K-A

The E63 Sedan actually will definitely have a proper column shifter.

Jen_Kenne

Redundant. Bangle = weird.

erichen

K-A, I believe you mean a floor shifter? Here is the link to pic of the interior of the 2010 E63 sedan.
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/l...e63-amg_12.jpg
looks like a floor shifter!

stogie1020

No three spoke steering wheel on the AMG? I am surprised. I thought that was the sportier version, with the flat bottom.

chilledbenz

This is the one from the E350 Wheel Package. It's the same wheel thats standard in all the other U.S. spec AMG cars (the exception being the G55). I'm thinking it will probably be in the E63 as well, all the photos released so far seem to be of euro spec pre-production cars. Or they could be trying to weasel even more money out of E63 buyers by making them upgrade to the Wheel Package. Although on the E350 its a pretty good deal as you get not only the steering wheel, but 18'' AMG wheels to go with it for $750.

Jen_Kenne

Let's hope they don't revert to bench seats along with column shifters!

gaazmon

Ah yes, the E63 will get the same shifter as the SL63, with all the goodies such as launch control.

K-A

Damnit! I mixed my words up, yes it will receive a proper floor shifter.

I would never call a lame column shifter "proper".

Jen_Kenne

Not a problem. Everybody obamas once in a while.

gaazmon

LOL

Btw, OT, but I always find your quotes interesting. Also, what is the picture in your avatar with the mouse?

Back on topic, from what I've heard about this new "AMG" tranny, it sounds very interesting. Something that can finally compete against the M's DCT.

I also agree with Diesel Benz, it does free up a lot of space to have the column shifter. And if all column shifters come with the paddle shifters, it should make things a little better. Anyone ever try out Jaguar's new shifter in the XF/XK with the knob?

Jen_Kenne

Thank you.

My avatar is Ed Roth's Rat Fink (R.F.). Rat Fink was the anti-Mickey Mouse. Roth was one of our great creative geniuses. There is a move about his life, Tales of the Rat Fink, that is worth finding. There is a youtube of Roth interviewing Von Dutch - also very interesting.

http://www.bigdaddyroth.com/

Kar don

I tried the shifter in the Jaguar, problem is i grabbed it and put the car in neutral when I wanted to change the radio station... guess my brain automatically thought i-drive knob.

chilledbenz

Maybe I'm partial because I have an R, but I like the column shifter better than the console shifter. Every car company from Kia to Volkswagen has a console shifter. Once you get used to the column shifter (its electric and not like the column shifters of the past, you tap it up or down, no actual shifting) its quite nice and gives the car a more luxurious feel. Now in an E63, they should go the route of Ferrari and leave the gear changes to the paddles...or dare I say a real manual transmission!

Jen_Kenne

The interior photos of the E63 in Autoweek showed a console mounted selector.

erichen

YouTube E63 video footage... around 1:40 mark shows console/floor shifter for 2010 E63... engine sounds nice.... still has an ugly butt though...maybe somebody will come out with a kit to make it look better.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtg3bYm7al8

MB_Owner

European model (see the Stuttgart "S" plates) so the US-spec version could have some differences. For example, think I read that the trunk will have a spoiler lip on the top-trailing edge.

Jen_Kenne

The solution to the but-ugly butt of the W212 has been around for some time -- it's the W211.

gaazmon

I never understood why they don't offer manual on the AMGs... at least the C, E, and SLK. Can't see it on S, CL, and even SL. Maybe CLS as well.

Diesel Benz

I agree, these should come with a manual gearbox. Perhaps the owners after all are more for comfort than sporty driving. I've seen claims that MB has not seen enough market for such a manual gear box that would handle the torque of these engines (this is why the bigger CDIs are not available with a manual transmission).

chilledbenz

The Lamborghini Murcielago has a manual trans option and well over 500hp, so MB should be able to develop or at least source a manual trans. Although most of these super cars are going to a dual clutch system that can change gears faster than any human. Would be nice to see Benz come up with something similar.

JoeVal

I think proposing to MB things they have superseded are going to find "encroachment". Why not shift with the paddles, controlled by buttons at the wheel a la F1? Also, propose them not only for "views" but for technology, such as is mentioned the case of the multi-disc clutch.

As for views, perhaps it would be a matter of sawing off the rear of a W212 in front of the MB Stuttgart Museum and burn it, together with a bench front seat so they get the idea. Of course, all within the law of the DR and with the necessary permits to demonstrate and do what is intended. It would no doubt attract their attention. They could even realize that the cab line should be an independent one, separate from the luxury sedans to avoid confusion and jokes.

Cheers, JV

gaazmon

Ya, they all still offer manual though. I mean, I don't really care, I'd buy the dual clutch. I think they are just worried about liability. The M5 and M6 produce 500hp with a V10 and don't they offer manual?

NickR41

I cannot stop laughing at this...I don't even know why.

Flippin BMW. They should only manufacture motorcycles and just give all buyers one of those stupid yellow rain coats with the gray stripe they always wear. Those people look as dumb as the BMW motorcycles they buy. They'd be better off getting a scooter and yelling Ciao' all the time. The cars are even worse.

Can't believe MB has a column shifter in a sedan. Shakin' my head in disbelief.

Diesel Benz

I did not say they would not be able to develop and manufacture such a manual transmission, the speculation was about "not sufficient sales" to make it business for MB. Honestly, how many would buy the manual (I would but I could not afford buying the car, so you cannot count me).

chilledbenz

In my opinion I don't think they know how to make a manual transmission. The SLR is the perfect example of a car that would have benefited from a proper manual transmission, its a super car and by super car standards the transmission is sub par. I could also point out that the manual transmissions that Benz does offer are (C300,SLK300) are rubbish. Sorry to offend those that may have a manual trans C or SLK, but if you have ever driven a Honda manual trans theres no comparison between the two.