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Is an 8 speed automatic transmission the most gears we will see? - READ ONLY

18 messages,  Last post on Mar 28, 2011 at 8:49 PM

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#15 of 18 Re: The Point [robertsmx] by oldbearcat

Mar 27, 2011 (9:03 pm)

Replying to: robertsmx (Oct 09, 2007 8:07 am)
I've got a Mercedes GLK350 4matic with the 7 speed. With the nice flat torque curve the Mecedes 3.5 liter 6 has, the little SUV has no problem holding 7th gear on my interstate runs, even going up fairly steep grades ( I live in WV so there's plenty of them on our interstates). In addition, the GLK is quite quick for a SUV.
 
Regards:
Oldbearcat

#16 of 18 Re: The Point [oldbearcat] by andre1969

Mar 28, 2011 (5:25 am)

Replying to: oldbearcat (Mar 27, 2011 9:03 pm)
In your opinion, do you think your Benz could get by with fewer gears, or do you feel that they benefit you? Since you live in a mountainous area, I'd imagine that you'd see some extra benefit to those additional gears.
 
I have to admit, the only thing I've ever driven with seven gears is a 1990 Montgomery Ward lawn tractor! I've driven my buddy's 2006 Xterra a few times though. It has a 5-speed automatic, and I don't really care for it. It seems to have no power in top gear, and when you need to stomp it and downshift, it seems like there's a slight delay, but then it kicks in and almost seems to take off TOO fast, as if it's compensating for that lag.
 
I'd probably get used to it if I drove it on a regular basis, but most of my driving is done with archaic 3- and 4-speed automatics, so to me that 5-speed just seems like it shifts too much. It doesn't lurch or clunk, but I can still feel it from the change in engine revs.
 
I used to think that my old 2000 Intrepid would have benefited from an additional gear. Sometimes in 4th gear, it would get a bit gutless, but then when it shifted to 3rd, it almost seemed like overkill. FWIW, at 75 mph, 4th was 2500 rpm and 3rd was around 3750. If they had stuck an additional gear somewhere between 3rd and 4th, I thought it would help a bit.

#17 of 18 Re: There already ARE transmissions... [lemko] by hoosiergrandad

Mar 28, 2011 (8:07 am)

Replying to: lemko (Jan 26, 2009 12:48 pm)
Most drivers of "roadranger" equipped trucks don't bother with using the clutch, except for stopping and starting.......shifting is done 'by ear' and/or watching the tach. Takes some practice.

#18 of 18 Re: The Point [andre1969] by oldbearcat

Mar 28, 2011 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: andre1969 (Mar 28, 2011 5:25 am)
Andre:
 
IMO the 7 speed certainly enhances the GLK's performance. The car I traded for it was a Jaguar S-Type V8 with the 6 speed automatic. Both cars have enough low RPM torque that they don't frequently downshift on hills at interstate speeds. The ZF transmissions shift almost seamlessly as well. I had a 2001 Intrepid with the 2.7 - I know what you're talking about. My business driver is a Honda CRV - with a 5 speed automatic. It makes you crazy downshifting to as low as 3rd while it screams its guts out climbing a hill on the interstate.
 
Regards:
Oldbearcat

Messages Page 3 of 3

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