Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Kate on 29 October 2009, 22:50:17

Title: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kate on 29 October 2009, 22:50:17
Hello everyone.

I just got my fourth mig which is an automatic.  I've always driven manual cars so now I've got a few questions.  I hope you can help!

1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?
2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones?
3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?
4.How is acceleration affected?
5. How is mpg affected?
6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?
7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?
8. Is it expensive to replace?
9. Is it a massive job to replace?
10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?

Thanks for your advice and opinions! :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 29 October 2009, 22:59:26
Quote
Hello everyone.

I just got my fourth mig which is an automatic.  I've always driven manual cars so now I've got a few questions.  I hope you can help!

1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?
2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones?
3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?
4.How is acceleration affected?
5. How is mpg affected?
6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?
7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?
8. Is it expensive to replace?
9. Is it a massive job to replace?
10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?

Thanks for your advice and opinions! :-* :-* :-* :-*

1 Yes!
2 Pretty much so
3 No - to all intents
4 Slightly slower on paper but in the real world not really      that noticable .... (dons coat waiting for all those whoe want to be in control  ::))
5 Worsens it a bit - depends on how heavy your right foot is.  ;)
6 See maint sections - you need to crawl underneath it with spanners
7 Not too bad with a second hand unit
8 see 7
9 Not particularly easy
10 NO!  :-?  ;D  ;D

Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 29 October 2009, 23:05:55
Quote
Hello everyone.

I just got my fourth mig which is an automatic.  I've always driven manual cars so now I've got a few questions.  I hope you can help!

1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?  I leave mine in drive at the lights, but put it in park during traffic hold ups.

2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones? With an oil and filter change if small problems start to develop then no reason why not

3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?  They dont have the same type of clutch as a manual, they do have some type of clutch but have no human intervention as such for changeing gear.

4.How is acceleration affected?  Bit slower, but then if you put it in sport mode and boot it it can still get good results.

5. How is mpg affected?  Depends on driver, I tend to be a more sedate driver with an auto.

6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?  Generally. No.

7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?  See the lads that break them for spares.

8. Is it expensive to replace?  If wearing your bikini whilst haggling, then no.  ::)

9. Is it a massive job to replace?  Dunno, but dont want to find out either.  :-X

10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?  Not at all.

Thanks for your advice and opinions! :-* :-* :-* :-*

All so a few points to note.

Forget using your left leg as a temptation to brake as some do.  Some people I kmow use the throttle and brake at the same time to manouvre, (not good for the box)

Be carefull if rolling and dont be tempted to whack it into park.

Also make sure the car is allways stionary whilst moving through reverse into drive or park.

If you want decent acceleration, just check there is no play in the throttle and kick down cables.

and most of all, welcome to the world of auto's, hope you learn to enjoy them.  :y :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: KillerWatt on 29 October 2009, 23:06:34
Quote
4 Slightly slower on paper but in the real world not really      that noticable .... (dons coat waiting for all those whoe want to be in control  ::))
I'll agree with that, except to add if you drop it in to sport mode then they do move pretty quickly considering their size & weight.

As for having a bit more control, I'm afraid you only get that with a manual.
However, an auto box in a big motor is very nice.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 29 October 2009, 23:14:01
Quote
.....
As for having a bit more control, I'm afraid you only get that with a manual. .......

Not wishing to get into the .... which is best argument discussion.  ::)  ::)  ::)
Just how much more 'control' have you in a manual than an auto? Manuals can slow down on the gearbox and brakes, so can an auto, both cars have a go-faster pedal. And I do drive a manual every day, but much prefer the auto Omega
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 30 October 2009, 07:47:44
I've had about a doze Omegas over the years and all but one have been auto.

Very relaxed way of driving and you can also get it to change gear when you want bu adjusting the RATE at which you apply the throttle.

The only think to watch out for, in my view, is that in sow mode the transmission oil will heat up and eventually take the car out of snow mode whilst displaying a fault message.

Apart from that, and being careful in the snow & Ice - enjoy.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: waspy on 30 October 2009, 08:03:11
An answer to your question one. If your sat in traffic for a long time & not really moving much, it's a good idea to select neutral or park (especially in hot weather). The gear oil will get too hot & this won't do it much good.
As for KW's control aspect, in slippery condition like snow for instance, auto's are better. (before some one pipes up & says blah blah. Remember JC in Iceland on the glacier with Icelander's ;))
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: waspy on 30 October 2009, 08:05:33
Quote
I've had about a doze Omegas over the years and all but one have been auto.

Very relaxed way of driving and you can also get it to change gear when you want bu adjusting the RATE at which you apply the throttle.

The only think to watch out for, in my view, is that in sow mode the transmission oil will heat up and eventually take the car out of snow mode whilst displaying a fault message.

Apart from that, and being careful in the snow & Ice - enjoy.

Oink Oink. Sorry :-[ I couldn't resist ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy H on 30 October 2009, 09:51:36
Quote
As for having a bit more control, I'm afraid you only get that with a manual.
However, an auto box in a big motor is very nice.
I had a 2.5 manual for 6 years. Three months ago I changed it for a 2.6 auto.

It is less tiring in stop/start traffic.

It is quite good on flat roads but absolutely infuriating on hilly roads (like we have in Cornwall). It can't make up its mind what gear to be in. Often you will be climbing a hill in the 'right' gear at about 3000rpm and it changes up, the revs drop to 2000 and you slow down. As you apply more throttle it changes down 2 gears, the revs rise to 4000rpm and takes off so you ease off the throttle it drops back one gear and back to 3000rpm for a while and then the cycle starts again.

I don't want a 'sporty' button I want a 'stay in this gear' button.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: TheBoy on 30 October 2009, 10:14:43
Quote
1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?
2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones?
3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?
4.How is acceleration affected?
5. How is mpg affected?
6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?
7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?
8. Is it expensive to replace?
9. Is it a massive job to replace?
10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?
1) Yes, though if stood for more than 20s or so, i knock mine to N, and apply handbrake like a good little boy
2) No
3) No, it doesn't have one
4) Generally lower from standing start, but due to different gearing, may beat manual at certain other speeds
5) Generally much lower around town, often same ballpark on a motorway run
6) Ideally replace oil every 50-75k
7) With OOF, yes, viable! Otherwise, no
8) Breakers on OOF will sell then for £75-£120. Recon from specialist will be £500+
9) Difficult to do on your own
10) Not really.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 October 2009, 10:20:37
Worth mentioning that the Omega's autobox is improved by a gearbox ECU update if you're not running the latest.

You have to consider that a driver's choice of gear is based on a number of factors. Some of these are "visible" to the auto gearbox ECU (engine speed and load, vehicle speed and load, throttle and brake pedal state), and can therefore be used to influence the ECUs choice of gear, and some aren't (road conditions and layout ahead, likely level of traction available, gradient, level of driver "red mist") so an autobox will be a compromise.

In addition, an automatic gearbox is a totally different animal to a manual box because the gearbox ratios are fewer in number, their relationship is less ideal and they are therefore supplemented by a torque converter to "fill in the gaps". This is why a well driven manual car will generally outdrag a similar auto off the lights.

Ultimately a manual gearbox will always be best from a driving point of view, and trying to control an automatic box manually is the worst of both worlds IMHO.

Better, IMHO, to get to know how your autobox shifts and drive accordingly. If you know it's about to shift up a gear and you don't want it to just give it a little more gas. If you want to avoid it downshifting under load, ease off the gas a little.

There are a few occasions when an auto box needs manual control because it can't select the correct gear (e.g. negotiating a mountain pass).

In all other cases I leave it in "D" and enjoy the one great advantage of an auto box, and the reason I have one in my daily driver - they are much less tedious to drive in traffic.

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 30 October 2009, 10:34:30
Useful thread-this is the first auto I had owned and I find it is surprisingly good at selecting the right gear without hunting-even in our hilly area-if I use throttle control.

Only thing is that it holds the gear when cold (as stated in handbook) which makes you look like you are over-revving when first setting off from cold, and also the box jumps down unnecessarily on a slight incline when using cruise-mine will go down two gears in quick succession, then change back up after a few seconds rather than building back to the desired speed more gently. (NOT in Sport mode)

May try the ECU/box updates when possible.

