Mercedes...I just dont get it?

**fable** · 06-18-2003, 04:00 PM

Is it that hard to slap a manual tranny on that bad boy? Have you heard of people making swaps?

I just cant take it anymore, mercedes are bad ass but those damn SLUSHBOXES ruin the fun!...yeesh!

**NewM3er** · 06-18-2003, 04:16 PM

It all has to do with the EPA . . .

**henry47** · 06-18-2003, 08:55 PM

it costs close to 20k to do a manual swap at renntech/brabus i believe. Somewhere around there

**eurorides** · 06-18-2003, 09:02 PM

ya between 16-25 depending on the model, and i think renntech is the only one who does it.

**SilverBeam** · 06-18-2003, 09:08 PM

ahhh the on going conversation about the "why not" on the benz. It's sad, isn't it? That they put out these cars with so much power and yet... they make them automatics. It's sad, it really is.

**Stuttgart951** · 06-18-2003, 10:36 PM

Merc is bringing manual trannies over faster than you think. I was at a MB dealer about a month ago - 3 out of every 4 03 models had three pedals.

Hold out - they will be the standard equiptment on most models within the next few years.

That said, MB is generally credited with having the best semi-automatic transmissions around. Very quick/responsive.

**325is Dude** · 06-19-2003, 12:10 AM

No. Actually manuals wont be the standard. They currently only come on the four banger models. They are perfecting the automatic tranny and semi auto in the amg roadsters thats akin to the smg. The whole third pedal thing isn't a big deal and most people only say it to seem cool. They do it to be elitists. They won't sell the manuals nearly as well as the auto's. Its more research and development, higher costs to maintain. Etc. Higher cost all around for a minimal crossover from people of other models. Most people buying a benz dont buy it for driving experience but for smile factor or style. They could care less about manual.

**Doglass** · 06-19-2003, 12:15 AM

Originally posted by fable
Is it that hard to slap a manual tranny on that bad boy? Have you heard of people making swaps?

I just cant take it anymore, mercedes are bad ass but those damn SLUSHBOXES ruin the fun!...yeesh!

Trust me. When you can do 0-60 in 4.3, you'll be saying to yourself, "Manual? Who needs a manual? This massive amount of torque reminds me of when I had to hold down my erection when Shelly Johnson wore that halter top in 10th grade!"

I'm sorry for typing that graven image.

**Ron17** · 06-19-2003, 12:22 AM

Originally posted by 325is Dude
The whole third pedal thing isn't a big deal and most people only say it to seem cool. They do it to be elitists.

Might we surmise that you drive an auto?

I disagree with this statement. Most people drive manuals because they really enjoy the control and feel a lot better. NO auto, no matter how quick, is ever as responsive as a manual... there's *always* a perceivable hesitance. That annoys the ever-living shit out of me.

Elitist? No.

**99bmw740il** · 06-19-2003, 12:31 AM

Yeah yeah. There auto's used to be crap. For example the w202's tranny only lasted to about 60k! HAHA. Reading the s forum and a guy with 80k just blew his tranny out ! HAHA. Merc said itll pay for half- its out of warranty.

**325is Dude** · 06-19-2003, 12:45 AM

Ron. Ive driven both and while manual is fun. The extra level of control isn't really needed in everyday driving. And most people on here go "auto...ewww" a good car is a good car. The tranny doesn't make a damn bit of difference unless your tracking it. The everday ease of auto is ten times worth what I paid for it. Especially in vegas. My dream tranny is the SMG though. Its got the best of both worlds even though it gives up a bit of both. Elitists? Yes. Most of the people I know that say eww auto if you asked them why would make up some bullshit excuse but in reality they only say it to seem like they are a car enthusiast and truly care. All about posing.

**Bill** · 06-19-2003, 01:21 AM

there is that moment when driving an auto that i mash the pedal 10 times really fast and nothing happens. They all suck!

**Doglass** · 06-19-2003, 01:40 AM

Originally posted by 325is Dude
The tranny doesn't make a damn bit of difference unless your tracking it. The everday ease of auto is ten times worth what I paid for it. Especially in vegas. My dream tranny is the SMG though. Its got the best of both worlds even though it gives up a bit of both. Elitists? Yes.

Vegas is as flat as spilt milk with traffic relatively lighter than a feather. What the hell are you talking about "especially in Vegas"?

**Preppy** · 06-19-2003, 01:48 AM

Just give me an SL55 and I'll stop complaining about a slushbox...

