Is auto supposed to downshift when slowing?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Olympia WA USA
2011 w212 e350 wagon
Is auto supposed to downshift when slowing?
Hello, all:
My recently purchased '91 300 TE is the first car with an automatic transmission that I've had in years. Although I usually avoid slushboxes, I sought one out this time because I've got a broken left leg that's going to take another four months to heal to the point where I can use a clutch, even with a cast.
When left in "D", this car downshifts automatically when I'm slowing in city traffic, to third and then second. Is this by design? Absolutely every other automatic I've ever driven (that may be a sample pretty much confined to American cars) stays in high gear or freewheels or whatever until I'm back on the gas and trying to accelerate from a low speed.
I think the MB's trait is a mixed blessing. It's nice to be in the right gear when cornering or wanting to accelerate, but it's a little less smooth and this habit must take its toll in transmission wear and reduced fuel economy.
So, again, normal, or a sign of impending doom?
Thanks for your replies.
Kris Hicks-Green
Olympia WA
My recently purchased '91 300 TE is the first car with an automatic transmission that I've had in years. Although I usually avoid slushboxes, I sought one out this time because I've got a broken left leg that's going to take another four months to heal to the point where I can use a clutch, even with a cast.
When left in "D", this car downshifts automatically when I'm slowing in city traffic, to third and then second. Is this by design? Absolutely every other automatic I've ever driven (that may be a sample pretty much confined to American cars) stays in high gear or freewheels or whatever until I'm back on the gas and trying to accelerate from a low speed.
I think the MB's trait is a mixed blessing. It's nice to be in the right gear when cornering or wanting to accelerate, but it's a little less smooth and this habit must take its toll in transmission wear and reduced fuel economy.
So, again, normal, or a sign of impending doom?
Thanks for your replies.
Kris Hicks-Green
Olympia WA