If faced with choosing between two identical cars, one manual, one automatic-which would I choose?
I think the auto box suits the softly sprung cruiser Omegas and the manual suits the MV6 best.
The combination of auto and cruise control in a comfy car works very well and this would be my choice again  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: ENFIELD_MV6 on 30 October 2009, 10:42:27
i take it the miggy box wont take the abuse my volvo one did then ( i.e running it up the drag strip) at the lights on the strip engage 1st and sports mode T/C off, left foot on brake hold at 3500rpm when green let the brake go ???
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: TheBoy on 30 October 2009, 10:43:40
Quote
i take it hte miggy box wont take the abuse my volvo one did then ( i.e running it up the drag strip) at the lights on the strip engage 1st and sports mode T/C off left foot on brake hold at 3500rpm when green let the brake go ???
It handles it fine. Apparently ::)  (only the stall speed is less, around 2.5k seems to be ideal. Apparently ::))
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: ENFIELD_MV6 on 30 October 2009, 10:46:57
Quote
Quote
i take it hte miggy box wont take the abuse my volvo one did then ( i.e running it up the drag strip) at the lights on the strip engage 1st and sports mode T/C off left foot on brake hold at 3500rpm when green let the brake go ???
It handles it fine. Apparently ::)  (only the stall speed is less, around 2.5k seems to be ideal. Apparently ::))
hmmmm not sure wether to try it now then or not lol, best not for time being till i get use to it, dont wanna be picking bits up of the autobox of the strip
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 October 2009, 11:00:30
Quote
... when using cruise-mine will go down two gears in quick succession, then change back up after a few seconds rather than building back to the desired speed more gently. (NOT in Sport mode)

It probably isn't going down 2 gears, actually. The box has a feature called "torque converter lockup" which activates when cruising to bypass the torque converter and improve economy. When the lockup comes in the RPM will drop by an amount dependant on the load - probably about 500 RPM when cruising.

When the box changes gear it has to come out of TC lockup so it will change gear and then lockup the TC again a second or two later. This is why the RPM rises when it changes down, and then drops a little in a second step as the TC locks up.

Cruise control is another system where the ECU doesn't have all the information the driver does. If the speed is dropping below that set on the cruise control the ECU will apply a proportional amount of throttle. That may result in the transmission changing down where a "real" driver would have avoided the change. All the cruise control knows is that it has to keep a constant speed.

Holding an auto box on the line at the stall speed is not really any different to pulling away with a caravan on the back on a steep hill. Bear in mind that 100% of the engine's output is being dissipated as heat in the fluid in the torque converter so don't do it for more than a few seconds and leave the car idling for a few minutes after the run to circulate ATF through the fluid cooler.

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: MickAP on 30 October 2009, 11:22:48
Reading this thread with interest, I pick up my auto Miggy next Monday.
It's will be the first ever auto I've owned in 33 years of driving. And yes on the test drive made the classic mistake of using my left foot to brake, I was bearly moving though. Lets see how many times I make that mistake when I get it.

Mick
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy H on 30 October 2009, 11:27:26
I have been wondering about the relationship between the air intake gubbins and the gearbox gear selection.

With my manual I learned where the power came in (4000rpm ish) and tended to either cruise below 3000rpm or 'make progress' by exploring 4000+ rpm.

The combination of auto box and cc don't seem to have any strategy to cope with the rapid increase in torque at around 4000rpm. If I was driving a manual I could change down & reduce the throttle opening to climb a hill smoothly where the auto+cc goes to full throttle & then changes down a gear.

I suppose I used to drive around the poor implementation of a variable length intake system but the auto doesn't. :(
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 30 October 2009, 11:44:50
Quote
Reading this thread with interest, I pick up my auto Miggy next Monday.
It's will be the first ever auto I've owned in 33 years of driving. And yes on the test drive made the classic mistake of using my left foot to brake, I was bearly moving though. Lets see how many times I make that mistake when I get it.

Mick

The first auto I drove was a Rover 216 auto loan car-given to me while my own identical, but manual 214 was in for another engine replacement. 
I got about half a mile, then tried to change down at the first island and used the brake pedal instead of the (missing) clutch.  This flat-spotted all the tyres and the guy behind aged about 10 years  ;D ;D ;D

Tip if driving auto first time-take off your left shoe  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: omegadan67 on 30 October 2009, 12:08:34
Quote
Quote
Quote
i take it hte miggy box wont take the abuse my volvo one did then ( i.e running it up the drag strip) at the lights on the strip engage 1st and sports mode T/C off left foot on brake hold at 3500rpm when green let the brake go ???
It handles it fine. Apparently ::)  (only the stall speed is less, around 2.5k seems to be ideal. Apparently ::))
hmmmm not sure wether to try it now then or not lol, best not for time being till i get use to it, dont wanna be picking bits up of the autobox of the strip


This sort of abuse tends to burn out the torque converter on vauxhalls if used on a regular basis.

as for acceleration and performance an auto will be slow from a standing start and top speed however in general driving an auto could/should beat a manual due to its quicker responce when down shifting and selecting the right gear for load and engine speed that said its down to personal preference as to weather auto or manual is best  IMHO
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: KillerWatt on 30 October 2009, 12:12:10
Quote
Reading this thread with interest, I pick up my auto Miggy next Monday.
It's will be the first ever auto I've owned in 33 years of driving. And yes on the test drive made the classic mistake of using my left foot to brake, I was bearly moving though. Lets see how many times I make that mistake when I get it.

Mick
As Kevin said, once you've had it for a few days you will subconciously "learn" what the box is going to do, and when it's going to do it...so you can compensate accordingly if you want something different from it.

For me, a manual box wins every time over auto.
But as I said earlier, a big motor (such as the V6 Mig) with an auto box is very nice to drive (that's modern day auto box BTW, not the crap we had 20 odd years ago).
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 30 October 2009, 12:22:56
Thats interesting as I'm sure that the AR25/35 is well over 20 years old having been pretty much the same as on my E reg Carlton ............
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kate on 30 October 2009, 12:28:29
Thanks, I've really enjoyed reading this! I feel very well informed now! :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 30 October 2009, 12:31:31
Quote
Quote
... when using cruise-mine will go down two gears in quick succession, then change back up after a few seconds rather than building back to the desired speed more gently. (NOT in Sport mode)

It probably isn't going down 2 gears, actually. The box has a feature called "torque converter lockup" which activates when cruising to bypass the torque converter and improve economy. When the lockup comes in the RPM will drop by an amount dependant on the load - probably about 500 RPM when cruising.

When the box changes gear it has to come out of TC lockup so it will change gear and then lockup the TC again a second or two later. This is why the RPM rises when it changes down, and then drops a little in a second step as the TC locks up.

Cruise control is another system where the ECU doesn't have all the information the driver does. If the speed is dropping below that set on the cruise control the ECU will apply a proportional amount of throttle. That may result in the transmission changing down where a "real" driver would have avoided the change. All the cruise control knows is that it has to keep a constant speed.

Kevin

Very useful and informative-cheers  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 30 October 2009, 12:48:49
Quote
But as I said earlier, a big motor (such as the V6 Mig) with an auto box is very nice to drive (that's modern day auto box BTW, not the crap we had 20 odd years ago).

..big, not small, as I discovered on holiday this year when I was presented with a Seat Ibiza 1.4 Automatic hire car.  ::)

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 30 October 2009, 13:06:39
Quote
Quote
But as I said earlier, a big motor (such as the V6 Mig) with an auto box is very nice to drive (that's modern day auto box BTW, not the crap we had 20 odd years ago).

..big, not small, as I discovered on holiday this year when I was presented with a Seat Ibiza 1.4 Automatic hire car.  ::)

Kevin

Three speed Perodua Kelisa EZi 989cc auto anyone?? POWER  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: HolyCount on 30 October 2009, 14:03:05
Quote
Quote
Reading this thread with interest, I pick up my auto Miggy next Monday.
It's will be the first ever auto I've owned in 33 years of driving. And yes on the test drive made the classic mistake of using my left foot to brake, I was bearly moving though. Lets see how many times I make that mistake when I get it.

Mick

The first auto I drove was a Rover 216 auto loan car-given to me while my own identical, but manual 214 was in for another engine replacement. 
I got about half a mile, then tried to change down at the first island and used the brake pedal instead of the (missing) clutch.  This flat-spotted all the tyres and the guy behind aged about 10 years  ;D ;D ;D

Tip if driving auto first time-take off your left shoe  :y

What I did when first driving an auto (after 30 years in manuals) was tuck my left foot across behind my right leg, so it was out of the way and I was less likely to try to declutch with it.  Worked for me  :)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Bill Cooper on 30 October 2009, 16:44:39
Kate

We have an Elite and have just got 35 mpg (at 68mph) on the main road sections from Penryn to Birmingham - so you can get good mileage, mind you round the lanes it drops a bit.  I supoose having just fitted a new Dispack helped with the mileage.  Enjoy the car, I have had autos for 20 years and have always been very pleased with them

Bill
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Auto Addict on 30 October 2009, 17:01:42
Quote
Quote
1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?
2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones?
3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?
4.How is acceleration affected?
5. How is mpg affected?
6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?
7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?
8. Is it expensive to replace?
9. Is it a massive job to replace?
10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?
1) Yes, though if stood for more than 20s or so, i knock mine to N, and apply handbrake like a good little boy
2) No
3) No, it doesn't have one
4) Generally lower from standing start, but due to different gearing, may beat manual at certain other speeds
5) Generally much lower around town, often same ballpark on a motorway run
6) Ideally replace oil every 50-75k
7) With OOF, yes, viable! Otherwise, no
8) Breakers on OOF will sell then for £75-£120. Recon from specialist will be £500+
9) Difficult to do on your own
10) Not really.

