The 7G transmission

[Alx]

Question is do you guys feel its necessary or not, is there a purpose for this 7 speed transmission that compensates for the six speed?

Merceds defines its 7G-Tronic as "

With its optimised shifting characteristics and low-noise operation, the 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission enhances driving pleasure and comfort significantly.7G-TRONIC is the world's first 7-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars. Its fast, smooth gear-changes which are barely perceptible, even in the higher gears, improve comfort significantly. Acceleration and pulling power are also enhanced noticeably by the integrated transmission control system which permits extremely fast, direct gear selection while keeping noise levels very low; one of the innovative characteristics of 7G-TRONIC is that it can skip several gears. A second reverse gear with a higher ratio enhances safety and comfort by making it possible to move off on ice or snow more gently. Maintenance costs are expected to be lower thanks to the optimised design.

The improved performance offered by the new unit is essentially due to the closer ratio spacing and the increased overall range (the ratio of the lowest forward gear to the highest). With 7 ratios, it is possible to move from gear to gear on the basis of small differences in engine speed. Thanks to the torque-converter lockup – which is active right from the first gear – and the significant reduction in engine speed (which is achieved in 5th, 6th, and 7th without any impact on the travelling speed) customers can look forward to improved acceleration and lower fuel consumption compared with the previous 5-speed automatic transmission. 7G-TRONIC exists in two power categories – one rated to 700 Nm for 8-cylinder engines and another rated to 400 Nm for 5 and 6-cylinder engines. It is already prepared for future shift-by-wire operation."


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[Alx]

Im not very familiar with the 7 speed transmission, so i will hold off voting till i read some view's from those in the know.

I understand that in BMW SMG is based on a 7 speed auto, but im not asking if you like SMG or not, just want to know, if you feel its needed, or is six plenty? Thanks!

[Just_me]

Like I said before I only used 7 gear one time when I drove the M6. I also tried 7th gear starting at low speed, the car doesnt even notice that you had such high gear at low speed, the car accelerated anyway.

7th gear is good when you want to save fuel and it also depends on gearing if 7 gears is needed.

I found this about the new SMG for the M5/M6.

1 gear: 71,5 km/h
2 gear: 107,4 km/h
3 gear: 157,7 km/h
4 gear: 204,6 km/h
5 gear: 245,8 km/h
6 gear: 284,8 km/h
7 gear: 341,9 km/h

[Giannis]

No, for me! I think drivers can do without it! Look at what just_me posted above:
7 gear: 341.9km/h
I can live with 284.8km/h

I think that the automobile industry doesn't need a 7G gearbox right now. What is needed now is measure against economic problems, or we WILL LOSE many beloved brands! Maybe some years later, a 7G gearbox may be considered as a must, but definitely not now!

PS. I can still drive with my 5G manual gearbox...

[Just_me]

I wonder if 7 gears is needed in a manual car or are 7 gears only needed in automatic gearboxes?

[Alx]

I dont know, Just_Me, but a valid question to those who have experience with 7 gears. Now that yo have some drivers on the M5 forum, perhaps you can get some real perspectives. Ask your question and mine out there, perhaps we can get some first hand insight!!!

You see, im not really interested in charts and theory, just pure, raw, first hand experience.


Thanks for reposting the question in the thread on M5 board, i will keep an eye on it there too...

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[Tycoon]

Unfortunately, i didn't try so far any of the SMGs, 6 or 7 spd, , but in any case i'm 100% sure that the pleasure of a 6spd manual you'll never have, even with the great 7G.

Is it really needed? Maybe for some big and heavy cars with powerfull engines (V8 and V12), but definitely not, IMO, for 5 or 6 cyl engines (!) as the article says.

[Yannis]

I don't see any purpose in having 7 gears. 6 gears are enough in the real world. On the other hand Bugatti Veyron which reaches 400+ kph probably needs 7 gears.

[Deutsch]

Originally Posted by Yannis

I don't see any purpose in having 7 gears. 6 gears are enough in the real world. On the other hand Bugatti Veyron which reaches 400+ kph probably needs 7 gears.

I agree w/ that. However, there are no complaints from my experience w/ it, pops has it in his car and I've driven a brand new C230 that uses the same tranny, creamy smooth.

[warot]

Most people are used to driving trannys with only 4 gears (your civics, explorers...) so 7 gears is not going to be a norm. For "mid class" cars, I think 6 is fine. For 50k up, then I guess you can go with 7.