Are you an automatic transmission convert?
Discussion
Sheepshanks said:
Mike335i said:
The VW DSG is downright impressive.
Have you driven multiple DSGs - do they vary? Never driven one before we got wife's Tiguan (didn't even test drive one) and I think it works well, but I've seen lots of comments about them that I just don't recognise.
rfn said:
It depends.
I drive a 2014 m135i with a ZF8 which I've had for 2.5 years. It's my "yardstick" for auto gearboxes. I wouldn't have the manual, and absolutely love the gearbox/car combo. I drive it probably 80% of the time using the paddles. It's quicker and more economical on a long journey than the equivalent manual.
I have the same and have been moaning about it not being as engaging as a manual, but just did an our in our Fiesta ST in traffic, come back lovely ZF, all is forgiven !I drive a 2014 m135i with a ZF8 which I've had for 2.5 years. It's my "yardstick" for auto gearboxes. I wouldn't have the manual, and absolutely love the gearbox/car combo. I drive it probably 80% of the time using the paddles. It's quicker and more economical on a long journey than the equivalent manual.
Edited by rfn on Friday 17th May 17:07
rfn said:
It
I don't particularly "like" the VW DSG7 - I think it's a bit too clunky.
Out of interest - which car was it in? There's 6 different 7-speed DSG gearboxes. I don't particularly "like" the VW DSG7 - I think it's a bit too clunky.
The dry-clutch DQ200 can be quite nasty in some installations. The latest DQ380/381 is a different prospect altogether.
Kind of. Due to health issues I had no real ability to continue to use a manual family car - the C Class I have is auto and is a pleasure to drive really. Generally pretty smooth too. The other week I had a 200 mile drive to a client of which about 30 miles was in traffic. In a manual I would have had major problems but in the auto I was still fresh when I arrived.
The toy remains a manual though....
The toy remains a manual though....
Jasandjules said:
Kind of. Due to health issues I had no real ability to continue to use a manual family car - the C Class I have is auto and is a pleasure to drive really. Generally pretty smooth too. The other week I had a 200 mile drive to a client of which about 30 miles was in traffic. In a manual I would have had major problems but in the auto I was still fresh when I arrived.
The toy remains a manual though....
That's why the wife changed to a Golf DSG. Leg troubles and they are so much better than the old automatics where it seems they are slipping clutches. I always find it amusing to watch what gear they are in and cannot normally feel 6th to 7th.The toy remains a manual though....
I’m happy with the automatics on my faster / more powerful cars but am happy to be getting a manual Abarth next week.
I am not a fan of ever more gears in either format, though. My SLK 55 had seven, I think, which just seems pointless.
Next month’s delivery is a single speed, which I’m very excited to be trying.
I am not a fan of ever more gears in either format, though. My SLK 55 had seven, I think, which just seems pointless.
Next month’s delivery is a single speed, which I’m very excited to be trying.
I don't get the "involvement" thing with manuals, all the clutch and shift operation just gets in the way. The Dual clutch is far superior when pressing on, however, i would still quite happily buy a manual car if I like it.
If I was getting a daily though, that's a different story, the zf8 is just brilliant, smooth as silk, a lovely drive. Auto everytime. I wouldn't buy a daily without auto now.
Traffic in a manual is very tiresome.
If I was getting a daily though, that's a different story, the zf8 is just brilliant, smooth as silk, a lovely drive. Auto everytime. I wouldn't buy a daily without auto now.
Traffic in a manual is very tiresome.
Had the ZF6 auto in a E90 330d/E90 330i/X5 4.8iS and I thought it was pretty poor if I'm honest(very dim witted). Had the ZF8 auto in a F13 640d and I thought it was pretty excellent overall. Also had the DSG in a Audi TTS and that was the worst of the lot for me(poor going steady/no better than the ZF8 auto going quickly).
Currently have the Merc 9 speed auto in a GLC350d and while it isn't a poor gearbox I much preferred the ZF8 auto. Also have two other cars that are traditional three pedal manuals because that is my preferred choice overall.
Currently have the Merc 9 speed auto in a GLC350d and while it isn't a poor gearbox I much preferred the ZF8 auto. Also have two other cars that are traditional three pedal manuals because that is my preferred choice overall.
Yes 
I passed my test in a manual, because that's what you did. "Everybody" said that automatics were crap, and for old people. I thought manuals were "OK" ... but I never loved them. I rarely stalled after I passed my test, and never "kangarooed", not even whilst I was learning.
Nearly a decade after I passed my test, I got an automatic as a courtesy car. It was so easy to drive .... I loved it. Some years later, I sold my manuals, and my very small fleet are modern automatics.
I will never go back to manual transmissions, unless I drive a classic or race/rally car!
I passed my test in a manual, because that's what you did. "Everybody" said that automatics were crap, and for old people. I thought manuals were "OK" ... but I never loved them. I rarely stalled after I passed my test, and never "kangarooed", not even whilst I was learning.
Nearly a decade after I passed my test, I got an automatic as a courtesy car. It was so easy to drive .... I loved it. Some years later, I sold my manuals, and my very small fleet are modern automatics.
I will never go back to manual transmissions, unless I drive a classic or race/rally car!
Edited by RedAlfa on Friday 17th May 22:47
Depends on the car.
Daily is a Discovery 3, it’s automatic and suits the car. I’ve had the car remapped, the box software updated and some intercooler and exhaust work done. It’s decent enough for a 2.7 ton 4x4.
I also have a 1950 Series 1 Land Rover.
Manual, no synchro on 1st and 2nd gear so I have to double clutch to get the best from it.
It suits the basic raw nature of the car.
What I do find is people don’t realise automatic gearboxes need the oil changed at regular intervals to keep them healthy and to have a long life. Many don’t get serviced and suffer failing torque converter and mechatronic issues because of it.
Daily is a Discovery 3, it’s automatic and suits the car. I’ve had the car remapped, the box software updated and some intercooler and exhaust work done. It’s decent enough for a 2.7 ton 4x4.
I also have a 1950 Series 1 Land Rover.
Manual, no synchro on 1st and 2nd gear so I have to double clutch to get the best from it.
It suits the basic raw nature of the car.
What I do find is people don’t realise automatic gearboxes need the oil changed at regular intervals to keep them healthy and to have a long life. Many don’t get serviced and suffer failing torque converter and mechatronic issues because of it.
Always driven manuals until this year.
Auto's have been a revelation, all those years wasted stirring stick and pedalling. I will never go back to a manual ever again. An auto suits my lazy driving style, I did try the flappy paddles for one trip but didn't see the point after about 5 goes.
Auto's have been a revelation, all those years wasted stirring stick and pedalling. I will never go back to a manual ever again. An auto suits my lazy driving style, I did try the flappy paddles for one trip but didn't see the point after about 5 goes.
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