Why?

A useful tip, if you want additional engine braking when going down slight hills, is to flick it into sports mode.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 30 October 2009, 17:22:57
Quote
An answer to your question one. If your sat in traffic for a long time & not really moving much, it's a good idea to select neutral or park (especially in hot weather). The gear oil will get too hot & this won't do it much good.
As for KW's control aspect, in slippery condition like snow for instance, auto's are better. (before some one pipes up & says blah blah. Remember JC in Iceland on the glacier with Icelander's ;))

Yeah with massive off road grippy truck tyres running at 4 psi.


Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Auto Addict on 30 October 2009, 17:34:26
Quote
Quote
An answer to your question one. If your sat in traffic for a long time & not really moving much, it's a good idea to select neutral or park (especially in hot weather). The gear oil will get too hot & this won't do it much good.
As for KW's control aspect, in slippery condition like snow for instance, auto's are better. (before some one pipes up & says blah blah. Remember JC in Iceland on the glacier with Icelander's ;))

Yeah with massive off road grippy truck tyres running at 4 psi.



TB said more than 20 seconds, if your going to be sat for several minutes, yes, I understand that, but to keep wanging it in and out of drive causes undue wear on the selector unit.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 30 October 2009, 17:38:55
Quote
Reading this thread with interest, I pick up my auto Miggy next Monday.
It's will be the first ever auto I've owned in 33 years of driving. And yes on the test drive made the classic mistake of using my left foot to brake, I was bearly moving though. Lets see how many times I make that mistake when I get it.

Mick


Dont make the mistake of useing your left foot to brake whilst on the move, if you do it will feel like you just threw an anchor out of the back and the chain suddenly got tight.  Its amazing how much more pressure your left foot uses for the clutch than the right foot does for the brake.   ::)

I did it once when I was learning to drive, never again. :-/
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 30 October 2009, 17:46:19
Quote
Quote
Quote
1. Is it ok to leave the car in drive all the time when you are out or should you put it in neutral at traffic lights etc.?
2. Are automatic gearboxes as reliable as manual ones?
3.Do you still have to get your clutch replaced when it wears out?
4.How is acceleration affected?
5. How is mpg affected?
6. Do you need to top up gearbox oil or anything like that?
7. If the gearbox fails is it economically viable to replace?
8. Is it expensive to replace?
9. Is it a massive job to replace?
10. Are automatics aimed at the older driver?
1) Yes, though if stood for more than 20s or so, i knock mine to N, and apply handbrake like a good little boy
2) No
3) No, it doesn't have one
4) Generally lower from standing start, but due to different gearing, may beat manual at certain other speeds
5) Generally much lower around town, often same ballpark on a motorway run
6) Ideally replace oil every 50-75k
7) With OOF, yes, viable! Otherwise, no
8) Breakers on OOF will sell then for £75-£120. Recon from specialist will be £500+
9) Difficult to do on your own
10) Not really.

Why?

A useful tip, if you want additional engine braking when going down slight hills, is to flick it into sports mode.

Forgot to mention that, when I come off a motorway doing 70/80 I use sport mode as a brake up the slip road, and leave it switched on just in case I want a quick pick up to grab a space on the roundabout  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kate on 30 October 2009, 17:58:53
Great advice, thanks! :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: webby23 on 30 October 2009, 19:55:35
One of the best things about an auto I think is when pulling up to a junction, or rounabout, the gearbox is immediately ready with the right gear when you press the GO pedal.....

This allows you a swifter, more controlled departure and allows you to enter into moving traffic safely too.......

Have had 2 Omegas, both autos, and wouldnt have it any other way......!!!

 :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: KillerWatt on 30 October 2009, 19:59:55
Quote
An answer to your question one. If your sat in traffic for a long time & not really moving much, it's a good idea to select neutral or park (especially in hot weather). The gear oil will get too hot & this won't do it much good.
As for KW's control aspect, in slippery condition like snow for instance, auto's are better. (before some one pipes up & says blah blah. Remember JC in Iceland on the glacier with Icelander's ;))
How do you force a higher gear (to reduce wheelspin) when you don't have a winter mode on your auto box then?

As Skruntie said, the off road cars that Clarkson showed can't even be compared to real life road scenarios.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: KillerWatt on 30 October 2009, 20:02:00
Quote
One of the best things about an auto I think is when pulling up to a junction, or rounabout, the gearbox is immediately ready with the right gear when you press the GO pedal.....

This allows you a swifter, more controlled departure and allows you to enter into moving traffic safely too.......

Have had 2 Omegas, both autos, and wouldnt have it any other way......!!!

 :y
Funnily enough, our old tractor of an Isuzu always seems to be in the right gear at any given point in time....but the garage insists we have a manual gearbox.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: webby23 on 30 October 2009, 20:07:58
Quote
Quote
One of the best things about an auto I think is when pulling up to a junction, or rounabout, the gearbox is immediately ready with the right gear when you press the GO pedal.....

This allows you a swifter, more controlled departure and allows you to enter into moving traffic safely too.......

Have had 2 Omegas, both autos, and wouldnt have it any other way......!!!

 :y
Funnily enough, our old tractor of an Isuzu always seems to be in the right gear at any given point in time....but the garage insists we have a manual gearbox.

lol

....but an auto is immediate KW.....dont even have to worry about missing a gap cos of being in the wrong gear.......and I know how to use a manual before ye ask.....!!!


 :y :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: KillerWatt on 30 October 2009, 20:10:56
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One of the best things about an auto I think is when pulling up to a junction, or rounabout, the gearbox is immediately ready with the right gear when you press the GO pedal.....

This allows you a swifter, more controlled departure and allows you to enter into moving traffic safely too.......

Have had 2 Omegas, both autos, and wouldnt have it any other way......!!!

 :y
Funnily enough, our old tractor of an Isuzu always seems to be in the right gear at any given point in time....but the garage insists we have a manual gearbox.

lol

....but an auto is immediate KW.....dont even have to worry about missing a gap cos of being in the wrong gear.......and I know how to use a manual before ye ask.....!!!


 :y :y
A manual box will give a better response if the driver is actually awake (which they should be anyway), if for no other reason than because there is no torque convertor to slip.

Even if you (the driver) do want slip, at least with a manual you have full control over just how much slip there is.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 30 October 2009, 20:49:08
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Dont make the mistake of useing your left foot to brake whilst on the move, if you do it will feel like you just threw an anchor out of the back and the chain suddenly got tight.  Its amazing how much more pressure your left foot uses for the clutch than the right foot does for the brake.   ::)

I did it once when I was learning to drive, never again. :-/

You need more practice  ;D  ;D  ;D In the Omega I do both, sometimes left foot brake, other times right foot brake. When driving this Smart I find it easier to always left foot brake .....  :-/ relative poistion of the pedals  :-/   :-/  :y  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: albitz on 30 October 2009, 21:34:37
My 2p worth................I almost always left foot brake when driving an auto,doesnt do any harm as long as your not daft enough to be pressing the left and right pedals at the same time.
An auto is a much more relaxed drive ,but a manual is a more involved drive,better for "sporty"driving imo.
Dont worry about reliability,if the box goes badly wrong you will probably find a replacement on here for less than £100.
They are not difficult to change in any technical sense but are bloody heavy,As TB said,very difficult by yourself.
Economy will suffer with an auto compared to manual,not much on a motorway drive but quite a bit in most other conditions.
When you get used to it,you will probably like it and manual will seem like unnecassary hassle. :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 30 October 2009, 22:39:00
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.......and manual will seem like unnecessary hassle. :y

Spot on ........  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 30 October 2009, 22:41:51
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.......and manual will seem like unnecessary hassle. :y

Spot on ........  ;) ;) ;)

Totally wrong, autos leave me disconnected. Might as well be sat on a bus.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Del Boy on 30 October 2009, 22:42:44
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.......and manual will seem like unnecessary hassle. :y

Spot on ........  ;) ;) ;)

Totally wrong, autos leave me disconnected. Might as well be sat on a bus.