**Alex.M** · 06-19-2003, 02:14 AM

Mercedes cars are mostly targeted at people who are 40+ and have money. 90% of this market segment does not care about manuals. It doesn't make any sense to develop and put manual trannies for a mere 10-20% of potential customer base. On top of that, AMG trannies shift like a dream. Even our ML55 is very impressive - you press the right pedal a bit and it rushes forward. Floor it and it really takes off.
People who think that automatics are for girlies need to grow up.

I enjoy our ML as much as the M. Two different animals ...

**Ron17** · 06-19-2003, 09:26 AM

Originally posted by 325is Dude
Ron. Ive driven both and while manual is fun. The extra level of control isn't really needed in everyday driving. And most people on here go "auto...ewww" a good car is a good car. The tranny doesn't make a damn bit of difference unless your tracking it. The everday ease of auto is ten times worth what I paid for it. Especially in vegas. My dream tranny is the SMG though. Its got the best of both worlds even though it gives up a bit of both. Elitists? Yes. Most of the people I know that say eww auto if you asked them why would make up some bullshit excuse but in reality they only say it to seem like they are a car enthusiast and truly care. All about posing.

To each their own, but don't tell me that my preference of manual is only posing to seem like an enthusiast. I want and need that extra level of control. I drove two manuals, then an auto, and back to two manuals, so I know both. Autos suck -- plain and simple -- unless you're driving a big truck or SUV or huge luxury car. That's all there is to it.

If you don't like manuals, that's fine, but don't tell us why we supposedly profess to prefer something -- you haven't the slightest clue.

:

**SecretAznSauce** · 06-19-2003, 09:26 AM

I gots me a 5spd Benzo.... and I've had it since I was 24

<img src="http://www.finishline-essentials.com/images/ebaystuff/6.14.03/120-2074_IMG.JPG">

<img src="http://www.finishline-essentials.com/images/120-2099_IMG.JPG">

and here's the laid up bimmer waiting on struts!!

<img src="http://www.finishline-essentials.com/images/120-2098_IMG.JPG">

**SilverStreak** · 06-19-2003, 10:14 AM

I'm with Ron. What about personal preference? Plus I think it's a brand thing with MB, they cater to a different crowd than BMW (mostly). BMW seems to court drivers, MB courts riders, so to speak. As evidenced by all their "performance" models being saddled with a wus****tic...

And the manuals MB does have are crap. Every one I've driven in the last 5 yrs is super long throw, vague, and awkward. BMW, Honda, even Ford has better shifters.

I think to add a manual to an MB aftermarket is quite expensive cuz not only is there interior mods needed cosmetically, but software/computer related issues to consider...

**fable** · 06-19-2003, 11:46 AM

Well...Im not baggn on MB and Im not baggn on automatic trannies. Actually, when I am older I would love to have a auto benz or a 750il or somethin. But it really is about preference. I want a manual tranny because its FUN! I could careless if a computer can shift better and more efficiently(sp?). I just want the feel of the three pedals and being able to shift and what not....

Mercedes still kicks ass dont get me wrong!

**crazn** · 06-19-2003, 12:09 PM

Not that I would be complaining if I got the new cl600 and it's automatic. But can you imagine flooring that car and redlining every gear on that twin turbo v12, but in stick shift!! That would be heavenly, to say the least.

**325is Dude** · 06-19-2003, 01:18 PM

Doglass, vegas traffic is a fucking bitch and 90% of our roads are torn to shit. Try driving a stick shift in stop and go traffic all day. Thank you dont assume to know more about the town that I live in than I do.

**325is Dude** · 06-19-2003, 01:21 PM

Ron, Im targeting my comment more at a general range than the kiddo's at bimmerforums. Most people not in the know that talk about stick don't even know why they like it. I never said you directly. Sorry I should have worded my comment better.

**SilverStreak** · 06-19-2003, 01:22 PM

Or maybe some prefer autos and some people prefer stick, simple as that...

**MKit** · 06-19-2003, 01:38 PM

Originally posted by Stuttgart951
Merc is bringing manual trannies over faster than you think. I was at a MB dealer about a month ago - 3 out of every 4 03 models had three pedals.

Hold out - they will be the standard equiptment on most models within the next few years.

That said, MB is generally credited with having the best semi-automatic transmissions around. Very quick/responsive.

3 pedals? 2 of them are the brakes.

**SilverStreak** · 06-19-2003, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by MKit
3 pedals? 2 of them are the brakes.

:

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