Automatic transmission when stopped - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum

Affreuxbill · 11-25-2006, 04:16 PM

Hello,

I've got a question concerning the automatic transmission.
In several other forums you can read that one should change to the N position when the vehicle is stopped (for instance on red light). This will prolong the transmission life.
However, the W168 manual doesn't mention this.
The interactive W169 manual on the other hand states that (quote) "If you are only stopping briefly and the driver is not getting out of the vehicle: Leave the selector lever in the drive position"
So now for the question: how long is "briefly" ?
Second, if you do a lot of city (queue) driving like me (and believe me, Paris is not for car lovers), is it advisable to change back and forth between D and N ? Will this affect transmission life ?

Thanks for any qualified answers

Peter

Djenka018 · 12-03-2006, 10:33 AM

Donno if I am qualified but here's my thought... if you wanna hear it.

I am sure that torque convertor is designed to slip indefinitely at idle revs and unlike dry clutch, no wear and tear is significant.

If I am to bee free from applying brake at short stop than Neutral is a choice, otherwise I just hold strong to brake and avoid shifting

pigtail · 12-03-2006, 07:22 PM

I hardly shift my W168 into neutral unless I am faced with a blocked railroad crossing or a motorcade.

Affreuxbill · 12-04-2006, 02:04 PM

Hello,

Well thanks a lot for your answers. I guess in the future I shouldn't bother changing too often to neutral, unless my leg gets tired of braking.

Nice to see that this part of the forum is still alive although not particularly active. Could it be because most members haven't any trouble with this particular model ? or maybe because they just pay high MB service rates and can't affort the Internet connection ?

Affreuxbill · 12-05-2006, 04:06 PM

Hello again,

Actually found a some very nice websites describing how things works out.
Quote from http://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-Car-W...-Transmission: "It is not necessary to put the car into neutral every time you stop at a junction or traffic light. However, if you are stopping for more than a few minutes then you should put the car into neutral. "
So the end of the story is that a few minutes in D is allright.

Those technically interested beginners, have a look on the website http://www.familycar.com/Transmission.htm.