Wishlist for the 2026 refresh
08-06-2024, 05:02 PM
#126
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Join Date: Oct 2002
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2010 E350 4Matic
Nothing is done in a vacuum unfortunately, The nasty piano black plastic was a trend across all German brands that hopefully seems to subside a bit. Dropping buttons for screens still appears to be a fashion trend and I am hoping for capacitive buttons will go away as well but the W223 was not a direct evolution from the W221 or W222 as the demographic shift occurred and the car was designed for a younger audience and a changed market strategy for MB. When it comes to tech changes that are driven ever increasing regulations and penalty avoidance, the results are not liked by anyone including the manufacturer. Mercedes would rather put a simple V8 in a car then building 4 cylinder hybrid setups. But unfortunately, the American market is just not relevant here.
In regards to the 9 G-Tronic I have never experienced harsh shifting but also feel that the ZF is better but much of that depends on the programming (mating to the engine characteristics & desired shifting behavior). BMW does the best job here. Porsche's PDK is a gold standard for sports cars (also made by ZF) but they only manufacture to Porsche's specs (no design). But keep in mind that Mercedes transmissions have a long history and good reputation internationally and thus considered a competitive differentiator. The chance of MB switching to ZF will be zero, at least for ICE.
In regards to the 9 G-Tronic I have never experienced harsh shifting but also feel that the ZF is better but much of that depends on the programming (mating to the engine characteristics & desired shifting behavior). BMW does the best job here. Porsche's PDK is a gold standard for sports cars (also made by ZF) but they only manufacture to Porsche's specs (no design). But keep in mind that Mercedes transmissions have a long history and good reputation internationally and thus considered a competitive differentiator. The chance of MB switching to ZF will be zero, at least for ICE.
08-06-2024, 08:41 PM
#127
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Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: 2000 ft over the Fl coast in a B-17
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Nothing is done in a vacuum unfortunately, The nasty piano black plastic was a trend across all German brands that hopefully seems to subside a bit. Dropping buttons for screens still appears to be a fashion trend and I am hoping for capacitive buttons will go away as well but the W223 was not a direct evolution from the W221 or W222 as the demographic shift occurred and the car was designed for a younger audience and a changed market strategy for MB. When it comes to tech changes that are driven ever increasing regulations and penalty avoidance, the results are not liked by anyone including the manufacturer. Mercedes would rather put a simple V8 in a car then building 4 cylinder hybrid setups. But unfortunately, the American market is just not relevant here.
In regards to the 9 G-Tronic I have never experienced harsh shifting but also feel that the ZF is better but much of that depends on the programming (mating to the engine characteristics & desired shifting behavior). BMW does the best job here. Porsche's PDK is a gold standard for sports cars (also made by ZF) but they only manufacture to Porsche's specs (no design). But keep in mind that Mercedes transmissions have a long history and good reputation internationally and thus considered a competitive differentiator. The chance of MB switching to ZF will be zero, at least for ICE.
In regards to the 9 G-Tronic I have never experienced harsh shifting but also feel that the ZF is better but much of that depends on the programming (mating to the engine characteristics & desired shifting behavior). BMW does the best job here. Porsche's PDK is a gold standard for sports cars (also made by ZF) but they only manufacture to Porsche's specs (no design). But keep in mind that Mercedes transmissions have a long history and good reputation internationally and thus considered a competitive differentiator. The chance of MB switching to ZF will be zero, at least for ICE.
What I really dislike about the PB is the sensitivity to scratches, just breathe on it and it scratches lol
Maybe in the past but it appears not so much as of the last several years (my personal experiences as well on two new at the time S Coupes). I did just drive 4 sperate MB models and the trans' performed flawlessly, but they were relatively short test drive, but a good sign, nonetheless.
That's unfortunate, as a clunking trans is a big deal and very annoying, enough so to drive people away from the brand b/c of it.
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MBNUT1 (08-07-2024)
08-06-2024, 09:21 PM
#128
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Join Date: May 2002
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AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
It isn’t build on any existing ZF products unlike some older Porsche trannies
ZF is also a major supplier of EV components (and struggling due to lower sales). A fantastic brand IMO.
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MBNUT1 (08-07-2024)
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