For a slightly different spin--
I'm known to use the box for a bit more control at times, though not near RPM limits and certainly not to exceed RPM limits. I may manually downshift before a lower-speed corner or an onramp simply because I like to have the new gear engaged as I go through, rather than waiting for the on-demand downshift, and there are other times when I'd rather make the decision myself. At my age, and knowing what service bills are like, I don't exactly overstress the machine; if I'm driving hard, I let the box work as designed.

__________________
Craig Bethune

'97 SL500, 40th anniversary edition

'04 Olds Bravada (SWMBO's)
'06 Lexus ES330
'89 560SL (sold)


SL--Anything else is just a Mercedes.
(Kudos to whoever said it first)