question about gear ratios
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11
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From: SF Bay Area
C300 6speed
question about gear ratios
I have picked up my C300 with manual transmission recently (
) and I am still getting used to it. It takes a little longer than what I would expect, mainly because of an unusually wide gear ratio range. There are particularly big jumps from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3d compared to what I am used to and what other cars have.
I think it prevents me from shifting quickly unless I do it at very high rpm. I also find it a little tricky to start smoothly but fast from the 1st gear. I almost wonder if I should start from the 2nd like the automatics do when I am not in a hurry.
I am sure that I will eventually learn and adapt, but I was wondering what other manual drivers think.
) and I am still getting used to it. It takes a little longer than what I would expect, mainly because of an unusually wide gear ratio range. There are particularly big jumps from 1st to 2nd and from 2nd to 3d compared to what I am used to and what other cars have.I think it prevents me from shifting quickly unless I do it at very high rpm. I also find it a little tricky to start smoothly but fast from the 1st gear. I almost wonder if I should start from the 2nd like the automatics do when I am not in a hurry.
I am sure that I will eventually learn and adapt, but I was wondering what other manual drivers think.
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 109
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C 300
You will adapt, although there will be times that you sort of zone out and fall back to shifting like you did in another car, and blow a smooth start, but not badly, because as a manual trans sorta guy you will always be aware, on some level, of what you are doing. Just a matter of internalizing what's needed, and for longer than folks realize, staying focused on what you're doing each time.
As far as the gear ratios go, each car make and model has their own idiosyncrasies, so that's just a matter of pushing the beastie to see what it does. I wouldn't do the plus size wheel thing for awhile, or ever, in my opinion. Wheels nowadays aren't just round things at the corners, they are a functioning part if the suspension AND the overall gear ratio. But, if you are of a certain age, wheels are personal, so.......whatever; it will affect the ratio a bit.
As far as the gear ratios go, each car make and model has their own idiosyncrasies, so that's just a matter of pushing the beastie to see what it does. I wouldn't do the plus size wheel thing for awhile, or ever, in my opinion. Wheels nowadays aren't just round things at the corners, they are a functioning part if the suspension AND the overall gear ratio. But, if you are of a certain age, wheels are personal, so.......whatever; it will affect the ratio a bit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
I have always felt the ratios were spread fairly well but actually a bit lower than needed. I start out in second almost as much as first; usually for flat and downhill starts. The flat torque curve really allows us to skip shift much more than high revving four bangers or other peaky engines.
Like the other guys say, give it a month or so and you will be 1-3-6 or 2-4-6ing without even thinking about it...
Like the other guys say, give it a month or so and you will be 1-3-6 or 2-4-6ing without even thinking about it...
