ClaudiG

I've only started playing around with the e-shift on my 99 400 and I am unsure of a couple things.

First, when shifting from 2-3 - if I shift at 15-20mph VS 40mph the car thumps. The higher the mph the smoother the shift. Is that right?

Second, when DOWNSHIFTING to slow down - what mph should you be at to go from 5-4-3-2? I ask because I get afraid that I'll ruin something if I downshift quickly at high mph.

Of course I didnt' even use e-shift until I read the manual. In the manual it have NO mention of 5th - don't know why. They don't even speak to any of the issues I pose.

If anyone can shed some light on this, please do so. I want to feel at ease that I won't royally screw something up.

THANKS

mooretorque

Well, see, that's the advantage of a manumatic transmission that's electronically controlled. It WILL NOT downshift (whether you use the e-shift paddles or the stick) until the car's speed has decreased such that the engine won't be over-revved in the lower gear.

As far as thumping, the engine/trans ECUs still get a little confused sometimes and your shifts may be a little rougher in the lower gears.

Bottom line: you can't grenade your motor or your transmission. And that's a good thing.

allisonb1013

Part of the reason for using the eshift is so that you have the shifting advantages of a manual. There's really not a good reason to be shifting from 2 to 3 @ 15-20mph. You should not be shifting out of 2nd until you're going about 25-30mph (unless you're looking for quick acceleration, then you shift when you're going faster). For normal driving, it's safe to say you upshift anywhere between 2000-3000rpm (personally I prefer 3000 in my standard but that's b/c it's only a 4cyl Sunfire). Even in with the eshift you can hear when the engine is ready.

For downshifting, I think you need to get to know the car. I have not had a chance to drive the bf's gs YET, but in my car I try to downshift around 3000rpm (up to 4000rpm if I really need to stop). I have driven an Eclipse with the manumatic (not sure how similar it is to the gs). Usually, I do: 5th to 4th @ 50mph, 4th to 3rd @ 35-40, 3rd to 2nd @ 25-30, and into 1st @ under 10mph. But, as I said above, I drive a 4cyl Sunfire (either way, a true stick is quite different from the eshift)...whole 'nother animal.