transmission options ((help!!))

[NewToSmartCar]

iv noticed on the fortwo the different transmission options, softtouch? softtip?touchronic? what are the differences please also in your opinions the best transmission and worst transmission option .. and why

thankyou :thanx:

[coolfart]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

They are all basically the same!

Soft touch has the button on gearlever to allow 'fully auto' operation of gears.....soft tip doesn't!.....Either way, you're better off changing gears 'manually'

[10:45PM]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

They are all basically the same!

the transmissions are all the same, as above you can have an auto button option (softouch) which will do the shifting for you - but it's the same 'box , it's just an official software addon.

and you can also have paddleshift , gear changing on the steering wheel

That by far is the best option, both can be retrofitted

[J500ANT]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

Do you have an auto only license?

[EvaShl]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

There are two variants of the transmission exist in Smart car prodused for Europe.
The first variant is "SoftTip"
This transmission was installed on the first models of the Smart cars (I mean ForTwo only) till the 2007 year released.
Simply say, it is an automated, but manual transmission without a clutch pedal.
You need to change the gears up and down looking at your tachometr, the computer programe shows you the arrows
when it is needed for you to push to change the gear the but on the braking
the car is able to change the gear down and start from the first gear.

The second variant if "SoftTouch" it is almost the same but more developed transmission.
This transmission I think was an addition option for the old models of Smart, but I'm not sure.
This transmission is installed at the moment on all Smart cars 451 from 2007 y. released.
This transmission is still called the automated manual transmission, but it is a real robotic automatic transmission.
You have the fully automated mode of driving by pushing the button on the change gear holder.
But you still have the mode, where you can drive manually, in a "tip" mode, when system gives you notices when you must do it.

SoftTouch and SoftTip are just marketing names. The "tip" is from the original "tiptronic" designation coined by
(I think Porsche) years ago for a transmission controller that you only had to "tip" up or down to effect a shift... the same idea.
All the Soft Touch is, really is an automatic program that shifts at more sane
points for easy driving.

I heard that in the american version of Smart there is more extended or real
automatic transmission, but I'm not sure about it.

:goodlk:

[lalli_d1]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

I heard that in the american version of Smart there is more extended or real
automatic transmission, but I'm not sure about it.

nop the yanks get an auto creap function like a 'proper' auto but its still the same automated manual transmision, plus they have the conventional PRND,aswell as the tip' function

[FluffyDucky]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

Smart of America should have more faith in our cousins over the pond being able to cope with something different...

(this is an edit, the first draft was far less politically correct)

[Thrumbleux]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

Smart of America should have more faith in our cousins over the pond being able to cope with something different...

(this is an edit, the first draft was far less politically correct)

When the Yanks were first given 2sp autos with high and low, many thought the 'H' was for hills and the 'L' was for level.
Best give them what they are familiar with...

[NewToSmartCar]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

this is why i chose this forum site, you guys are great !! thankyou for the information xx

:silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri :silvertri

[NewToSmartCar]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

There are two variants of the transmission exist in Smart car prodused for Europe.
The first variant is "SoftTip"
This transmission was installed on the first models of the Smart cars (I mean ForTwo only) till the 2007 year released.
Simply say, it is an automated, but manual transmission without a clutch pedal.
You need to change the gears up and down looking at your tachometr, the computer programe shows you the arrows
when it is needed for you to push to change the gear the but on the braking
the car is able to change the gear down and start from the first gear.

The second variant if "SoftTouch" it is almost the same but more developed transmission.
This transmission I think was an addition option for the old models of Smart, but I'm not sure.
This transmission is installed at the moment on all Smart cars 451 from 2007 y. released.
This transmission is still called the automated manual transmission, but it is a real robotic automatic transmission.
You have the fully automated mode of driving by pushing the button on the change gear holder.
But you still have the mode, where you can drive manually, in a "tip" mode, when system gives you notices when you must do it.

im getting the one with the plus and minus transmission stick,fortwo pure)
do i have to change gear when the car says or do you listen to the revs like you would manual? (never drove manual) well i did 5 times but hated it

only have auto liescence

[10:45PM]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

a rev counter is a good addition to see when you need to change - otherwise listen out for it or take notice of the 'suggestion' arrows on screen

And if you forget , it'll change at the rev limiter anyway - not so good for a new engine though

[Jay]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

You can change it when you like, although the car will not let you damage the engine. If your revs go beond the limit, it will change up and likewise for down. Even though you are in "semi-automatic" it will still suggest when to change gears by an up or down arrowon the dash. Although this clearly doesn't take into account hills, over taking and such so just bare that in mind. I am not 100% sure about legality of and auto drivers licence and driving semi auto. I assume its okay due to you still not having a clutch. But i would check it up to be certain before making a purchase.

Regards,
Jay
:goodlk:

[Thrumbleux]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

You can follow the arrows indicating change points. Or ignore them! You soon get the feel for when to change up and the speed at which the engine won't pull meaning a downshift. It will still change down gears if the speed drops below an appropriate speed for that gear, but not to enable acceleration as a conventional auto would.
For changing up, the speedo can be used, eg take 2nd at 20mph, 3rd at 30mph, etc, etc.
In essence, mentally you drive it like it's a manual, physically, apart from the stick, drive it like an auto. You won't even have to lift your right foot - just tap the stick.

[J500ANT]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

only have auto liescence

I would check VERY thoroughly that you are entitled to drive a semi automatic car with your automatic licence. I have read posts on another forum of a Porsche driver being prosecuted for driving a tiptronic auto with an auto licence, as he had manual control over the vehicle, more than holding the lower gears on an old fashioned auto could.

From http://www.opsi.gov.uk/SI/si1999/19992864.htm#3

• "vehicle with automatic transmission" means a class of vehicle in which either -

(a) the driver is not provided with any means whereby he may vary the gear ratio between the engine and the road wheels independently of the accelerator and the brakes, or

(b) he is provided with such means but they do not include a clutch pedal or lever which he may operate manually,

[NewToSmartCar]

Re: transmission options ((help!!))

I would check VERY thoroughly that you are entitled to drive a semi automatic car with your automatic licence.

hi, thanks .who would i check with?

i always thought so long as your car doesnt havent a clutch your safe with an auot licence.. eek