New to this forum and just like to say hi.
Awaiting delivery of my SLK350 in about 3 weeks. Just like to ask for pointers and what to keep an eye on when breaking in the engine/transmition. Also how many of you actual use the manual shift regularly and how would you rate the response.
For breaking in, just vary your speed from time to time and don't push the RPM too high.
I've test-driven the manual. I got to say I don't like it. The first problem is that the shift stick is positioned too far back such that your elbow is pressing against the seat's edge. I don't have an overly long arm but I was cramming my hand and wrist to switch into 2nd and 4th gear. It's an obvious bad design.
The second problem is the close gear ratio in the 6 speed. Since the gears are so close together, it's like you have to switch very quick from 1st to 2nd, and from 2nd to 3rd. There isn't much time to build the speed. Of course the close gear ratio is great for automatic since it gives a smoothier shifting.
The SLK is designed and built for auto. And that's what I ended up buying.
[:)]Congratulations on the near arrival of your SLK 350. Beautiful car, fun to drive, top up or down. I prefer the manual. Haven't driven the car that much yet. Still trying to get familiar with the six speed. Enjoy and have fun!
__________________ ----------------1----------------- --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK
I guess the original post must of been misleading, I did order the SLK with the 7G auto tranny. What I was wondering was if any of you use it to select gears manually on a regular basis. Or should it just be left alone and let it shift automatically.
To be honest, I ordered this car without a test drive so I have no idea what to expect! I sold my old 996 and was looking for a replacemnet. I know performance wise it does not compare but I was mesmerized by the look of the SLK and just went with it. First time the wife agrees to spend $$ on something she thinks I don't need![:)]
Ah, the Stepronic Shift. Sure I use it all the time; it's great. I use it for for downshifting, usually can downshifting to a complete stop. Use it for cornering. Use it for low speed acceleration and decceleration control. Use it for passing. It's mainly used for speed control while driving. For starting from a deadstop, I'll let the automatic do the work; only when I am bored I do the shifting up.
One issue I have is that the reaction time of the gear change "feel" slow. You pull the stick to shift down and the car takes like half a second before actually slow down. The actually time might very well be the same as a manual shift, given the clutch-shift-clutch action. But the perception is that it's slow.
geckoR171, Welcome to the group. I rarely use the manual function but when I do, it works fine. Not as well as my Honda Prelude but adequate. When you find yourself in stop and go traffic, try puting the C/S selector in the C mode. Finally, please add your location to your profile. Many of the answers that you will get depend on where you live.
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