Re: Bimmer auto trans. still bummers?

In article <fo7qjd$edo$1@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, Scott Dorsey
<kludge@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> Dave Plowman (News) <dave@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> >
> >Eh? Steptronic is a conventional slush pump auto and uses the torque
> >convertor to start from rest in exactly the same way as any auto -
> >therefore with as smooth a start. SMG transmissions use a servo
> >operated dry clutch and at least some can be jerky.

> Indeed you are correct.  I was thinking of SMG and the Mercedes
> equivalent whose name I am blocking on but which is NOT Steptronic.

I've not tried a M-B synchromesh auto so can't comment but agree the
couple of BMW SMGs I have tried were rough changing autos. Perhaps by
design. But the Audi twin clutch/layshaft ones I've driven are not bad at
all and are likely to further improve. The forthcoming BMW one will be
good too I'm sure. My main concern with this type of transmission is the
horrendous repair costs if and when needed. And that of course there are
similar vast improvements being made with 'conventional' autos too. So the
'race' is nowhere near won. The engineer in me dislikes the idea of a
servo operated synchromesh box in principle - while that same part in me
enjoys the skill in handling a true manual gearchange well.

-- 
*Bigamy is having one wife too many - monogamy is the same

    Dave Plowman        dave@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
           London SW
                  To e-mail, change noise into sound.