisson any smoother than the manualmatic in the smart. No shudder at take-off, smooth transition through the gears, no grinding or lugging, just great, and without a clutch.
You aren't going to get a lot of people complaining here. People think their smart is perfect, and they refuse to believe it isn't.
Here is the problem with the transmission: in auto mode it upshifts like a teenager the first time they've ever driven a manual transmission. Between 1st and second gear is almost a full second of lag. This causes the nose to drop down between gears, thus what some have called the rocking horse effect. The other problem with the shifting is that the car tends to shift much earlier than most people would, causing the engine to lug.
I hate to break it to everyone who thinks the smart is fine, but a good driver with a standard manual transmission can do much better than the smart in auto mode.
To be fair, the downshifts are generally much better. Manual mode is also better, once you learn how to time the flick of the paddle with a slight easing of the gas pedal.
I like the smart in manual mode. One very nice feature is that in manual mode you can control the upshifts, while letting the transmission brain control the downshifts. If you come to a stoplight for example, even in manual mode the transmission will shift into first for you. Another feature I like is that even in manual mode, the trans will automatically kick down to a lower gear if you push the accelerator past the detent point at the bottom of the stroke.
There is another weirdness in that in order to keep the car from stalling, reverse is really fast. When you pop into reverse, even without giving the car gas, it will go about 10 mph if you don't hold the brake.
The final issue I have is that creeping up a steep driveway is a pain in the rear. The clutch has to slip alot, and it isn't a very smooth operation.
Quite frankly, even after getting used to the transmission and coming to terms with the quirks, I would still give anything for a standard old manual with a clutch pedal. But there isn't one, and there is no use in complaining about it. You deal with what you can get. IMHO, the transmission is the weak point on the car.
Let me say I don't own a Smart. I have been reading about them for a couple of years now and was wondering why so many people would comment about the transmissions. Cosmart,after reading your post it sort of makes me wonder why they(Smart)just didn't go with the very reliable manual tranny. Of course I suppose you have to take it into account that very few people know how to drive a car with a manual transmission. My dad taught me how to drive and he made me learn in a VW Beetle with the 4-speed manual. I was riding motorcycles(Bridgestones-remember them?) since the age of 7 so I knew all about using a clutch to shift gears. I would be interested in a Smart but I need a dealer to be closer than 4 hours.
Trying to find out as much as possible about the Smart and 95% of the things I read about it there is a comment about how strange the transmission shifts. Just what exactly is the problem with the way the transmission shifts? I remember reading about the Smart when the rumor was out there that they might be bringing it to the states and that article said they didn't know if people would like the way it shifts. It said it would take some time to get used to. How is it possible in this day and age that a motor company like MB(or any company) could make a transmission that would take time to get use to? It either shifts smooth or it don't. So what is the deal with the shifting?
There is nothing wrong with the transmission. I feel the sales staff should tell people it is not a true automatic the way we are all used to. It is an AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) made by Getrag in Germany.
After I learned that, I felt fine with the shift lag. Car & Driver magazine said the shift lag between gears was "laughably long". I feel that if they really knew what was going on back there they would not have said that.
Before I learned it was an AMT, I too thought the shifting was weird, almost unacceptable. Now that I know it needs a little longer to automatically perform it's duties of shifting the manual transmission for us, I'm fine with it.
Yes, under some or most circumstances an expert driver could shift faster but for 99% of us it's fine. An AMT has a regular 5-speed (in this case) gearbox and a regular clutch. There is no torque converter, instead 3 little Oompa-Loompa guys (actually they are electric motors) do the clutch engaging/disengaging and shifting for us.
Yes, under some or most circumstances an expert driver could shift faster but for 99% of us it's fine. An AMT has a regular 5-speed (in this case) gearbox and a regular clutch. There is no torque converter, instead 3 little Oompa-Loompa guys (actually they are electric motors) do the clutch engaging/disengaging and shifting for us.
They do at least as good a job as I did years ago with my 72 Super Beetle, one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned.
Come to think of it, my fortwo is a lot like that old VW, except it has A/C, power windows, a convertible top, and doesn't need to have the valve lash adjusted every 3000 miles. Oh yeah, and it won't crumple up like a candy wrapper in the event of a crash.
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
1 - Cabrio
Today
Linear Mode
