Originally Posted by jmackinjersey
The auto gets better mileage because, supposedly the computer has the shift points mapped out to better optimize the fuel consumption. (or something like that?) This is where I say Mercedes dropped the ball with the manual transmissions and let them lag in performance. I'm glad they have the technology to make the autos better than before. But why let the other side suffer?
Give me a clue - how are MB supposed to make manual transmissions change at a particular shift point - that would make it an auto.
The improvements in Auto transmissions have mostly been through locking up top and sometimes one below top - usually 4th and 5th.
I am surprised that Auto's could have better figures, on a manual all the gears are "locked" and the shift point will not make much difference on a consumption test.