SL/R231: Transmission?
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
Transmission?
Are both SL transmissions, 7 speed and 9 speed, traditional automatics with a torque converter? If yes, is MB using DCTs in any of their vehicles?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,641
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From: Hagerstown MD
2015 SL400; 2019 X5M40i
I'm curious if the new SL will have a DCT.
The new GLB SUV has an 8 speed DCT so there is evidence MB is moving in that direction.
The new GLB SUV has an 8 speed DCT so there is evidence MB is moving in that direction.
Last edited by rmorin49; Dec 28, 2019 at 10:18 PM.
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
MCT = multi clutch (similar to a dual but instead of two clutches ->more), no torque converter
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From: God's County (Yorkshire)
Shanks’s Pony
From what I've read, DCT is a disadvantage if you drive in stop start conditions (e.g. traffic). More wear (earlier replacement) on the clutches as they are continually slipping. Will MCT be the same?
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From: Corona Del Mar, CA
2019 SL450, 2019 E450 Luxury Trim Wagon, 2024 BMW I7 xDrive60
With the new SL supposedly still aimed at the luxury side of things, as opposed to the AMG GT line, I would expect it to have a traditional, automatic transmission.
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From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
When it comes to wet DCT and MCT setups clutch durability is quite good, you can research Porsches PDK which has been in the wild for a long time (they have issues but not worn out clutches).
MCT offers better stop/go comfort as it allows for smoother drive engagement and can handle more torque when compared to a similar DTC. However neither can match the torque converter for comfort.
MCT offers better stop/go comfort as it allows for smoother drive engagement and can handle more torque when compared to a similar DTC. However neither can match the torque converter for comfort.
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From: Nothern Georgia, U.S.A.
'17 SL450, '25 Lyriq, '25 Sonata Hybrid, '96 Corvette GS coupe
I saw a road test on a (Motor Trend?) YouTube channel where they said Porsche is claiming the current PDK is rated at something like 2000 "Launch Control" starts, and that they only gave that figure because they gave up testing it after 2000 tries.
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Just FYI. AMG actual uses both types of transmissions, MCT and DCT.
The MCT is an AMG designed 9-speed gearbox (up from 7) and the mainstay shifter for most AMG models. The A & GLB Series now uses a 8-speed Dual Clutch in-house designed gearbox. AMG also uses a 3rd party 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox in the AMG GT coupes/roadsters manufactured by Getrag, which happens to be the same exact gearbox as in the current Ford GT, Ferrari 458, F12, FF, etc.
Personally I found the old 7 speed MCT pretty clunky which had a reputation for hard downshifts. The 9 speed is much improved but I find the Getrag DCT superior is is smoothness and speed.
The MCT is an AMG designed 9-speed gearbox (up from 7) and the mainstay shifter for most AMG models. The A & GLB Series now uses a 8-speed Dual Clutch in-house designed gearbox. AMG also uses a 3rd party 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox in the AMG GT coupes/roadsters manufactured by Getrag, which happens to be the same exact gearbox as in the current Ford GT, Ferrari 458, F12, FF, etc.
Personally I found the old 7 speed MCT pretty clunky which had a reputation for hard downshifts. The 9 speed is much improved but I find the Getrag DCT superior is is smoothness and speed.