I agree, they're comfy to drive but I much prefer manual any day.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 30 October 2009, 22:44:40
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.......and manual will seem like unnecessary hassle. :y

Spot on ........  ;) ;) ;)

Totally wrong, autos leave me disconnected. Might as well be sat on a bus.

I agree, they're comfy to drive but I much prefer manual any day.

Was handy in stop start traffic, but thats the only time! Took mother tunnies 3.0 auto to work today, if both were mine, i'd take the manual 2.2 every day.  :)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: ENFIELD_MV6 on 30 October 2009, 22:52:51
i much prefer a auto to a manual anyday its easier on my left knee lol need a op to remove cartlidge as its giving me sh1t, cant wait to pick mine up sunday and drive it, beat the 07 focus hands down, oh and got to pick the misses 06 plate scenic up tomorow hope the clutch is lighter on that than the focus
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 30 October 2009, 22:57:28
This thread is turning into a 'which is best? auto or manual?' Neither is better than the other. One or the other suits one person more than the other type.  ;) ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 30 October 2009, 23:00:09
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This thread is turning into a 'which is best? auto or manual?' Neither is better than the other. One or the other suits one person more than the other type.  ;) ;)  ;)

If i lived in London - Auto all the way, Country side manual all the way.  :)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: ENFIELD_MV6 on 30 October 2009, 23:03:49
it would not have bothered me if mine had been auto or manual still would have had it, i do live in the london area, but folks live lincolnshire and leicestershire area`s so plenty of country roads............. hmmmmmm semi auto with paddle shift could be a option lol
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: MickAP on 30 October 2009, 23:19:55
At least I can experience both auto and manual. Manual a tractor though.

Mick
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: sexydaz on 30 October 2009, 23:48:21
damn good thread,i had an auto 2.5 2 years ago fahookin loved it and changed it for a disco then a volkswagon sharan and i always missed the omega so now ive bought a 2.2 auto estate with knacked box but the car is so nice it was worth it and ive bought a box off stealbay thats done 38000 miles £200 delivered i cant wait to fit it im sick of drivin round in 3rd,im told its split a drum.no up and down on clutch,no selecting gears,no(yes weve all done it stalling)no curseing in tea time traffic just sat in d with a nice sound of pink floyd in yer ears,to me life is so quick and the weeks flash by but when im in my omega it all slows down and becomes a calm happy place.on that score im gonna say im not a boring barsteward im just saying an omega auto is a nice place to be in,does anyone understand that or am i a saddo
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Pete Elite on 31 October 2009, 00:14:08
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This thread is turning into a 'which is best? auto or manual?' Neither is better than the other. One or the other suits one person more than the other type.  ;) ;)  ;)


  We could always do a TV Burp to sort it out.

        [size=24]FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHT[/size] ;D.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 31 October 2009, 00:50:35
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Was handy in stop start traffic, but thats the only time! Took mother tunnies 3.0 auto to work today, if both were mine, i'd take the manual 2.2 every day.  :)


Hmm.  I think the extra 70 bhp would win every time for me. Sod the gearbox. ;)

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kate on 31 October 2009, 13:44:11
I find the automatic more relaxing to drive.  I seem to drive the manual like a racing car sometimes! ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Del Boy on 31 October 2009, 14:02:42
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it would not have bothered me if mine had been auto or manual still would have had it, i do live in the london area, but folks live lincolnshire and leicestershire area`s so plenty of country roads............. hmmmmmm semi auto with paddle shift could be a option lol
Got my Saab from near you, would've came for a cuppa if I had known  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: doog on 02 November 2009, 09:37:54
i agree with all of the above except

Autos are for old men and lazy people   :y

Doug
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: webby23 on 02 November 2009, 21:30:13
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i agree with all of the above except

Autos are for old men and lazy people   :y

Doug

Is it that or are autos for rich men who can afford a bit more fuel money for a bit more relaxing drive......

lol

 :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Ian_D on 02 November 2009, 22:53:30
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i agree with all of the above except

Autos are for old men and lazy people   :y

Doug

Is it that or are autos for rich men who can afford a bit more fuel money for a bit more relaxing drive......

lol

 :y

 ;D ;D ;D

Only way I would have a manual Mig would be if it was cheap, or a diesel (even then I would rather have a chipped diesel auto over manual - just means I would have to stick an ar35 in)

Only down side to the auto I can think of is that it is slightly slower off the line, but that’s down to 1st gear been so long (0-55mph).

Most impressive thing though has to be how well it pulls (I put this down to the torque converter multiplying the torque from the 3L V6) Try it yourself if you have an auto. When you set off, aim to hold the revs at 3000rpm as long as you can. The speed just goes up and up! Infact that amazes me more than foot flat to the floor I think!  ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: shell on 02 November 2009, 23:22:47
I will never be able to go back to a manual gearbox.The auto is just too easy and so comfortable.I hate doing 3 point turns..its such a hassle changing into reverse.
it took me a few days before my clutch foot stopped accidentally stamping on the brake,(pretty good emergency stop !)
I love my automatic, and i love the sports button.
And i still get 29 mpg.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: sneakypenguin on 03 November 2009, 03:48:36
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i agree with all of the above except

Autos are for old men and lazy people   :y

Doug

Is it that or are autos for rich men who can afford a bit more fuel money for a bit more relaxing drive......

lol

 :y

surely rich men/women would have the butler changing gear, '3rd gear mi-lady?'  ;D

mines the first auto I've had and love it, especially in london traffic, just love the power on tap and the acceleration from traffic lights. I've even out accelerated a police 5-series bmw (with blues and two's) on the motorway  :D

I drive my flat mates astra (also a green T-reg lol) every so often and thats a manual and keep forgetting to change gears, or go to put it in reverse and hear a crunching sound and am thinking "what on earth is that?" then realizing it helps if you press the clutch pedal  :o
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: v8mick on 03 November 2009, 10:05:57
I always use my left foot for braking on my autos, always have, not advisable to do if you are new to autos though!! Who would have a manual?? No comparison imho, whats to like about an achin left leg after a trip. Manuals ok for circuit racing and thats about it. ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 03 November 2009, 10:20:27
i tried left boot braking, not a good idea!
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 03 November 2009, 11:04:57
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i tried left boot braking, not a good idea!

Not if you ever intend to drive a manual again!

It's interesting that, when driving a car, I have absolutely no subtlety in my left foot (some would say there's not much in the right foot either, but in comparison to the left one it is!) but I've never noticed the two being any different when they're connected to the rudder of a glider.

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: MickAP on 03 November 2009, 11:39:43
I drove my auto for the first time yesterday I followed advice given in this thread. I tucked my left leg behind my right leg, it worked. Only trouble is how long will it  stay there before cramp sets in. [smiley=cheesy.gif]
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 03 November 2009, 11:56:51
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i tried left boot braking, not a good idea!

Not if you ever intend to drive a manual again!

It's interesting that, when driving a car, I have absolutely no subtlety in my left foot (some would say there's not much in the right foot either, but in comparison to the left one it is!) but I've never noticed the two being any different when they're connected to the rudder of a glider.

Kevin

Same with me on the bike, i have to be light with it to change gears so it is sensative. Maybe in a car after years of manuals, brain goes into 'stomp mode'
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 03 November 2009, 11:58:05
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I drove my auto for the first time yesterday I followed advice given in this thread. I tucked my left leg behind my right leg, it worked. Only trouble is how long will it  stay there before cramp sets in. [smiley=cheesy.gif]

Its even harder for me,  2 of ours have exactly the same colour interior, moving all them around on the drive. I have jumped in one, gone for the clutch and..... ahhh, thats not it.  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 12:16:56
You just get used to it. We now have 3 cars in the house that are all different. A proper auto, an ordinary manual & a flappy paddle manual/auto. So far in the Smart I find it easier to left foot brake all the time (small footwell - big feet), in my auto I both left & right foot brake as the mood/situation takes me and in the manual .....  ;) but I don't forget which car I'm in.
I did sometimes get confused when I got in her old proper auto Astra (before it was written off), just because I was getting into an Astra my left foot would occasionally look for the clutch pedal from my manual Astra as I set off and wanted to make my first gear change.  ;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 14:54:56
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I drove my auto for the first time yesterday I followed advice given in this thread. I tucked my left leg behind my right leg, it worked. Only trouble is how long will it  stay there before cramp sets in. [smiley=cheesy.gif]

Thats why you have a rest on the left of the footwell.  Allways ways known it to be called a clutch rest.  I put my foot there when I get in the Mig and leave it there.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 14:57:33
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.... I put my foot there when I get in the Mig and leave it there.

