Why don't AMG vehicles come with Manual Transmissions?
02-16-2008, 01:40 PM
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2013 S550, CLS500, ‘03 SL500, “92 190E Sportline
Why don't AMG vehicles come with Manual Transmissions?
Ok, so I searched the forum and found nothing on this issue. So, why doesn't Mercedes put manual tranni's in their AMG's? I mean, I can get an M3 or M5 with a manny tranni....
I prefer manual transmissions, which is why I waited long and patiently to get my car. I know first hand that the AMG engines run great and shift great...but it would be so much better to be in control...
I prefer manual transmissions, which is why I waited long and patiently to get my car. I know first hand that the AMG engines run great and shift great...but it would be so much better to be in control...
02-16-2008, 11:44 PM
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They are faster and consume less fuel with automatic transmissions.
Humans just slow things down.
You can shift, electrically, if you desire.
Humans just slow things down.
You can shift, electrically, if you desire.
02-17-2008, 12:21 AM
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2013 S550, CLS500, ‘03 SL500, “92 190E Sportline
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02-17-2008, 01:43 AM
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white and whiter
sorry, but all wrong.
simple answer: marketing research puts majority of AMG owners preferring the auto more than the manual and most AMG owners have other vehicles for shifting needs. Plus AMGs started out as special edition Mercedes-Benz. It wasn't meant to rival the M or the Quattro Gmbh until the public put it there.
and manual transmission weights less and IS more efficient btw.
world trend is going with automated sequencial gearbox or even just the auto. bet none of you realize or know Porsche sold more turbo 911s (996/997) with auto than manual.
simple answer: marketing research puts majority of AMG owners preferring the auto more than the manual and most AMG owners have other vehicles for shifting needs. Plus AMGs started out as special edition Mercedes-Benz. It wasn't meant to rival the M or the Quattro Gmbh until the public put it there.
and manual transmission weights less and IS more efficient btw.
world trend is going with automated sequencial gearbox or even just the auto. bet none of you realize or know Porsche sold more turbo 911s (996/997) with auto than manual.
Last edited by FrankW; 02-17-2008 at 01:48 AM.
02-17-2008, 12:05 PM
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Agree w/ FrankW, except for one small distinction. AMGs started as tuner cars (similar today to Brabus, Carlsson, Lorinser, etc.), since AMG was an independent tuner of MBs prior to the AMG acquisition by MB in the late 90's. Since the acquisition, I'd say MB has most definitely positioned AMGs to compete against Audi's S and BMW's M vehicles (i.e. all chasing same target audience, for the most part).
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02-17-2008, 08:59 PM
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Yeah, I can see the logic behind that...But personally, I would prefer to "slow things down" and consume more fuel, if it results in me being in control...I mean, even paddle shifting is fun, but it's just not the same feeling as a stick. I'm sure others agree with me. As far as electronically shifting goes, I still don't think that will ever be tantamount to literally manually shifting...
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02-17-2008, 11:09 PM
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The AMG Mercedes with automatic is an exception to the above, and is tuned to shift faster than a human can. Fuel economy still suffers due to the torque converter.
A point of clarification: I am using the term "automatic" to mean a transmission with a torque converter. This excludes transmissions like SMG and DSG, which are really a manual gearbox with an automatic clutch.
02-17-2008, 11:57 PM
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I'm not really qualified to say this since I can't afford a C55 AMG, but I actually prefer my manual C230 over an automatic C55. Shifting with a real, traditional six-speed just cant be matched with paddle shifters, etc. I'm not a huge speed freak, so my C230 fits me just right....
That being said, if they made a C55 in manual, I'd get a second job to save up
That being said, if they made a C55 in manual, I'd get a second job to save up
02-18-2008, 12:15 AM
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2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
I'm not really qualified to say this since I can't afford a C55 AMG, but I actually prefer my manual C230 over an automatic C55. Shifting with a real, traditional six-speed just cant be matched with paddle shifters, etc. I'm not a huge speed freak, so my C230 fits me just right....
That being said, if they made a C55 in manual, I'd get a second job to save up
That being said, if they made a C55 in manual, I'd get a second job to save up
02-18-2008, 01:31 AM
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02-19-2008, 09:28 AM
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Finally a thread Andre's created that is worthy of my reply!
Now the reason behind the auto transmission in an AMG is because according to market surveys and popular demands, the typical average middle of the road Mercedes driver prefers an auto. This is because they are often spotted driving with a Venti Mocha Latte in left hand and cell phone held to ear in right hand while driving. Therefore they would have -1 hands available for shifting the car while drinking the mocha and holding the cell. Then once the mocha is finished, the left and right hands are occupied with either the makeup kit, the razor and shaving cream, the bagel, the cheeseburger, or the sandwich while one hand is still holding the cell phone to ear.
Now Mercedes obviously doesn't care about appeasing the minority of drivers that prefer manual transmissions so they just cater to the masses and let the dissidents go get into BMWs.
And that is why AMG's are automatic.
Now the reason behind the auto transmission in an AMG is because according to market surveys and popular demands, the typical average middle of the road Mercedes driver prefers an auto. This is because they are often spotted driving with a Venti Mocha Latte in left hand and cell phone held to ear in right hand while driving. Therefore they would have -1 hands available for shifting the car while drinking the mocha and holding the cell. Then once the mocha is finished, the left and right hands are occupied with either the makeup kit, the razor and shaving cream, the bagel, the cheeseburger, or the sandwich while one hand is still holding the cell phone to ear.
Now Mercedes obviously doesn't care about appeasing the minority of drivers that prefer manual transmissions so they just cater to the masses and let the dissidents go get into BMWs.
And that is why AMG's are automatic.
02-19-2008, 10:35 PM
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Finally a thread Andre's created that is worthy of my reply!
Now the reason behind the auto transmission in an AMG is because according to market surveys and popular demands, the typical average middle of the road Mercedes driver prefers an auto. This is because they are often spotted driving with a Venti Mocha Latte in left hand and cell phone held to ear in right hand while driving. Therefore they would have -1 hands available for shifting the car while drinking the mocha and holding the cell. Then once the mocha is finished, the left and right hands are occupied with either the makeup kit, the razor and shaving cream, the bagel, the cheeseburger, or the sandwich while one hand is still holding the cell phone to ear.
Now Mercedes obviously doesn't care about appeasing the minority of drivers that prefer manual transmissions so they just cater to the masses and let the dissidents go get into BMWs.
And that is why AMG's are automatic.
Now the reason behind the auto transmission in an AMG is because according to market surveys and popular demands, the typical average middle of the road Mercedes driver prefers an auto. This is because they are often spotted driving with a Venti Mocha Latte in left hand and cell phone held to ear in right hand while driving. Therefore they would have -1 hands available for shifting the car while drinking the mocha and holding the cell. Then once the mocha is finished, the left and right hands are occupied with either the makeup kit, the razor and shaving cream, the bagel, the cheeseburger, or the sandwich while one hand is still holding the cell phone to ear.
Now Mercedes obviously doesn't care about appeasing the minority of drivers that prefer manual transmissions so they just cater to the masses and let the dissidents go get into BMWs.
And that is why AMG's are automatic.
If not, we shall be left with no other choice than to have him impeached! Cheerio...Cheerio with milk....and a spoon...and honey.....Scrumptious!
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