watchknut

I am wondering how people drive their C43's. With the auto tranny, do you ever manually shift and if so when? Where have people had success and failures as far as getting the most out of the car? Thanks

AMGJared

I've never used the manual shifting. Normally I don't beat on the car, when I drive it to work and home I usually do the speed limit on cruise control and just well, cruise. The powers always there if I have to pass someone, or if I go under a tunnel I love hearing the sound...but for the most part I baby the car. I must admit occasionally I have some fun with it though.

ProjectC55

+1+1+1 No reason for me to shift as well and I maintain and take care of her the same way Jared takes care of his.

NitrogenBalance

I have an explorer that I use for speed limits and snow. I drive my C like a maniac. AMGjared may have witnessed this. I can't drive it normal, tried and I can't. I dont beat on it either because I do think there is a difference in "pushing a vehicles limits" and "beating on the thing". People have told me that they have never seen a C43 as clean or well taking care of as mine also. I pay close attention to everything about it. The only thing in jeopordy when I drive would be the tranny at this point so I make an effort to always be smooth with the power delivery. Tires and brakes can be replaced is how I look at it.

AMGJared

I can vouch for what Wes says.

speedybenz

I tend to drive mine with purposeful attention to getting to my destination with speed and safety. I do use the the shift lever to shift on occassion as my thoughts are that it is easier on the tranny to put it in the gear that allows good throttle response and doesn't require much or any downshifts.

So in town I tend to put my car in 3rd gear for the around the town driving and for my in-town highway driving I use 4th gear as it is a one to one
(1:1) gear ratio or basically a direct drive to the rear differential. I save 5th gear for speeds of 80mph or so. Or for interstate use where there is little traffic.

I also change my oil at 3000 to 5000 miles and use 0-30 German Made Castrol Syntec and use Mobil 1 ATF in the tranny and change out 3 quarts everytime I change the engine oil. I the rear diff I use Redline Lightweight Shock Proff gear oil.

And keep up with all maintance to keep the car running good and strong.

Vardar

I drive exactly the same + occasional 120-135mph on the Hwy. You gotta feel 300 hp......

AMGJared

Or that annoying scion tc that was sitting on my *** today...

C43AMG

My car sees triple digits everytime it leaves the driveway.

MBHustla858

+1

svt ricco

i drive mine like jared but its really hard not push her real hard on the freeways specially when chargers/mustangs think its just a 220/280...

AMGJared

I love when people say "What is it a 4cyl?"

svt ricco

its just so funny when you look at their faces thinking ours is just a super modded c class

AutoAddiction

i beat it like a redheaded stepchild.. (my car that is)..

taxi driver

With PLEASURE.........and preferably rolled down driverside window
radio turned off........enjoying the sound of music presented by AMG
or tightly strapped to the blueberry designo nappa eyes on the threepointed
sight/star rightfoot planted in the mat, Jekkyl and Hyde the coin with
NO downside the best of two worlds..Roger

FLYNAVY

Basically I live my life 1/4 mile at a time.....





ok, seriously I agree w/ Jared....its my baby, I never use the manual shift mode (never honestly really need to, and its not nearly as functional IMO as the one on my w201), and I only occaisonally break the tires loose at a stoplight. Additionally, with all the tranny horror stories I have been hearing lately, no reason to tempt fate on a car that just closed out its factory warranty

NjC43

watchknut

Thanks Jeff. For the last week I have been driving in 3rd gear around town and only shifting into 4th when I am cruising at 60 on the parkway. I have noticed a real difference in the response of the car and no more of the harsh down shift when I punch it in traffic. My gas consumption is up, but then again, it is 300hp V8!

AMGJared

Wow low miles. I thought my 68,000 was on the low side haha.

c55m8o

I drive to maximize Gs at all possible times.

Can't decide if I love lateral or directly front ta back better! I think lateral is the more addicting but much harder to attain around these roads ... if only I had Jeff's roads 'round here!

WyattH

We've never shifted ours manually. No point.

c55m8o

p.s. I shift mine manually all the time; constantly! If I have to slow down a little, I downshift to use engine braking instead of doing a brake check. If I'm going around a turn during spirited driving and I'm going to want to the gas hard after the apex, I'll be sure to be in the gear that will put the engine over 3K at the apex before going into the turn. If someone slows down in front of me to turn off right or left, it's a definite downshift to 2nd so that as covered above, I can maxime Gs once they're out of my way as I get back up to speed.