Out of curiosity ...... how do you do a hill start? The way you were taught umpteen years back with the handbrake or use your left foot on the foot brake?  :-/  :-/

I do the latter  :y  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 14:58:58
Tendency with left foot braking is that some people brake and accelerate at the same time which is not fair on the autobox when it's trying to drive and the car is trying to stop.




and my auntie wonders why her ford escort had 4 brand new autobox's in it.  Sussed the problem the 1st time I saw her drive it, she was pulling away with the brake lights on.   :-/
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 15:10:49
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Tendency with left foot braking is that some people brake and accelerate at the same time which is not fair on the autobox when it's trying to drive and the car is trying to stop.
S'pose so ...  :-/ although I think I'd be able to tell if I was pressing down with both feet at the same time. Infact that was the same tale i was told by the instructor when I was invited on my speed awareness course  ::) They must have a book of BS tales ie you shouldn't cross your arms turning the wheel when you have an airbag. The air bag  could break your arms if they were infront of it and for whatever reason it went off!  :-?  :-?  :-? ;D


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and my auntie wonders why her ford escort had 4 brand new autobox's in it.  Sussed the problem the 1st time I saw her drive it, she was pulling away with the brake lights on.   :-/
My brake lights will be on as I pull away too, an Omega's auto box creeps against the brakes.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 15:13:44
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.... I put my foot there when I get in the Mig and leave it there.

Out of curiosity ...... how do you do a hill start? The way you were taught umpteen years back with the handbrake or use your left foot on the foot brake?  :-/  :-/

I do the latter  :y  :y


Total No No for me, was taught from day one.  When driving a car the right leg either accelerates or brakes, allways worked for be, and yes thats whats the hand brake is for, as you cant accelerate and hold the foot brake on a manual, so why be different for an auto.


Also if you left foot braked on a driving test it's a fail.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 15:16:51
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Tendency with left foot braking is that some people brake and accelerate at the same time which is not fair on the autobox when it's trying to drive and the car is trying to stop.
S'pose so ...  :-/ although I think I'd be able to tell if I was pressing down with both feet at the same time. Infact that was the same tale i was told by the instructor when I was invited on my speed awareness course  ::) They must have a book of BS tales ie you shouldn't cross your arms turning the wheel when you have an airbag. The air bag  could break your arms if they were infront of it and for whatever reason it went off!  :-?  :-?  :-? ;D


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and my auntie wonders why her ford escort had 4 brand new autobox's in it.  Sussed the problem the 1st time I saw her drive it, she was pulling away with the brake lights on.   :-/
My brake lights will be on as I pull away too, an Omega's auto box creeps against the brakes.

Maybe so, but she was accelerating hard as well.

Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: neilr on 03 November 2009, 15:21:16
what about heel and toe in a manual ive done this many times. However I must say driving my manual daily driver i much prefer the auto mig when i get the wife out of the driving seat. I still cant decide whether to get rid of the citroen daily driver and keep the old 2.5 cdx auto mig for me and the 2.6 cd for the wife.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 15:23:39
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.... and yes thats whats the hand brake is for, as you cant accelerate and hold the foot brake on a manual, so why be different for an auto.....
But auto's & manuals are different, there are diffences in the way you drive them. I don't use the handbrake for a hill start in my manual either, there's enough pull from tickover without touching the throttle. There are various cars out there that use another pedal to kick the parking/emergency brake off. You'd need a third foot!  ;)  ;)

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... Also if you left foot braked on a driving test it's a fail.
It's a good job I passed my test 30 yrs back then! We do lots of things day to day that woudl fail a driving test.  ;) :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 15:25:09
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.....
Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 15:30:14
Andy, most of us probably would have issues passing the driving test today.  As said at the time we learnt to pass the test, and learning to drive came through experience.

Everyone will drive thier cars to suit themselves.  However if any one borrowed used my car and used both feet at the same time they would be asked to move over or get out.  I aint paying the bills for getting my auto box stuffed up by them.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 15:30:56
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)


I didnt bring the subject up.  ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 03 November 2009, 15:37:42
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)

Good cause in autos i always tend to drive with one hand for some reason, and parm the wheel for turning. Parming is also much faster than the shuffle shuffle approach.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 15:48:30
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)

Good cause in autos i always tend to drive with one hand for some reason, and parm the wheel for turning. Parming is also much faster than the shuffle shuffle approach.


Half the time I drive my left arm is resting on the passenger seat back rest.  ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 03 November 2009, 16:08:43
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)

Good cause in autos i always tend to drive with one hand for some reason, and parm the wheel for turning. Parming is also much faster than the shuffle shuffle approach.


Half the time I drive my left arm is resting on the passenger seat back rest.  ::)

depends who's in the passenger seat at the time....  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 16:18:57
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)

Good cause in autos i always tend to drive with one hand for some reason, and parm the wheel for turning. Parming is also much faster than the shuffle shuffle approach.


Half the time I drive my left arm is resting on the passenger seat back rest.  ::)

depends who's in the passenger seat at the time....  ;D


No comment  ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 16:21:56
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Also considered a nono to cross arms under any driving conditions and also a test failure if you do.

As said to the other reply, we're not talking driving tests.  ;)

Good cause in autos i always tend to drive with one hand for some reason, and parm the wheel for turning. Parming is also much faster than the shuffle shuffle approach.


Half the time I drive my left arm is resting on the passenger seat back rest.  ::)

Which would be a fail! if you happened to be resitting your driving test ... which you're not!  ::)  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 03 November 2009, 16:27:46
When I did my manual coach training, every time I rested my hand on the gearstick, the (ex-army) instructor would whack it with a steel ruler.  OUCH!

Didn't do it for long  :P
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 16:30:13
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.....

Didn't do it for long  :P

Cos you hit him?  ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 03 November 2009, 16:32:07
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Didn't do it for long  :P

Cos you hit him?  ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D

No-passed the test  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 03 November 2009, 18:18:16
cant see any problem at all with left foot braking. Provided your capable of noticing your binding the engine under power, what possible odds does it make which you prefer?

 Its already been mentioned pulling away up a hill with a heavy caravan on the back would do more damage, so probably not much damage from a momentary bind? The Omega is a heavy car after all.

Its no differant than a hill start with the hand brake thinking about it, and you can probably time releasing the foot brake better i would think. Cant remember ever using the hand brake for a hill start in an Omega tbh.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 18:19:50
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cant see any problem at all with left foot braking. Provided your capable of noticing your binding the engine under power, what possible odds does it make which you prefer?

 Its already been mentioned pulling away up a hill with a heavy caravan on the back would do more damage, so probably not much damage from a momentary bind? The Omega is a heavy car after all.

Its no differant than a hill start with the hand brake thinking about it, and you can probably time releasing the foot brake better i would think. Cant remember ever using the hand brake for a hill start in an Omega tbh.

A voice of reason!!!  ;) ;) ;) :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: davethediver on 03 November 2009, 18:43:38
So did we get to the bottom of which is best manual or auto?  :-X :-X
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 03 November 2009, 19:01:47
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So did we get to the bottom of which is best manual or auto?  :-X :-X
Yeah, lets shake the nest. Auto. The end! ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 19:03:21
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So did we get to the bottom of which is best manual or auto?  :-X :-X

Yes, Auto for comfort and manual for spirited driving.
       Auto for town/london
       Auto  for cruise and comfort.







Now waits for Andy to get the last word in  ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 03 November 2009, 19:17:13
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....
Now waits for Andy to get the last word in  ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D

[size=14]just for you mate!!![/size]  :y  :y  :y

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This thread is turning into a 'which is best? auto or manual?' Neither is better than the other. One or the other suits one person more than the other type.  ;) ;)  ;)


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So did we get to the bottom of which is best manual or auto?  :-X :-X

[size=14][/size]
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Stevie-blunder on 03 November 2009, 19:49:26
AUTO  :y :y :y :y :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 03 November 2009, 19:56:47
people may like auto for its comfort..

but I dont like a low iq brain between engine's power and me.. deffo manual even in a traffic jam..
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: joshwyatt on 03 November 2009, 20:04:10
This has proven to be an interesting read. I think the auto v manual debate is only ever going to be subjective to each individual. Personally, I prefer a manual...I see no reason to have an automatic: That has worse MPG, slower acceleration and is rather boring to drive. Both of my Omega's atm are auto's. A 2.6 and 3.2...and personally I think it's a shame they are. It spoils the drive for me. Although, I can see why people on the other hand would prefer an auto. So in essence I don't think you can ever, or should try to answer 'which is best' as what's good for one person isn't for the other.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: albitz on 03 November 2009, 20:12:35
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cant see any problem at all with left foot braking. Provided your capable of noticing your binding the engine under power, what possible odds does it make which you prefer?

