i have noticed on the newer trannys they have software that lets off the gas, shifts the gear and reapplys the gas just like i would with a stick. (as described above, too.)

the old way was to just shift and the clutches had to slip a bit. the new way there is less wear and tear (theoretically) on everything and i bet they discovered they could fit a lot smaller gears and clutches....so therefore with all that extra room and weight to burn they just decided to add more gears.

more gears means better acceleration and better economy....best of both worlds as long as it doesn't increase weight or wear and tear.

my $.02.

i never read all this anywhere but just thought about it.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

I'm not sure if real life situation reflects this. Shifting takes time, especially on an auto box. I think having too many gears and tranny constantly being confused, as to which gear to engage would actually hurt the accel? Why not 'ride' out the power band, instead of having more gears that waste time shifting.. Repair or rebuild would be a pain in the neck as well.

FWIW, we did not utilize a lemon law to return the vehicle.

As a long-term customer, the dealer was kind enough to accept the vehicle back as a no-cost trade for another E320. Supposedly MBUSA made a contribution to the dealer to help defray costs. The vehicle was returned December 23 and a new E320 ordered. Took delivery of it last week. The dealer installed a new transmission in the first car and finally sold it on their used car lot about two weeks ago. The salesman stated that they had several buyers interested in the car but all had knowledge of the 722.9's problematic hx and declined to purchase once they found the transmission had already been renewed.

Good thinking, but I don't think that's the case here. From what I've read, they used basically the same nuber of gears as the 5 speed, but are able to combine them in different ways to provide 7 different ratios. ILUVMILS is porbably more knowledgeable on the subject, but I think it's the fact that the electronic controls gave them much more freedom than the old mechanical designs that would have needed more bands to achieve the same thing.

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Prost!

Mercedes-Benz of Tampa

Tampa, FL