Down shifting to slow down with automatic tranny.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7
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c300 sport 4matic
Down shifting to slow down with automatic tranny.
When approaching a red light, I personally like to down shift even with my 7 speed automatic.
Is this hard on the tranny? I know it saves on braking.
I'm curious on what other drivers think.
Is this hard on the tranny? I know it saves on braking.
I'm curious on what other drivers think.
Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 91
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From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
2016 C63, 2009 C3004M
I believe the 7G-tronic already does that and the calculation for optimal downshifting in deceleration mode starts as soon as you let off the gas pedal. It may not be as aggressive as you prefer, but I do feel that the MB's slows down noticeably faster than others without driver intervention thanks partly to this feature.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,395
Likes: 7
From: Hollywood
Black C300
I believe the 7G-tronic already does that and the calculation for optimal downshifting in deceleration mode starts as soon as you let off the gas pedal. It may not be as aggressive as you prefer, but I do feel that the MB's slows down noticeably faster than others without driver intervention thanks partly to this feature.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 360
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh, PA
2020 C363 S / 2007 SLK55 / 2016 F150 4x4 / 1998 Cobra Convertible
Very much agree. Based on Glyn making some comment a while back that a tranny can cost $10KUSD I'd definitely not even consider it. Rotors and brakes are very cheap in comparison.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
If you hold the shifter to "-D" the transmission will not only downshift once but go down to the lowest gear possible for optimal braking. I do this once in a while when I feel like it. It's cool it sounds like a manual when it jumps into 2nd gear and the RPMS pop up.
I do, however, agree if you do this excessively it can't be good for the transmission. I don't think rarely could be that bad though, if it was Merc probably wouldn't enable the feature.
I do, however, agree if you do this excessively it can't be good for the transmission. I don't think rarely could be that bad though, if it was Merc probably wouldn't enable the feature.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 291
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From: Monterey Bay
2011 C300 Sport, 2007 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
I believe the 7G-tronic already does that and the calculation for optimal downshifting in deceleration mode starts as soon as you let off the gas pedal. It may not be as aggressive as you prefer, but I do feel that the MB's slows down noticeably faster than others without driver intervention thanks partly to this feature.
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 360
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2020 C363 S / 2007 SLK55 / 2016 F150 4x4 / 1998 Cobra Convertible
My sales rep had me beat the living snot out of the car I test drove. I certainly wouldn't take his advice on recommended driving style... I also wouldn't recommend buying that car if that's how all people were test driving it. (the one I drove.)
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 291
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From: Monterey Bay
2011 C300 Sport, 2007 Nissan Titan Crew Cab
Fortunately I wasn't test driving the one I actually bought. I beat on the tester a little bit not too bad, not nearly as bad as when I test drove an STI. The sales guy was starting to get a little nervous there for a little while. The one I actually got was on the show room floor and they had to move two other cars to get it out.