 Its already been mentioned pulling away up a hill with a heavy caravan on the back would do more damage, so probably not much damage from a momentary bind? The Omega is a heavy car after all.

Its no differant than a hill start with the hand brake thinking about it, and you can probably time releasing the foot brake better i would think. Cant remember ever using the hand brake for a hill start in an Omega tbh.
Completely agree.Nothing wrong with left foot braking in an auto if you use common sense. :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 03 November 2009, 20:18:45
left foot braking is a commonly used technique for special circumstances, however its also "adviced" by gearbox specialists ;D.. seriously handbook says never do that..
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 03 November 2009, 20:36:13
My final thought.

I dont see my Elite as a sports car, I see it as a big lazy mile muncher, that can and often has been more than capable of prooving it's pressence on the road whether it be a standing start, a cross country jaunt or just proving it's point in the power and handling stakes against other cars.

If I wanted a manual for a sportier type of driving I would have no hesitation in going for a manual MV6.

Either way there is an Omega to suit most motoring needs.  Whatever the choice in Manual/Auto box the Omega is certainly a well respected all rounder.






It's just that my Personal choice is an Auto.   :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: webby23 on 03 November 2009, 22:51:20
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My final thought.

I dont see my Elite as a sports car, I see it as a big lazy mile muncher, that can and often has been more than capable of prooving it's pressence on the road whether it be a standing start, a cross country jaunt or just proving it's point in the power and handling stakes against other cars.

If I wanted a manual for a sportier type of driving I would have no hesitation in going for a manual MV6.

Either way there is an Omega to suit most motoring needs.  Whatever the choice in Manual/Auto box the Omega is certainly a well respected all rounder.






It's just that my Personal choice is an Auto.   :y


....so in a word Skruntie......auto.........!!!!

lol

 :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 04 November 2009, 01:07:20





[size=20]CORRECT   ::) :y :y :y     [/size]
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 08:28:45
Shame the Omega does not get the excellent DSG 'box like most VW group cars-especially the Skoda Superb.....
Best of both worlds-quicker than a standard manual 0-62, controllable via paddleshifters, can be set to sport manual change or normal auto as required.
I like the Omega, but tech has moved on  :y

We have one manual car, one auto-so depends what mood I'm in-either is good in its own way.
If I had the cash, I'd buy one new DSG car.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 09:15:00
Quote
Shame the Omega does not get the excellent DSG 'box like most VW group cars-especially the Skoda Superb ......

SWMBO recently had a DSG Passat as a courtesy car. I was not at all impressed with the gear change, it was clunky and not at all smooth. I'll stick with my proper auto.  :y  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 November 2009, 09:26:20
Quote
Shame the Omega does not get the excellent DSG 'box like most VW group cars...

No sure I'd fancy the reliability (or lack thereof).

It's a big, heavy, over-complex device, IMHO.

A 6 or 7 speed conventional automatic box would probably better it in terms of comfort and, certainly reliability IMHO. Only possible advantage might be fuel consumption although with plenty of ratios a conventional autobox could lockup much earlier than the Omega's does.

What use is a bit of extra economy when the thing keeps grenading? ;)

Faster than a manual? I don't know. Give me a decent manual 6 speeder with the right choice of gear ratios... It might make the changes quick, but that doesn't mean it is quick.

Does the DSG box have any motorsport pedigree? Not sure, just asking, cos that often speaks volumes about where a component is on the performance versus reliability / durability scale.

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: VXL V6 on 04 November 2009, 09:52:52
Quote
Quote
cant see any problem at all with left foot braking. Provided your capable of noticing your binding the engine under power, what possible odds does it make which you prefer?

 Its already been mentioned pulling away up a hill with a heavy caravan on the back would do more damage, so probably not much damage from a momentary bind? The Omega is a heavy car after all.

Its no differant than a hill start with the hand brake thinking about it, and you can probably time releasing the foot brake better i would think. Cant remember ever using the hand brake for a hill start in an Omega tbh.
Completely agree.Nothing wrong with left foot braking in an auto if you use common sense. :y

I have always used left foot braking in all Auto's and happily jump from an Auto to a Manual without problem.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 11:27:42
An auto box is fine for those having a mid life crisis and Marks and Spencers slippers  :P

Just becaus the Omega is not a sports car, does not mean you quite drive it hard....and a manual gives you that and makes it much more predictable.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 11:43:19
Quote
Quote
Shame the Omega does not get the excellent DSG 'box like most VW group cars...

Faster than a manual? I don't know. Give me a decent manual 6 speeder with the right choice of gear ratios... It might make the changes quick, but that doesn't mean it is quick.

Does the DSG box have any motorsport pedigree? Not sure, just asking, cos that often speaks volumes about where a component is on the performance versus reliability / durability scale.

Kevin

Golf GTi 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG) so 0.3 sec FASTER!

Depends on application how smooth it is-I drove the Octavia vRS with DSG and it was 1000x smoother than the (good) box in my Omega!

No idea on durability though...
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 November 2009, 11:55:09
Quote
Golf GTi 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG) so 0.3 sec FASTER!

Well, 0.3 seconds off the 0-60, assuming both measurements were with all else being equal (a couple of degrees cooler air could make that difference) is undeniably faster but is it worth all the extra complexity?

.. and, putting aside real life experience, DSG boxes change so aggressively when driven hard that there simply MUST be a reliability/durability price to pay for that little bit of performance due to the shock loads on the drivetrain.

.. Just as there is in running a sequential manual box. You wouldn't do it unless you have deep pockets and a passion for rebuilds.

I might be tempted by one if it was a company hack, but it'd be a brave DIY'er who touched one, IMHO.

Maybe in 5 years time they'll have proven to be bomb-proof and I'll eat my words... Maybe. ;)

Kevin
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 12:10:22
Quote
Quote
Golf GTi 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG) so 0.3 sec FASTER!

Well, 0.3 seconds off the 0-60, assuming both measurements were with all else being equal (a couple of degrees cooler air could make that difference) is undeniably faster but is it worth all the extra complexity?

.. and, putting aside real life experience, DSG boxes change so aggressively when driven hard that there simply MUST be a reliability/durability price to pay for that little bit of performance due to the shock loads on the drivetrain.

.. Just as there is in running a sequential manual box. You wouldn't do it unless you have deep pockets and a passion for rebuilds.

I might be tempted by one if it was a company hack, but it'd be a brave DIY'er who touched one, IMHO.

Maybe in 5 years time they'll have proven to be bomb-proof and I'll eat my words... Maybe. ;)

Kevin

A fair point.  DSG lovely to drive.... but best under warranty!!  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 18:07:38
Quote
Quote
Quote
Golf GTi 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG) so 0.3 sec FASTER!

Well, 0.3 seconds off the 0-60, assuming both measurements were with all else being equal (a couple of degrees cooler air could make that difference) is undeniably faster but is it worth all the extra complexity?

.. and, putting aside real life experience, DSG boxes change so aggressively when driven hard that there simply MUST be a reliability/durability price to pay for that little bit of performance due to the shock loads on the drivetrain.

.. Just as there is in running a sequential manual box. You wouldn't do it unless you have deep pockets and a passion for rebuilds.

I might be tempted by one if it was a company hack, but it'd be a brave DIY'er who touched one, IMHO.

Maybe in 5 years time they'll have proven to be bomb-proof and I'll eat my words... Maybe. ;)

Kevin

A fair point.  DSG lovely to drive.... but best under warranty!!  :y
agree with you both,dsg is a very good box ime. :y Mrs G had one in a company Golf 2.0d. Could not get my head round the description until the test drive. There is no, NO drop in power between changes. When second runs out of puff, 3rd gear is engaged with the second clutch, before second gear is fully disengaged. It times the cog swap perfectly to be seemless. i can see how the dsg might be quicker than a normal auto purely because there is so no lag. The omega is fairly seemless between cogs, but the dsg takes this a step further by making gear changes pull, rather than a dip in power....if that makes sense?

Fantastic to drive, but would not own one in a million years. Hand grenades by all acounts,  :o bugger that  :-/. Would be madness to put one in a bigger car.....





Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 18:55:58
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Golf GTi 0-62 mph: 7.2 seconds (6.9 – DSG) so 0.3 sec FASTER!

Well, 0.3 seconds off the 0-60, assuming both measurements were with all else being equal (a couple of degrees cooler air could make that difference) is undeniably faster but is it worth all the extra complexity?

.. and, putting aside real life experience, DSG boxes change so aggressively when driven hard that there simply MUST be a reliability/durability price to pay for that little bit of performance due to the shock loads on the drivetrain.

