Dual clutch transmission charactoristics

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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 08:30 AM
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Dual clutch transmission charactoristics

I have an AMG GTS. The transmission does not function like an automatic transmission when pulling off the line and at very low speeds. I'm guessing this is normal but just want to verify. The transmission engagement has some variability-sometimes can be a little "grabby". More likely if i am not smooth with the accelerator. Infinitely better than the F-1 trans in my Ferrari 360 but not as smooth as an automatic trans.The service manager at the dealer said this was normal. Is this typical for both the AMG GTS as well as for other cars with DCT like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 01:47 PM
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Do thread page views include people who are not registered? I'm amazed that at 45 page views, there are no replies with a question any owner of an AMG GTS or other DCT car could comment on.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 01:50 PM
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This is TOTALLY normal for both mct and dct and well discussed and lamented at times

With mct or dct its a win lose ....win for performance and lose for daily driving; the torque converter in a traditional auto trans is what makes driving so smooth at low speeds and not grabby/jerky but also what robs the drivetrain of maximal power output to the wheels

even hyundai owners feel same characteristics

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=exTEL9QbZ8g


Last edited by PeterUbers; Nov 27, 2016 at 01:58 PM.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 02:19 PM
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Just as an FYI, I had the MTC adapted last week and now it is almost as smooth as a 2015 PDK in my 911.
I will discuss with my advisor about doing the same thing to the GTS and my 2015 E63s wagon, because the 2016 MTC is now pretty close to prefect; grabby and smooth, no bucking.
Granted I have not taken it to the track yet...
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 03:24 PM
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I have no bucking at all. Not sure I would be real pleased with a car that did. Do the DTC Ferraris and Lambos do that?
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 03:33 PM
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It happens on all the benz transmissions with the clutch pack torque converter system. Have the adaptation reset, see if it improves. Most likely it's trying to be as smooth as possible when you are taking off slowly, and these automated clutch systems just don't do that good of a job at soft smooth takeoff as a true automatic torque converter can.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 03:47 PM
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Originally Posted by 360 Spyder
I have no bucking at all. Not sure I would be real pleased with a car that did. Do the DTC Ferraris and Lambos do that?
One thing is tight and firm, and another is bucking and chunkiness.
Now you want to compare a $150k with a $300k+ car? I truly do not think it s a fair comparison...but my 458 Italia was a dream, but then I think that it 458 has the best gear box I have driven.
As it stands today my 2016 MTC shifts "better" (more precise and definitive) than my GTs, but it is my opinion.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
It happens on all the benz transmissions with the clutch pack torque converter system. Have the adaptation reset, see if it improves. Most likely it's trying to be as smooth as possible when you are taking off slowly, and these automated clutch systems just don't do that good of a job at soft smooth takeoff as a true automatic torque converter can.
good point. these transmissions are not made to walk on eggs or drink a Martini while driving, lots of torque and HP to put down on the tarmac...
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 04:26 PM
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Originally Posted by 360 Spyder
I have an AMG GTS. The transmission does not function like an automatic transmission when pulling off the line and at very low speeds. I'm guessing this is normal but just want to verify. The transmission engagement has some variability-sometimes can be a little "grabby". More likely if i am not smooth with the accelerator. Infinitely better than the F-1 trans in my Ferrari 360 but not as smooth as an automatic trans.The service manager at the dealer said this was normal. Is this typical for both the AMG GTS as well as for other cars with DCT like Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche.
Mine works fine. The tranny acts very differently in different programs of course but I image you are talking about being in Comfort - the default setting. Also, the transmission adapts to your driving style. For instance, if I have mine in Sport+ around town the shifting pattern for both upshifts and downshifts is quite different than if I am driving in the twisty hills. It pays attention and adapts.
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Old Nov 27, 2016 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 360 Spyder
Do thread page views include people who are not registered? I'm amazed that at 45 page views, there are no replies with a question any owner of an AMG GTS or other DCT car could comment on.
Just because someone viewed the thread doesn't mean they own the GTS. Some of us browse threads for models other than what we own to learn, curiosity, or multiple other reasons. Got it boss?
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 10:42 AM
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For me, the transmission is pretty awesome. Sail mode works surprisingly well when in comfort mode. However, the following two shift can drive me nuts too...

