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Originally Posted by A. Rosich
On my S 500 L I am constantly amazed everyday: I leave the electronic 5-speed A/T alone at "D" and when going downhill it will AUTOMATICALLY downshift (up to 2 to 3 gears, depending on speed) to provide engine braking, saving brake pads.
Hence: why if it is inappropiate to downshift an automatic transmission due to clutch wearing, the electronic program on my 722.6 does it, and does it so remarkably well?
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I believe that you might be confusing two things:
1) The desire by M/B to have the driving experience for the driver simplified to the greatest possible degree. Downshifting the transmission for the driver will serve this purpose and thereby require the driver to utilize less braking force. The driver is amazed by this technology and appreciates it.
2) The desire by many of us on the forum to maximize the life of every component on the vehicle. We will do everything possible to ensure that these machines will last far beyond a "typical" lifespan for such a vehicle. Changing the oil at 3K intervals using nothing but the best synthetic oil money can buy, changing all fluids religiously, monitoring oil pressure and water temperature within several psi or degrees of temperature, all point to individuals that desire a vehicle to provide long term durability. This is in direct contrast to the function of your 722.6 transmission, whereby the driving experience is the sole factor utilized by M/B when determining the shift patterns.