.. Just as there is in running a sequential manual box. You wouldn't do it unless you have deep pockets and a passion for rebuilds.

I might be tempted by one if it was a company hack, but it'd be a brave DIY'er who touched one, IMHO.

Maybe in 5 years time they'll have proven to be bomb-proof and I'll eat my words... Maybe. ;)

Kevin

A fair point.  DSG lovely to drive.... but best under warranty!!  :y
agree with you both,dsg is a very good box ime. :y Mrs G had one in a company Golf 2.0d. Could not get my head round the description until the test drive. There is no, NO drop in power between changes. When second runs out of puff, 3rd gear is engaged with the second clutch, before second gear is fully disengaged. It times the cog swap perfectly to be seemless. i can see how the dsg might be quicker than a normal auto purely because there is so no lag. The omega is fairly seemless between cogs, but the dsg takes this a step further by making gear changes pull, rather than a dip in power....if that makes sense?

Fantastic to drive, but would not own one in a million years. Hand grenades by all acounts,  :o bugger that  :-/. Would be madness to put one in a bigger car.....






Very complex, but amazing.  I would love a DSG car-but only under warranty as said previously.  These boxes are fitted to the big Audis, VWs, Seats and Skodas, just as they are with smaller models.

DSG is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Omega box-those who doubt this should drive one-amazing  :y

All new cars are over complicated and one day Omegas will be obselete, so this is where it is all going.... :-/
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 19:09:46
Quote
.....
DSG is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Omega box-those who doubt this should drive one-amazing  :y ......

Sorry! But I can't agree with you, I thought it was clunky and every gear change was certainly noticable, as it would be cos it's a manual box underneath afterall. It was more seemless than the change on Mrs Andy B's 'new' Smart. To a passerby it sounds just like a manual box.
I'd have my proper auto Omega anyday before the DSG  ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 19:21:43
Quote
Quote
.....
DSG is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Omega box-those who doubt this should drive one-amazing  :y ......

Sorry! But I can't agree with you, I thought it was clunky and every gear change was certainly noticable, as it would be cos it's a manual box underneath afterall. It was more seemless than the change on Mrs Andy B's 'new' Smart. To a passerby it sounds just like a manual box.
I'd have my proper auto Omega anyday before the DSG  ;)
Sumat wrong there mate, sell it, sharpish?   :-/
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 19:22:20
Quote
Quote
.....
DSG is LIGHT YEARS ahead of the Omega box-those who doubt this should drive one-amazing  :y ......

Sorry! But I can't agree with you, I thought it was clunky and every gear change was certainly noticable, as it would be cos it's a manual box underneath afterall. It was more seemless than the change on Mrs Andy B's 'new' Smart. To a passerby it sounds just like a manual box.
I'd have my proper auto Omega anyday before the DSG  ;)

Perhaps was faulty?  Driven a few and have been seemless and offer great control  :y
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 19:27:34
Quote
.....
Perhaps was faulty?  Driven a few and have been seemless
It wasn't our problem, but it was a 57 plate car with 30 000 miles on.
I'm sure it was as it should be, it was smooth if driven gently, but gear changes were more noticable when giving it a boot full.

Quote
..... and offer great control  :y
because you could use the up-a-gear dow-a-gear on the gear lever?  :-/ You need a car with pedal and be in complete control!!   ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 19:30:05
Quote
....
Sumat wrong there mate, sell it, sharpish?   :-/

There must be sumat wrong with them all then. It has to have some time to change gear. You can't compare it with te DSG cos they have 2 clutches as far as I can make out (or care  ::)) One does 1 3 & 5 and t'other does 2 4 & 6 so it's going to take atleast half as long to change gear as the Smart cos it's got twice the clutches.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 19:36:41
Quote
Quote
....
Sumat wrong there mate, sell it, sharpish?   :-/

There must be sumat wrong with them all then. It has to have some time to change gear. You can't compare it with te DSG cos they have 2 clutches as far as I can make out (or care  ::)) One does 1 3 & 5 and t'other does 2 4 & 6 so it's going to take atleast half as long to change gear as the Smart cos it's got twice the clutches.
Or wait for it to blow up, your choice, your car.... :-/ :)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: tunnie on 04 November 2009, 19:41:14
smart sequential gearboxes are horrid, they have a habbit of surging, in a change. Almost makes you sea sick.

Press + or - to change gear, you can go away, make a cup of tea, 2 sugars, it might have changed by the time you get back  ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 19:48:52
Lol, the funniest thing about this latter part of the thread is stupid comparison between a 20 year old gearbox design and a 5 year gearbox design.

HELLO.....things do get developed!

Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 19:49:00
Quote
smart sequential gearboxes are horrid, they have a habbit of surging, in a change. Almost makes you sea sick.

Press + or - to change gear, you can go away, make a cup of tea, 2 sugars, it might have changed by the time you get back  ;D

You talking from experience of hearsay from the likes of Clarkson?  ::)  ::)  ::)  ::)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 19:53:51
Quote
Lol, the funniest thing about this latter part of the thread is stupid comparison between a 20 year old gearbox design and a 5 year gearbox design.

HELLO.....things do get developed!


But there's no comparison at all between the 2 of them, 20 yrs or not. One is an auto with torque converter and the other is a manual gearbox with auto controls. They are like comparing apples with bananas. They both achieve a similar end result but using completely different ideas. I personally didn't like the DSG - I said at the time, I could live with it if I had to, but I'd have a proper torque converter auto any day of the week, no matter whether it was a 20odd 3 speed box with a 4th electrically opperated overdrive or one of the fance 6 & 7 speed autos from Mercedes.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 19:56:46
Its certainly a hybrid!

It is nothing more than 2 manual boxes and a shed load of servos.....but, it is still capable of automatic shifting and hence is an auto box
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 20:00:04
Quote
......but, it is still capable of automatic shifting .....
just about


Quote
...... and hence is an auto box
You'd soon tire of it
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 20:05:01
Quote
Quote
......but, it is still capable of automatic shifting .....
just about


Quote
...... and hence is an auto box
You'd soon tire of it

Its an auto box, of course I would!  ;D ;D

They have a few issues, they are only fast on upshifting and not down shifting.

There only fast because they pre-select the next gear on the opposing half of the box (no double shifting!).

They are rather heavy, seem to recall the 7 speed unit in the Audi's is in the order of 120Kg with the 6 speed about 70-80 Kg!

Dont even ask how much a new dual pack wet clutch is.....and the cost of fitting  :o :o
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cem_devecioglu on 04 November 2009, 20:09:34
when I heard the price of a new smg box ,

I tought you better buy a new car ;D
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 20:11:14
Quote
.....
Dont even ask how much a new dual pack wet clutch is.....and the cost of fitting  :o :o

Do tell!  ;D  ;D  ;D
Just reading some of the quotes for work done on here ....
http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=58098  :-?
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 20:16:14
The ZF version is supposed to be better (its quite the norm for ZF boxes to be better than Getrag though!)

http://www.zf.com/corporate/en/products/innovations/7_speed_dualclutch/7_speed_dualclutch.html
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 20:17:43
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 20:21:51
Quote
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 20:33:29
Quote
Quote
Lol, the funniest thing about this latter part of the thread is stupid comparison between a 20 year old gearbox design and a 5 year gearbox design.

HELLO.....things do get developed!


But there's no comparison at all between the 2 of them, 20 yrs or not. One is an auto with torque converter and the other is a manual gearbox with auto controls. They are like comparing apples with bananas. They both achieve a similar end result but using completely different ideas. I personally didn't like the DSG - I said at the time, I could live with it if I had to, but I'd have a proper torque converter auto any day of the week, no matter whether it was a 20odd 3 speed box with a 4th electrically opperated overdrive or one of the fance 6 & 7 speed autos from Mercedes.

That's the point-things move on.  Generally getting more complex, which is a different matter, but times change.
There are some hateful auto/automated manual boxes out there-Citroen's sensodrive on the 1.6 is notoriously bad, but in my experience the DSG box, however complicated and potentially unreliable in the long term, is a world ahead in driving of our auto boxes-which as you say are a 20 year old design.

But, as commented, I wonder how many DSG boxes will be serviceable in 10 years like our Omega boxes are now?

Many people just quote auto reviews without experiencing the actual car or just take a view on one model:- the DSG box suits certain engines better than others too-so a bog 105 TDI will not compare to a CR170TDI-I suppose like the 2.0 8v is a world away from the 3.2 24v Omega.

I am not biased-impartial  :)  Interesting responses...

Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 20:42:13
Quote
Quote
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Ar25/35. Are they not related to the BMW 430L auto boxs(or what ever they are called)?  Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

To answer your question, no, no beer.....