The transition from 3rd to 4th gear in manual mode. If the RPMs are high, this shift is smooth, if the RPMs are low, this shift sounds like the transmission is wanting to hurt itself.

The transition from 2nd to 1st gear in any mode is sometimes clunky. Like when rolling up to a stoplight.
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 01:13 PM
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I must be lucky. My AMG GTS shifts very smoothly at all times. Only clutch engagement shows any variability
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 02:20 PM
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There seems to be a lot of blending here with the posts about the trannys that Benz has. Our GTS's have dual clutch which does not have a tq converter vs the likes the MCT and traditional slush boxes. My tranny is very smooth and I run sport plus all the time. Yes there is a bit of engagement at a dig but that's expected since, in reality, its a manual with no left pedal. But while rolling and up and down shifting the car is very fluid even at increased speeds.
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Vic55
There seems to be a lot of blending here with the posts about the trannys that Benz has. Our GTS's have dual clutch which does not have a tq converter vs the likes the MCT and traditional slush boxes. My tranny is very smooth and I run sport plus all the time. Yes there is a bit of engagement at a dig but that's expected since, in reality, its a manual with no left pedal. But while rolling and up and down shifting the car is very fluid even at increased speeds.
That's exactly how mine feels.
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 06:04 PM
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Originally Posted by Vic55
There seems to be a lot of blending here with the posts about the trannys that Benz has. Our GTS's have dual clutch which does not have a tq converter vs the likes the MCT and traditional slush boxes. My tranny is very smooth and I run sport plus all the time. Yes there is a bit of engagement at a dig but that's expected since, in reality, its a manual with no left pedal. But while rolling and up and down shifting the car is very fluid even at increased speeds.
MCT has a wet clutch pack in place of a torque converter, as all the AMG Speedshift transmissions do. You can't lump MCT and non-MCT transmissions, as the MCT has the wet clutch, and the non-amg cars without the MCT system use a traditional fluid torque converter.

There is just no reliable way to get the clutch takeup perfect every time. As it wears, the fluid wears, temperature changes, it all affects the friction available vs. desired, and results in differing levels of engagement for a given amount of pressure. The car uses learned adaptations to try and be as close to designed engagement time as possible, but it's only so much it can do. Porsche does seem to have the PDK system dialed in more than the rest of the manufacturers, but that's a dual-clutch design and different architecture.

But in general, the TRANSMISSION is not the culprit, it's the torque converter/clutch pack. We do get failed 2nd and 3rd gear frictions from time to time on new cars, but if you have a serious delay between gears, take it to the dealer. If it just feels a little non-smooth, try altering your driving style for a couple days and see what happens.

AMG cars are designed to work on a track, not be ultra-smooth in traffic. There are base, non-AMG models that are much more suited for that, and the trade-off is less performance when you want to kick the car around.

Last edited by ItalianJoe1; Dec 2, 2016 at 01:23 AM. Reason: Removed incorrect information
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
They call it dual clutch, but it's the same 722.9 stuffed into a transaxle design.

It has a wet clutch pack in place of a torque converter, as all the AMG Speedshift transmissions do. You can't lump MCT and non-MCT transmissions, as the MCT has the wet clutch, and the non-amg cars without the MCT system use a traditional fluid torque converter.

There is just no reliable way to get the clutch takeup perfect every time. As it wears, the fluid wears, temperature changes, it all affects the friction available vs. desired, and results in differing levels of engagement for a given amount of pressure. The car uses learned adaptations to try and be as close to designed engagement time as possible, but it's only so much it can do. Porsche does seem to have the PDK system dialed in more than the rest of the manufacturers, but that's a dual-clutch design and different architecture.

But in general, the TRANSMISSION is not the culprit, it's the torque converter/clutch pack. We do get failed 2nd and 3rd gear frictions from time to time on new cars, but if you have a serious delay between gears, take it to the dealer. If it just feels a little non-smooth, try altering your driving style for a couple days and see what happens.

AMG cars are designed to work on a track, not be ultra-smooth in traffic. There are base, non-AMG models that are much more suited for that, and the trade-off is less performance when you want to kick the car around.


Separate discussion but...


