I've been reading alot of complaints about this transmission being weak. What are your experiences and opinions involving the 6-speed?

 

After 8800 miles, none whatsoever.

 

Only 5500 miles. So far, so good. Feels strong to me.

Pete

 

I love it...smoothest one I have ever had!

 

I'm so relieved and glad that these are the comments. I would still be very interested in hearing other owners opinions on this transmission.

 

There were issues with some 6 speed transmissions built prior to Dec 2003 popping out of first gear. The early fix was to replace the entire transmission. DC has since issued a TSB addressing the issue with a first gear syncro kit fix. Many drivers still complain the six speed is not very smooth and is notchy as have several automotive reviewers. Mercedes Benz has never been known for a smooth shifting transmission and I agree it is not the best it could be. IMO the clutch takes some getting used to before smooth shifts are possible.

You can also do a search on 1st gear popping out of gear within this forum and come up with a lot of information.

 

I went from an '01 Miata six-speed to the Crossfire, and the tranny is not as smooth, direct, or snick snick as the Miata. But after not driving the Miata for a while, you get used to it. I knew the MB six-speed wasn't one of the best when i bought the car (i don't think its in the top 20 manual gearboxes), but there's no way i was going to get an auto, even though MB is highly regarded as far as automatics go (i think they're top 3).

 

No Problems after 7000 miles. Seems solid, and shifts are clean, short and precise. There is virtually no gearbox whine or hum. I like mine alot, especially the fact that getting into reverse by mistake is pretty much not going to happen.

 

After 10,000 miles there is no noticeable difference in the transmission performance; I have never experienced any problems.

 

Its a bit notchy, and I have had mine pop out of gear once in awhile, but no major problems. Definitely not one of my best manual transmissions i have had. But there was worse, like my 5-speed in my 94 Talon TSi AWD.

 

I haven't had any problems with mine and yes, it does take some getting used to for sure.

 

I've only put about 1,000 miles on mine, and I have no complaints. Of course, it's nowhere near as pleasant to shift as my girlfriend's Miata, but it's not bad.

Does anyone know if there's a "shift improvement" kit out there? It seems to me as if our friends at MB have gone out of their way to dial out any possible vibrations that could transfer up through the shifter. This probably means lots of soft rubber bushings in the linkage. Perhaps there are metal or urethane bushings available for our transmissions...

Erik
San Diego

 

There's definitely a learning curve associated with the Xfire manual transmission. Once you master it, it's really a pretty awesome tranny and I can't imagine enjoying this car with a auto/autostick, whatever!

 

already had my tranny replaced.

 

I am very happy with the six speed. The shift between first and second is a little difficult to make smoothly. I have only had my car for about 2 months. I think after I've had it a little longer I will get the hang of it. This is my first manual in about 25 years.