Touch Shift
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 738
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'01 C240/6
Originally posted by preyx
Are you fsking serious?!?! I do that all the time in order to use my brakes less and cut down on the dust! What kind of damage could it cause? Clutch wear? Damn those MB guys are picky...
I guess this is a sign I should swap over to Porterfield brake pads...
Are you fsking serious?!?! I do that all the time in order to use my brakes less and cut down on the dust! What kind of damage could it cause? Clutch wear? Damn those MB guys are picky...
I guess this is a sign I should swap over to Porterfield brake pads...
If you don't plan on keeping the car past the warranty period, no big deal. (Just don't advertise your habit amongst knowledgable car folks, you'll embarass yourself).
But if you are planning on keeping the car long term, the habit of downshifting to slow the car down (to avoid brake dust and extend your cheap brake pad's lives) is not a smart habit. Brake dust can be washed off and brake pads (and rotors) are cheap.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
Likes: 21
From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
The Owners manual does not say not to down shift to slow the car down during the break in period. It just says the transmition is not covered by the Mercedes-Benz Limited Warrenty.
I would never use the transmition to slow my car down that much not to use the breaks. I would not wanna put that much stress on the drivetrain. To me i hate the break dust but its ok because i wash my cars so often.
I would never use the transmition to slow my car down that much not to use the breaks. I would not wanna put that much stress on the drivetrain. To me i hate the break dust but its ok because i wash my cars so often.
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 114
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From: Washington D.C. area
190 2.3 and C320
I found touch-shift useful passing trucks on I-76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike), which is an old mountainous highway with narrow lanes much construction, and many trucks. I would shift from "D" to "4" and gain torque to quickly pass.
Last edited by aborwick; Jul 31, 2002 at 09:40 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
Originally posted by SoCal240/6
What wear will it cause? Well, it WILL cause additional wear to your transmission components, driveshaft, CV joints, clutch (if its a stick, automatic transmission clutch packs if its an automatic) - basically your entire drivetrain.
SNIP... Brake dust can be washed off and brake pads (and rotors) are cheap.
What wear will it cause? Well, it WILL cause additional wear to your transmission components, driveshaft, CV joints, clutch (if its a stick, automatic transmission clutch packs if its an automatic) - basically your entire drivetrain.
SNIP... Brake dust can be washed off and brake pads (and rotors) are cheap.
I was tought that engine braking was to be used in cases where you want to MAINTAIN a low speed without RIDING the brake (where the brakes could overheat). Such as when you are going down a long hill. Using the tranny/engine to slow the car down is asking for trouble. Brakes are cheap compared to engine bearings, and transmissions.