Is the GTS transmission more efficient than the MCT? I mean in regards to crank hp vs wheel hp and drivetrain loss?


And my bad, I lumped the MCT with the traditional Benz trannies and I knew that was not correct LOL.

Last edited by Vic55; Nov 30, 2016 at 10:45 AM.
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Old Nov 29, 2016 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Vic55
There seems to be a lot of blending here with the posts about the trannys that Benz has. Our GTS's have dual clutch which does not have a tq converter vs the likes the MCT and traditional slush boxes. My tranny is very smooth and I run sport plus all the time. Yes there is a bit of engagement at a dig but that's expected since, in reality, its a manual with no left pedal. But while rolling and up and down shifting the car is very fluid even at increased speeds.
BTW I introduced the MTC to the discussion because after the adaptation my car has become a night and day experience. I am taking my 2015 wagon and then my gts.


I do completely agree that these cars are not designed to drink a "Martini on the rocks, not stirred" on the way back from work but the adaptation has transformed my 2016 E63s wagon.
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Old Nov 30, 2016 | 09:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Vic55
Separate discussion but...


Is the GTS transmission more efficient than the MCT? I mean in regards to crank hp vs wheel hp and drivetrain loss?


And my bad, I lumped the MCT with the traditional Benz trannies and I knew that was not correct LOL.
In theory, a transaxle design is more efficient than a separate trans and diff, so I would assume yes, but I have no facts to support that thought. It's essentially the same components, and the MCT is very efficient once the clutch is locked, so if there is a gain I'd bet it's small.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
In theory, a transaxle design is more efficient than a separate trans and diff, so I would assume yes, but I have no facts to support that thought. It's essentially the same components, and the MCT is very efficient once the clutch is locked, so if there is a gain I'd bet it's small.




So the Benz "DCT" in the GTS does not operate or have the same components as, lets say, my Turbo S PDK, Lambo Huracan, or my BMW F10 M5?


Why did I think the GTS had true dual clutch mechanics?
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Vic55
So the Benz "DCT" in the GTS does not operate or have the same components as, lets say, my Turbo S PDK, Lambo Huracan, or my BMW F10 M5?


Why did I think the GTS had true dual clutch mechanics?

I thought it had a true DCT also? hmm. Disappointing actually if not, wonder if the GTR will have a DCT.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 06:09 PM
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GTS DCT operation

http://techcenter.mercedes-benz.com/...ct/detail.html

Explains it all
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 06:36 PM
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Originally Posted by cec69
That isn't the GT trans though, that's from a FWD a-class or similar. The CLA uses a version of that gearbox, it is a dual-clutch auto like the VW DSG units.

I'm guessing the AMG version is probably similar in design then, but I personally haven't looked into it. It must be FAR stronger, so it doesn't have any shared components I would guess. But maybe they just stuffed a full DCT in the back, it's possible.

The CLA DCT drives like complete garbage, and nowhere near as well as an AMG MCT trans or a GT, so I assumed it was the other version.

Last edited by ItalianJoe1; Dec 2, 2016 at 01:25 AM.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 07:20 PM
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check this video (you need to scroll to find it) https://vimeo.com/152288405 a direct comparison between MCT (wet clutch) and DCT (transaxle).
Plus other tech videos

Last edited by Astolfo; Dec 1, 2016 at 07:29 PM.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 07:21 PM
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Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
They call it dual clutch, but it's the same 722.9 stuffed into a transaxle design.

It has a wet clutch pack in place of a torque converter, as all the AMG Speedshift transmissions do. You can't lump MCT and non-MCT transmissions, as the MCT has the wet clutch, and the non-amg cars without the MCT system use a traditional fluid torque converter.
Not sure how the AMG GT DCT has the same stuff as the 722.9.
This is not a Mercedes transmission (like the 722.9) but build by Getrag and more or less the updated version of the SLS DCT with improved software.
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Old Dec 1, 2016 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Wolfman
Not sure how the AMG GT DCT has the same stuff as the 722.9.
This is not a Mercedes transmission (like the 722.9) but build by Getrag and more or less the updated version of the SLS DCT with improved software.


That would make more sense but then again I don't have the intel. I just know that the transmission clearly performs better than my 5 previous MCT's.
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