..... sits back and waits to be blindly told the opposite by another member, and gets ready to congratulate him as a winner, and to go forward to the first heat of his chosen sport (master mind?) for the special olympicis. :-) night all.

Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: cruisetopoland on 04 November 2009, 20:50:32
[/quote]
Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

[/quote]

Someone else who has driven a few  ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 21:00:25
Quote
Quote
Quote
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Ar25/35. Are they not related to the BMW 430L auto boxs(or what ever they are called)?  Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

To answer your question, no, no beer.....

..... sits back and waits to be blindly told the opposite by another member, and gets ready to congratulate him as a winner, and to go forward to the first heat of his chosen sport (master mind?) for the special olympicis. :-) night all.


Of course they are smooth when working, this is due to what they do with the engine. They vary the engine revs (up for a down change) and back off the torque (for an upchange).

There achilles heal is that they learn the driver (more important with a clutch based setup) so you can get rough changing when two opposing driving styles use the car after each other whilst the new driving style is learnt.

The 4L30E is NOT a BMW box, its a GM unit and the basic design goes back to the 70's (as a 3 speed) which then had an additonal section bolted in (hence the seperate small sump at the front) and a box of electronics added to bring it upto date. This does use a basic retard function to smooth gear changes.

More modern auto boxes are as smooth (if not smoother) than a DSG as they use the same engine control (which is the bit that makes the change smooth) during a shift.

Note, the VAG DSG is a Getrag unit.....not a VAG design :y

Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: feeutfo on 04 November 2009, 21:42:10
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Ar25/35. Are they not related to the BMW 430L auto boxs(or what ever they are called)?  Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

To answer your question, no, no beer.....

..... sits back and waits to be blindly told the opposite by another member, and gets ready to congratulate him as a winner, and to go forward to the first heat of his chosen sport (master mind?) for the special olympicis. :-) night all.


Of course they are smooth when working, this is due to what they do with the engine. They vary the engine revs (up for a down change) and back off the torque (for an upchange).

There achilles heal is that they learn the driver (more important with a clutch based setup) so you can get rough changing when two opposing driving styles use the car after each other whilst the new driving style is learnt.

The 4L30E is NOT a BMW box, its a GM unit and the basic design goes back to the 70's (as a 3 speed) which then had an additonal section bolted in (hence the seperate small sump at the front) and a box of electronics added to bring it upto date. This does use a basic retard function to smooth gear changes.

More modern auto boxes are as smooth (if not smoother) than a DSG as they use the same engine control (which is the bit that makes the change smooth) during a shift.

Note, the VAG DSG is a Getrag unit.....not a VAG design :y


Always interesting to listen to an informed view Mark :-). Re learning, the 3 cars i drove, none had been driven by me before, 2 demo cars and Mrs Gs Golf. On each occassion i drove or was driven, the box behaved faultlessly. Just to note the demo car by nature would have had numerous drivers. We then went on to own our particular car and never had any issues learning our driving, with my turns being on a weekly basis and a very differant style.

 Being a fussy bugger, and waiting for the apparantly inevitable failure i paid massive attention to each change when driving and being driven. If there's a method of measurement more accurate than a fussy, paranoid, and rather intrigued chrisgixer, then i want to meet it. If there was an out of place change, then i never felt it. Impressive, in my humble opinion.

Does not feel like the torque backs off. Quite the opposite in fact, as you expect it would to save the box, or be "smooth" in the traditional omega sense, not at all, power on all the way. Would think though, that there would have to be some mechanical sympathy programmed in, to which you refer i guess?

Well, was close with the 4l30 unit. :-) was it used in BM's then? Maybe i have it the other way round, felt sure there is a BMW link somewhere. :-)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 21:58:13
Yes, BMW used the Gm box in the 5 series (also Isuzu used it)

On an up-shift, the torque back off is very short (retarded timing or, in the case of a diesel, injection parameters changed). The down shift is slow due to the need to raise engine revs to match shaft speed on the box (about half a second).....this is something the 4L30E cant do (as it was developed before the drive by wire throttle setups became common) but, modern autos do this as standard.

The weight is a big problem for them though, in a true front wheel drive car its a major drawback (more nose heavy), in the likes of a 4 wheel drive audi its better (longtitudonal engine setup).

The ZF site with its graphics shows the operation very well


Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Ian_D on 04 November 2009, 21:58:53
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Ar25/35. Are they not related to the BMW 430L auto boxs(or what ever they are called)?  Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

To answer your question, no, no beer.....

..... sits back and waits to be blindly told the opposite by another member, and gets ready to congratulate him as a winner, and to go forward to the first heat of his chosen sport (master mind?) for the special olympicis. :-) night all.


Of course they are smooth when working, this is due to what they do with the engine. They vary the engine revs (up for a down change) and back off the torque (for an upchange).

There achilles heal is that they learn the driver (more important with a clutch based setup) so you can get rough changing when two opposing driving styles use the car after each other whilst the new driving style is learnt.

The 4L30E is NOT a BMW box, its a GM unit and the basic design goes back to the 70's (as a 3 speed) which then had an additonal section bolted in (hence the seperate small sump at the front) and a box of electronics added to bring it upto date. This does use a basic retard function to smooth gear changes.

More modern auto boxes are as smooth (if not smoother) than a DSG as they use the same engine control (which is the bit that makes the change smooth) during a shift.

Note, the VAG DSG is a Getrag unit.....not a VAG design :y


I've always wondered that! I know know!   :y

Anyway - Autos are still better  ;D ;)
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: albitz on 04 November 2009, 21:59:06
I believe BMW used to use Getrag manual boxes yeard ago,as did Vauxhall occasionally,could that be the link your thinking off Chris.
Btw,the manual getrag box was a great box and pretty strong imo.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 22:00:20
From a flexibility perspective then yes they are, torque converters are truely clever devices.

I really should scan a few pics of the internals of one in and describe how they work some time.
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 22:01:16
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I believe BMW used to use Getrag manual boxes yeard ago,as did Vauxhall occasionally,could that be the link your thinking off Chris.
Btw,the manual getrag box was a great box and pretty strong imo.

Fairly strong boxes the getrags, shifts are a bit notchy though and repair is challenging!
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Ian_D on 04 November 2009, 22:02:39
Theres a pic / info for the 4L30E here: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_Automatic_4L30E.pdf
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 04 November 2009, 22:04:34
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Theres a pic / info for the 4L30E here: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_Automatic_4L30E.pdf


More info on here ....somewhere!
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Ian_D on 04 November 2009, 22:15:36
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Theres a pic / info for the 4L30E here: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/BMW_Automatic_4L30E.pdf


More info on here ....somewhere!
I think I've seen it a few months back IIRC.

Just so happened that I had the PDF above open!

What was the model of the 5 Speed auto that was fitted to some of the late (diesel I think?) models?
Dont think they were available in the uk though? :-/
Title: Re: Driving Automatic Migs
Post by: Andy B on 04 November 2009, 23:21:12
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if DSG could be made as reliable as a manual, i would have one over a 430L family box all rather day long. If it does not impress there "Must" be something wrong. Clonkey? Nothing wrong with it? You want a broke one in that case, as all others must be, clearly.

Lol, I didn't understand a word of that......been on the beer?
Ar25/35. Are they not related to the BMW 430L auto boxs(or what ever they are called)?  Anyway, would have a DSG if reliable over an Omega box any day. To imply DSG are "Clonkey" then obviously there is something wrong with that partitlar example. Driven 3 DSG'S  now, all very smooth. Def no clonks.

To answer your question, no, no beer.....

..... sits back and waits to be blindly told the opposite by another member, and gets ready to congratulate him as a winner, and to go forward to the first heat of his chosen sport (master mind?) for the special olympicis. :-) night all.


Of course they are smooth when working, this is due to what they do with the engine. They vary the engine revs (up for a down change) and back off the torque (for an upchange).

There achilles heal is that they learn the driver (more important with a clutch based setup) so you can get rough changing when two opposing driving styles use the car after each other whilst the new driving style is learnt.

The 4L30E is NOT a BMW box, its a GM unit and the basic design goes back to the 70's (as a 3 speed) which then had an additonal section bolted in (hence the seperate small sump at the front) and a box of electronics added to bring it upto date. This does use a basic retard function to smooth gear changes.

More modern auto boxes are as smooth (if not smoother) than a DSG as they use the same engine control (which is the bit that makes the change smooth) during a shift.

Note, the VAG DSG is a Getrag unit.....not a VAG design :y


I've always wondered that! I know know!   :y

Anyway - Autos are still better  ;D ;)

That's why when the gearbox go into limp, it stops in 3rd & won't go up to 4th