? for those who drove new smart semi-auto tranny

[a2jack]

Originally Posted by spdickey

Can't fix a "problem" that is inherent in the transmission. All transmissions with a clutch vs. a torque converter will lose momentum when the clutch is disengaged, whether the clutch is operated manually or automatically as is the smart's

The difference is the clutch decouples when it wants, not when you choose. Thus, "Nose Dive" or "Dead in the water" etc.

A2jack.

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by a2jack

The difference is the clutch decouples when it wants, not when you choose. Thus, "Nose Dive" or "Dead in the water" etc.

A2jack.

Unless you go to manual mode. Then you select the shift points.

[eqwalker]

Not to mention horrible on gas mileage as your are trying to merge. What I have done, since this issue has been discussed heavily here, I have plotted a route to work that does not include the freeway at all. It will still take me about the same time, but I will be able to drive at a slower speed and not have to put up with road rage as well. The smart will make it easier on my nerves once I stay off of the freeway. If I want to get on the freeway I'll just get in the Vette.

[a2jack]

Eqwalker. Sounds like the answer.

Spdickey. So far my take on the Getrag trans is that it will still shift out by it's self at given RPM points, even while using the manual paddles. But at least we would know that was coming by engine noise and tach.

But will the little old lady getting up on the Pasadena freeway know that? She will probably have the shifter in Drive.

I'll post more on this subject after I get our USA 451 in my hands, next month.

A2Jack

[cains10]

The real question to me is has the transmission been modified for us as was stated during the tour. Has anyone driven both a tour car and a new 451 US spec car? Is there a difference? We were told that the shift mapping would be changed and that a "park" position would be added. Is this the case? Are Canadian 451s equipped with a "park" position and therefore, hopefully, modified transmission software?

[jonnysan]

How about a very small JATO under the engine firmly bolted to the underbody? That would help in merging onto an interstate....

[SmartCard]

Originally Posted by a2jack

The problem is NOT shift time, but the sudden loss of foreward momentum while merging at full power.

Yes, one will learn how to handle this little quirk, we will, and expect our car in Jan. But older drivers or younger ones who never really learned to drive with skill. will get in trouble, quick.

I foresee problems ahead.

A2jack.

yeah, but again that may only depend on how the driver drives the car. Stepping on it, won't do! And I think older and younger drivers are less likely to floor it on getting on a ramp (I know, I've cursed them before for not knowing ya gotta hit the traffic going the same speed!), hence the 451 may response nicely to these cautious drivers

[mr_Cash]

Originally Posted by spdickey

Can't fix a "problem" that is inherent in the transmission. All transmissions with a clutch vs. a torque converter will lose momentum when the clutch is disengaged, whether the clutch is operated manually or automatically as is the smart's.

However, I have driven both Euro 450s (Italy and USA) and also Euro and USA spec 451s. The transmissions are much smoother now than before, but its still a clutch based system. Let's be glad this has been revealed and discussed to death. Either you like it or don't, but Mercedes decided it was the best solution for a low cost, fuel efficient drive train for the smart.

cant fix inherent problem in transmission?

they have already attempted it, done it so some lsight degree, but it still is not right.

the issue is not the inherent problem in manual transmissions. a std solid feel manual transmission is one strongly preferred and wished for by many.

the problem is with the smart semi automatic manual, and possibly the particular semi-automatic manual type that is used on the smart, that makes it feel so primative, unrefined, and transmitting that feel to cause the entire car to feel like 'a loose bucket of bolts', regardless of why mercedes decided it was the one to be used.

the smart semi-automatic is simply an unfamiliar one that most beg for something else,

such as the much wanted 'solid feel' std manual, or a much accustomed to smooth std auto,

that drivers have experience with, have become accustomed to the refinement of those two transmissions,

and tend to want the same or better 'good quality feel', when deciding to spend near $30k in pretax earnings dollars, on a new car.


this is why, i am hoping, this strange feel, might be the result of some new benefit to the owner,

such as the possibily (i dont know if this is true ?) of since the computer is controlling the shift points, which causes an undesirable roughness unaccustomed to,

may also give less grinding and wear, and greater clutch/tranny longevity,

something that while unpleasantly occurs and is unfamiliar to the driver, if (?) known to provide protection for the car, would tend to please the troubled driver overall, as its seen as good for the car.

any engine/transmission experts here, have insights on the validity, or not, of the latter possible longevity boosting benefit of the smart semi-automatic?

[SmartCard]

yes, the problem is not inherent in a normal manual transmission, but of course, the smart doesn't have one. The longevity of the Smart's tranny?....only time (and not an expert) will tell!
(you could always wait a few years to order one while the data comes in! )

[OC1Dave]

Wait a minute, only "middle aged" guys are great drivers? All old guys (me!!) merge too slowly? I don't think so! I also think the reason that there is no normal manual transmission offered in the smart is a combination of German over-engineering (there are many examples which I won't get into here), poor market research (Americans can't drive stick shifts, all smarts will be used in stop and go traffic only, enthusiast type drivers won't be interested in a small economy car, etc, etc). Hopefully, before my short warranty expires, some shade tree mechanic will build and market a kit to convert the computer(glitch) controlled jerk-a-matic trans to a regular 5 or 6 speed manual WITH A REAL FOOT OPERATED CLUTCH ! But then, and I digress, I could never understand why anyone would buy a Corvette with an automatic either.